BMW X5 2002 E53 M54 Engine Owner's Guide
Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2002, Model line: X5, Model: BMW X5 2002 E53Pages: 48, PDF Size: 2.52 MB
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/20000
MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR HFM
The Siemens mass air flow sensor is functionally the same as in the past. The  designation
2 Type B simply indicates that it is smaller in design. The mass air meter has a diameter of
85 mm.  
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/2000
MS 43 CARRY OVER FUNCTIONS
OUTPUT FUNCTIONS -VANOS CONTROL
With  the    double  VANOS  system,  the  valve  timing  is  changed  on  both  the  intake  and  the
exhaust camshafts.
Double VANOS provides the following benefits:
•  Torque  increase  in  the  low  to  mid  (1500  -  2000  RPM)  range  without  power  loss  in  the
upper RPM range.
•  Less  incomplete  combustion  when  idling  due  to  less  camshaft  overlap  (also  improves
idle speed characteristics).
•  Internal  exhaust  gas  recirculation  (EGR)  in  the  part  load  range  (reduces  NOx  and  post-
combustion of residual gasses in the exhaust)
•  Rapid catalyst warm up and lower “raw” emissions after cold start.
•  Reduction in fuel consumption
Double VANOS consists of the following parts:
•  Intake and exhaust camshafts with helical gear insert
•  Sprockets with adjustable gears
•  VANOS actuators for each camshaft
•  2 three-way solenoid switching valves
•  2 impulse wheels for detecting camshaft position
•  2 camshaft position sensors (Hall effect)
The “initial” timing is set by gear positioning (refer to the Repair Instructions for details) and
the  chain  tensioner.    As  with  the  previous  VANOS,  the  hydraulically  controlled  actuators
move the helical geared cups to regulate camshaft timing.  The angled teeth of the helical
gears  cause  the pushing
movement    of  the  helical  cup    to  be  converted  into  a  rotational
movement.  This rotational movement is added to the turning of the camshafts and cause
the camshafts to “advance” or “retard”.  The adjustment rate is dependent oil temperature,
oil pressure, and engine RPM. 
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/20000
NOTE:  With extremely hot oil temperatures Vanos is deactivated (Power loss).  If the oil is
too thick  (wrong viscosity) a fault could be set.
When the engine is started, the camshafts are in the “failsafe” position (deactivated).  The
intake camshaft is in the RETARDED position - held by oil pressure from the sprung open
solenoid.  The exhaust camshaft is in the ADVANCED position - held by a preload spring in
the actuator and oil pressure from the sprung open solenoid.
After  50  RPM  (2-5  seconds)  from  engine  start,  the  ECM  is  monitoring  the  exact  camshaft
position.
The  ECM  positions  the  camshafts  based  on  engine  RPM  and  the  throttle  position  signal.
From that point the camshaft timing will be varied based on intake air and coolant temper-
atures.
The double VANOS system is “fully variable”.  When the ECM detects the camshafts are in
the optimum positions, the solenoids are modulated (approximately 100-220 Hz) maintain-
ing oil pressure on both sides of the actuators to hold the camshaft timing.
CAUTION:
The VANOS MUST
be removed and installed exactly as described in the Repair
Instructions!
NOTE:  If the VANOS camshaft system goes to the failsafe mode (deactivated) there will be
a noticeable loss of power.  This will be like driving with retarded ignition or starting from a
stop in third gear.
KL 15 KL 15
MS42.0
SOLENOID
OIL TEMP.
SENSOR TWO POSITION PISTON HOUSING
WITH INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HELICAL GEAR CUP TWO POSITION PISTON
HOUSING WITH
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HELICAL GEAR CUP
ENGINE
OIL SUPPLY VENT VENT
SOLENOID
SENSOR SENSOR
MS42
ECMEXHAUST
INTAKE
MS42.0
ECM
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
MS 43.0 
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EXHAUST:Advanced
piston moved in
INTAKE:Retard piston
moved out
EXHAUST:Advanced
piston moved out
INTAKE:Retard piston
moved in
DEACTIVATED
KL 15 KL 15
MS42.0
SOLENOID
OIL TEMP. 
SENSOR TWO POSITION PISTON HOUSING 
WITH INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 
HELICAL GEAR CUP TWO POSITION PISTON 
HOUSING WITH 
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 
HELICAL GEAR CUP
ENGINE 
OIL SUPPLY VENT VENT
SOLENOID
SENSOR SENSOR
MS42 
ECMEXHAUST
INTAKE
MS42.0 
ECM
ACTIVATED
KL 15 KL 15
MS42.0
SOLENOID
OIL TEMP. 
SENSOR TWO POSITION PISTON HOUSING 
WITH INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 
HELICAL GEAR CUP TWO POSITION PISTON 
HOUSING WITH 
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 
HELICAL GEAR CUP
ENGINE 
OIL SUPPLY VENT VENT
SOLENOID
SENSOR SENSOR
MS42 
ECMEXHAUST
INTAKE
MS42.0 
ECM
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
 
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
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M54 engMS43/STO36/6/2000 
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/20000
The  dual  VANOS  in  conjunction  with  the  variable  intake  manifold  provides  an  additional
emission control feature.  
Because  of  the  improved  combustion,  the  camshaft  timing  is  adjusted  for  more  overlap.
The  increased  overlap  supports  internal  exhaust  gas  recirculation  (EGR)  which  reduces
tailpipe emissions and lowers fuel consumption.
During the part load engine range, the intake camshaft overlap opens the intake valve.  This
allows limited exhaust gas reflow the intake manifold.
The “internal” EGR reduces the cylinder temperature thus lowering NOx.  This feature  pro-
vides EGR without the external hardware as seen on previous systems.
INLET
TURBULENCE
IDLE AIR 
CONTROL VALVEMDK
INT. EGR
CATALYST
CLOSE  TO
ENGINESECONDARY
AIR
INJECTION
(AIR FILTER)OUTLET-VANOS
(228/80-105)INLET-VANOS
(228/80-120) 
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/2000
ELECTRIC FAN
The electric cooling fan is now controlled by the ECM. The ECM uses a remote power out-
put final stage (mounted on the fan housing)
The  power  output  stage  receives  power  from  a  50  amp  fuse  (located  in  glove  box  above
the fuse bracket). The electric fan is controlled by a pulse width modulated signal from the
ECM. 
The  fan  is  activated  based  on  the  ECM  calcula-
tion (sensing ratio) of:
• Coolant outlet temperature
• Calculated (by the ECM) catalyst temperature
• Vehicle speed
• Battery voltage
• Air Conditioning pressure (calculated by IHKA
and sent via the K-Bus to the ECM)
NOTE: If the ECM indicates a fault check the fan for freedom of movement
After  the  initial  test  has  been  performed,  the  fan  is  brought  up  to  the  specified  operating
speed. At 10% (sensing ratio) the fan runs at 1/3 speed. At a sensing ratio of between 90-
95% the fan is running at maximum speed. Below 10% or above 95% the fan is stationary.
The  sensing  ratio  is  suppressed  by  a  hysteresis  function,  this  prevents  speed  fluctuation.
When the A/C is switched on, the electric fan is not immediately activated.
After the engine is switched off, the fan may continue to operate at varying speeds (based
on  the  ECM  calculated  catalyst  temperature).  This  will  cool  the  radiator  down  from  a  heat
surge (up to 10 minutes).
OUTPUT STAGE
MS42.0
POWER
MS 43.0 
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/20000
SECONDARY AIR INJECTION
This ECM controlled function remains unchanged from
the  previous  Siemens  MS  system,  however  there  is  a
hardware change.
The Air Injection Inlet Valve mounts directly to the cylin-
der  head,  with  a  passageway  machined  through  the
head. This eliminates the external Air Injection manifold
distribution pipes to the exhaust manifolds.  
SECONDARY AIR INJECTION MONITORING
In  order  to  reduce  HC  and  CO  emissions  while  the  engine  is  warming  up,  BMW  imple-
mented the use of a Secondary Air Injection System in.  Immediately following a cold engine
start (-10 - 40°C) fresh air/oxygen is injected directly into the exhaust manifold.  By inject-
ing oxygen into the exhaust manifold:
• The warm up time of the catalyst is reduced
• Oxidation of the hydrocarbons is accelerated
The  activation  period  of  the  air  pump  can  vary  depending  on  engine  type  and  operating
conditions.
Conditions for Secondary Air Pump Activation:
*NOTE:  Below  -10°C  the  air  injection  pump  is  activated  only  as  a  preventive  measure  to
blow out any accumulated water vapor that could freeze in the system.
REQUIREMENTS STATUS/CONDITION
M52 & M44STATUS/CONDITION
M73
Oxygen sensor Open Loop Open Loop
Oxygen sensor heating Active Active
Engine coolant temperature -10 to 40ºC* -10 to 40ºC* Stage
Engine bad Predefined Range Predefined Range
Engine speed Predefined Range Predefined Range
Fault Codes No Secondary Air Faults
“currently present”
No Secondary Air Faults
“currently present”
MS 43.0  
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/2000
The Secondary Air Injection System is monitored via the use of the pre-catalyst oxygen sen-
sor(s).  Once the air pump is active and is air injected into the system the signal at the oxy-
gen sensor will reflect a lean condition.  If the oxygen sensor signal does not change with-
in a predefined time a fault will be set and identify the faulty bank(s).  If after completing the
next cold start and a fault is again present the "Service Engine Soon" light will be illuminat-
ed.  
Example: Secondary Air Injection Monitoring (M54-Siemens System)
During a cold start condition air is immediately injected into the exhaust manifold and since
the oxygen sensors are in open loop at this time the voltage at the pre catalyst sensor will
reflect a lean condition) and will remain at this level while the air pump is in operation.  Once
the  pump  is  deactivated  the  voltage  will  change  to  a  rich  condition  until  the  system  goes
into closed loop operation.
M54 System Operation:
The  pump  draws  air  through  its  own  air  filter  and  delivers  it  to  both  exhaust  manifolds
through a non-return (shutoff valve).  The non-return valve is used to:
1. Control air injection into the exhaust manifold -  A vacuum controlled valve will open the
passageway for air to be injected once a vacuum is applied.  
2. Prevent possible backfires from traveling up the pipes and damaging the air pump when
no vacuum is applied.
The  control  module  activates  the  vacuum  vent  valve  whenever  the  air  pump  is  energized.
Once the vacuum vent valve is energized a vacuum is applied to the non-return valve which
allows air to be injected into the exhaust manifold.  A vacuum is retained in the lines, by the
use of a check valve, in order to allow the non-return valve to be immediately activated on
cold  engine  start  up.   When  the  vacuum/vent  valve  is  not  energized,  the  vacuum  to  the
non-return valve is removed and is vented to atmosphere.  
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/20000
ENGINE/VEHICLE SPEED 
LIMITATION
For engine/vehicle speed limitation, the ECM will deactivate injection for individual cylinders,
allowing  a  smoother  limitation  transition.  This  prevents  over-rev  when  the  engine  reaches
maximum RPM (under acceleration), and limits top vehicle speed (approx. 128 mph).
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MS 43.0DSC 
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/2000
RZV IGNITION SYSTEM
The Siemens MS43.0 system uses a multiple spark ignition function. The purpose of mul-
tiple ignition is:
•   Provide clean burning during engine start up and while idling (reducing emissions).
•  This function helps to keep the spark plugs clean for longer service life (new BMW        
longlife plugs).
Multiple  ignition  is  active  up  to  an  engine  speed  of  approximately  1350  RPM  (varied  with
engine temperature) and up to 20 degrees after TDC.
Multiple ignition is dependent on battery voltage. When the voltage is low, the primary cur-
rent is also lower and a longer period of time is required to build up the magnetic field in the
coil(s).
• Low battery voltage = less multiple ignitions
• High battery voltage = more multiple ignitions
The 240 ohm shunt resistor is still used on the MS43.0 system for detecting secondary igni-
tion faults and diagnostic purposes. 
MS 43.0