BMW 530I 2002 E39 Central Body Electronics ZKE Manual
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
System Components:   Inputs - Processing - Outputs
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Driver’s Seat (E38/E39)
Principle of Operation
Each motor for seat adjustment contains a micro-processor (called a Ripple Counter) that
receives a digital signal from the seat control module for motor activation. The motors are
connected to KL 30 and KL 31 and respond to the signals generated by the seat module
when seat movement is requested. The seat adjustment switch provides  ground input sig-
nals to the module when seat movement is desired. The module processes these input sig-
nals  and  sends  output  signals  to  the  seat  motor  processors.  The  seat  motor  processors
activate the motors and the seat moves to the desired point.
The  circuitry  of  the  Ripple  Counter  detects  the  motor  activation  current.  As  the  armature
segments of the motor rotate passed the brushes, the current flow rises and falls produc-
ing a ripple effect. The peaks of these ripples are counted and stored in the Ripple Counter
module.  The  memory  function  of  the  seat  module  uses  this  ripple  count  instead  of  feed-
back potentiometers to memorize and recall seat positions.
Ripple  Count  Recognition:
When the seat is installed and the
battery  is  connected,  the  ripple
counter uses the initial position of
the motors as the “Zero Position”. 
Any  movement  from  this  point  is
counted  as  “+”  or  “-”  pulses    as
the  motors  move  in  either  direc-
tion. 
The pulse position of the motors is stored in the seat module, in an EEPROM (of the PM-
SM), before the ZKE goes into its “Sleep Mode”.
This prevents the position recognition from being lost. If the battery is disconnected before
the  16  minute  sleep  mode  activation,  the  memory  positions  of  the  seat  will  be  lost  and
reprogramming will be required. 
Diagnosis: The PM-SM communicates with the DISplus or MoDiC. The PM-SM monitors
the seat motors and circuits as well as it's internal operation. Any detected faults are stored
in the PM-SM fault memory and are called up when diagnosing the system with the Fault
Symptom  diagnostic  plan.  The  PM-SM  also  provides  status  display  to  the  DISplus  of  the
input and output control signals as well as component activation.
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Passenger’s Seat (without memory)
Principle of Operation
The passenger seat control switch is purely a mechanical switching module that activates
the passenger seat motors without position monitoring capabilities. Due to the limited op- 
eration requirements, the passenger seat control switch is not equipped with on board
diagnostics.
The  Passenger  Seat  control  switch  is  equipped  with  an  overload  protection  function.  If
excessive amperage is drawn due to a defective motor or  a switch is stuck driving  a motor
to the end limit, the function activates opening the motor control circuit.
Passenger Seat Motors: Each motor is individually controlled by the Seat Control Switch.  
Each position motor is connected to the seat position switch by a two wire circuit provid-
ing motor activation in both directions (no position recognition).
Passenger Seat Adjustment: Operation of the passenger seat is always possible regard-
less of the ignition key position. Moving a position switch operates a the motor control con-
tacts  directly,  the  switch  applies  voltage  and  ground  path  directly  to  operate  the  motor.
Reversing  the  switch  simply  changes  the  motor  polarity.  More  than  one  passenger  seat
motor can be run simultaneously.
Optional Seat Back Lumbar Support
The optional air bladder lumbar support system is similar in all
vehicles  (if  equipped).  Each  seat  contains  the  following  com-
ponents:
• Four position circular rocker switch in the seat base trim in  
the area of the seat switches.
• Electrically controlled air compressor with over pressure cut 
out under each seat.
• Two  solenoid  activated  air  controlling  valve  blocks  (one  per
air bladder). Each valve block includes an inlet and an outlet
valve.  When  energized  they  direct  air  into  the  bladder(s)  to
inflate or relieve trapped air to deflate the bladders.
• Connecting hoses and air bladders in lower seat back.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III 
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Principle of Operation
The  lumbar  support  system  can  be  operated  at  any  time  regardless  of  key  position.  The
four position circular rocker switch provides power switching to operate the system as fol-
lows:
• Position 1: The internal switch contacts provide a power and ground path for both valve
block  inlet  valves  and  the  air  compressor.  Both  bladders  inflate  until  the  switch  is
released.  If  the  switch  is  held  continuously,  an  overpressure  bypass  valve  opens  on  the
compressor preventing damage to the bladders.
• Position 2: Compressor activated, upper bladder inflates, lower bladder deflates.
• Position 3: Compressor activated, lower bladder inflates, upper bladder deflates.
• Position 4: Compressor is not activated. Upper and Lower bladders both deflate.
This function is not stored in memory for recall.
Diagnosis
The seat lumbar support system is  purely electro-pneumatic control system. No electron-
ic diagnostic communication is possible.
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Comfort Seats (standard on E38 750iL, other models if equipped)
This  option  provides  additional  back  support  in  the
shoulder  area.  An  additional  adjustment  in  the  upper
backrest  allows  forward  “contour”  that  is  controlled  by
a rocker switch in the side panel.
When the ignition is on or off, the two way rocker switch
can be pushed until the desired setting is achieved (for-
ward/backward tilt). The motor drive operates the same
as the seat motors.
The  shoulder  support  adjustment  is  also  stored  in
memory for recall.    
Active Seat (E38 - if equipped)
Purpose of the System
Actively changing the surface of the seat helps to prevent muscle tension and fatigue par-
ticularly  on  long  trips  or  sitting  in  one  position  for  a  long  period  of  time.  The  seat  causes
weight  transfers  which  are  slight  and  imperceptible  enhancing  driving  comfort.  The  basic
seating position is not changed by this.
In the seat’s upholstery beneath the surface of the seat is a cushion of fluid on the left and
right. The fluid is slowly circulated back and forth between the cushions by a pump. 
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III 
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Principle of Operation
To  activate  this  feature,  the  ignition  must  be  in
the KL R or KL 15 and press the switch located
in the Center Console Switch Center (driver and/
or passenger front seat). 
The  switch  provides  a  ground  to  the  control
module and an LED in the switch will illuminate.
If  there  is  a  fault  in  the  system  the  LED will  not
illuminate. 
The control module, fluid bladders (2 and 3) and
pump  (1)  is  contained  in  each  seat.  The  pump
contains  a  Hall  sensor  to  monitor  the  number
motor  revolutions  and  two  pressure  sensors  to
monitor  each  bladder  for  vacuum  (indicating
empty).
The  fluid  bladders  (2  per  seat)  contain  water-
glysantin  mixture  and  are  connected  to  the  fluid
pump. The fluid bladders are equal in volume at
rest  (15  mm.  high)  and  will  raise  from  0  up  30
mm. when filled alternately from left to right.  
Note: The pump unit and fluid bladders are replaced as a unit. 
The  control  modules  (one  per  seat)  are  connected  to  the  P-Bus.  The  driver’s  side  control
module contains an acceleration sensor that monitors transverse acceleration of the vehi-
cle. Active Seat operation is temporarily interrupted during high acceleration.
Rear Power Seat (E38 750iL)
The rear seats in the 750iL provide electric adjustments for:
1. Backrest Angle - Control switch powers the motor.
2. Headrest Height - Control module behind each upper seat.
3. Lumbar Support
The headrest automatically extends when a passenger fastens
the  safety  belt  and  will  automatically  retract  when  the  safety
belt is released. The power rear seat is a purely electric control
system. No electronic diagnostic communication is possible.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
Seat Heating Operation (from 99 MY)
Principle of Operation
The front seat heaters are adjustable through three ranges of
heating output temperature.
Pressing the respective seat heater button once provides
stage 1:
• All three LEDs illuminate and the heating elements are provided regulated output current 
producing a seat temperature of 111
OF.
Pressing the button a second time provides stage 2:
• The top LED switches off and the heating elements are regulated to an output tempera-  
ture of 102
OF.
Pressing the button a third time provides stage 3.
• The top and middle LEDs are off and the heating elements are regulated to an output tem- 
perature of 95
OF.
The  SZM  monitors  the  seat  heating  element  temperature  via  an  NTC  feedback  signal  to
regulate the output current which maintains the seat temperature.
Seat heating is switched off by pressing the button a fourth time,
pressing and holding the
button for more than 1 second or when the ignition is switched off.
System Components
Carbon  Fiber  Heating  Pads:In  each  seat  is  a  two
section  heating  pad  wired  in  parallel.  The  heating  pads
are  resistors  which  when  powered  produce  radiant
heat.
The seat base heating element also contains a temper-
ature  sensor  for  feedback  to  provide  the  temperature
regulation output control.  
KL31
KL15
TEMPERATURE
SENSOR
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
Center  Console  Switch  Center  (SZM): From  1999  MY  E38,  E39  and  E53  vehicles  are
equipped  with  a  SZM  to  control  the  front  seat  heating  and  provide  a  diagnostic  interface
with the DISplus/MoDiC via the K BUS. 
The SZM directly controls:
• Front Seat Heating
• Rear Window Roller Blind
SZM  also  provides  a  unitized  switching  center
for:
• Park Distance Control (PDC)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III)
• Electronic Damper Control (EDC). 
The switch signal output for these systems is a direct output signal. All diagnosis functions
are carried out through their respective control systems.
SZM Monitoring of Seat Heating 
Battery Voltage:The SZM switches current supply to the heating elements off when bat-
tery  voltage  drops  below  11.4  volts.  However,  the  heating  stage  LEDs  remain  on.
Regulated  output  current  resumes  when  battery  voltage  raises  above  12.2  volts  for  more
than 5 seconds.
SZM Internal Temperature: The power output stages for the seat heating elements gen-
erate a considerable amount of heat when in stage 1 operation. The SZM monitors it’s own
internal temperatures and reduces the heating output when internal temperatures rise to a
temperature  of  185
OF  or  switches  it  off  completely  above  203OF.  As  with  battery  voltage
monitoring, the heating stage LEDs remain on when these temperatures are exceeded.
Fault Monitoring:The SZM monitors the temperature sensors and heating mats for faults.
Detected faults are stored in the SZM. Fault Symptom Troubleshooting in conjunction with
stored faults will initiate the diagnostic paths using the DISplus/MoDiC. The following faults
can be recognized:   
• Shorts or opens in the wiring circuits.
• Shorts or opens in the temperature sensors.
• Open in heating element.  
If a short is detected in the temperature sensor, the seat heating is switched off to prevent
overheating. The Stage LEDs are also switched off with this fault present. 
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Rear Window Roller Sunblind Operation
The roller sunblind is activated by momentarily pressing and releasing (one touch) the sun-
blind rocker switch in the SZM. The SZM activates the motor in the appropriate direction.
The SZM switches the motor off when the motor amperage increases indicating the blind
has reached the end of its intended travel.
Fault Monitoring: The SZM continually monitors the motor drive amperage loads to deter-
mine jamming or blockages. If current values exceed preset values, the motor is switched
off immediately.
Faults are stored in the SZM for opens or shorts in the motor or motor’s wiring circuit. The
SZM also provides diagnostic requests to monitor the switch input status via the DISplus/
MoDiC.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
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System Components:   Inputs - Processing - Outputs 
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Steering Column
Principle of Operation
The electrically adjustable steering column used in the various
models (if equipped) is similar in components, mechanical link-
ages and electrical operation. 
The  steering  column  adjusting  switch  is  mounted  on  the  left
side of the steering column and provides for four directions of
column  movement.  The  steering  column  switch  inputs  are
processed by the seat module.
Motor Drives:
Forward/Back (Telescope)
A  flexible  drive  shaft  operates  a
screw  drive  which  causes  a  for-
ward/back movement of the stee-
ring column.
Up/Down
A flexible drive shaft moves an off-
center  lever  causing  up/down
steering movement.
The motors for tilt and length also employ ripple
counter modules for motor control and memory
recall. 
The  control  electronics  for  the  steering  column
are integrated into the seat module. 
The  output  signals  are  sent  from  the  seat  mod-
ule  to  the  steering  column  ripple  counter  mod-
ules for motor activation.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III