sensor BMW X5 2004 E53 Central Body Electronics Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 2004, Model line: X5, Model: BMW X5 2004 E53Pages: 64, PDF Size: 4.03 MB
Page 1 of 64

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Subject Page
Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Power Distribution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Windshield Wiping/Washing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Optional Rain Sensor (AIC)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Central Locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Remote RF Keyless Entry  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Model Year 2000 FZV Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Car Memory / Key Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Power Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Window Anti-Trap Detection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Sunroof  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Interior Lighting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Anti-Theft (DWA) System  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Tilt Sensor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Interior Protection (UIS)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Alarm Siren  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Alarm Indication  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Seat Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Mirror Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Seat Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Steering Column Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
General Functions of ZKE III  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Diagnosis/Troubleshooting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Revised 6-96 
Page 2 of 64

INTRODUCTION
The  Central  Body  Electronics  (ZKE  III)  equipped  on  the  X5  includes  the  following  sub-
systems under the total scope of its control:
• Windshield/tailgate wiping/washing,
including windshield rain sensor (AIC).
• Interior lighting
• Central locking
• Keyless entry
•  Tailgate release
The following is an overview of new or changed features found on the X5 ZKE III variant. 
• Passenger’s  door  module  is  now  incorporated  into  the  passenger’s  door  switchblock
module.
• Sunroof module (SHD)  located on the K bus.
• The Central Locking system uses a new style door lock actuator with hall effect sensors
similar to E46.
• The  GM  III  is  responsible  for  the  Key  Memory  feature.    It  provides  the  added
convenience  of  identifying  users  of  the  vehicle.   Whenever  the  vehicle  is  locked  or
unlocked  via  the  FZV  keyless  entry  system,  a  unique  key  identification  signal  (key
number) is transmitted to the General Module.
The  key  identification  signal  alerts  the  GM  to  communicate  with  other  control  systems
over the K Bus to store (when locked) or reset (when unlocked) certain driver adjustable
settings  for  the  driver  using  the  specific  key.    The  GM  also  resets  certain  driver
adjustable settings that it controls directly.
• Power windows/Sunroof
• DWA alarm system 
• Mirror - adjustment/memory/heating
• Seat adjustment/memory
• Steering column adjustment/memory
• Consumer cut-off/sleep mode
ZKE - 2 
Page 6 of 64

WINDSHIELD WIPING/WASHING
• The GM III controls all of the windshield wiping/washer and headlight washing functions.
• Output  control  of  the  wiper  motor  is
through  the    windshield  wiper  double
contact  relay.    The  relay  is  located  in  the
engine  compartment  E-box  and  is  tan  in
color.
• The system continues to have four wiping
stages  and  four  interval  wiping  speeds.
The wiping stage inputs are coded signals
through a two wire link with a combination
of  high/low  inputs  as  on  previous
systems. 
• The Windshield Wiping System can also be supplemented with the Rain Sensor system
as  optional  equipment.      The  Rain  Sensor  detects  rain  drops  on  the  windshield  and
automatically activates the wipers when the stalk switch is in the intermittent position.
Wiper Stalk Switch:
SINGLE: Holding the wiper switch down in the single position provides a ground signal to
activate the slow speed circuit providing wiper operation until the switch is released.
INTERMITTENT: The  intermittent  wiping  time  inputs  are  provided  by  a  potentiometer
mounted in the wiper stalk switch. 
• The intermittent
wiping intervals are
dependent on the
road speed.  
• As road speed
increases, the
wiping interval
delay is decreased. 
SLOW (I) AND FAST (II): The stage I and stage II wiping speeds are also affected by road
speed.  The factory encoded settings are the same as previous systems:
• Stage I automatically switches to intermittent when the vehicle is stopped 
• Stage II switches to stage I when stopped.
ZKE - 6
WINDSHIELD WIPER
DOUBLE RELAY  
Page 9 of 64

REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER SYSTEM
The  tailgate  window  wiper/washer  system  is  included  in  the  scope  of  ZKE  however  is  not
controlled  directly  by  the  GM.      The  control  electronics  are  integrated  into  the  rear  wiper
motor  assembly.    It  contains  two  hall  sensors,  one  for  monitoring  park  position  and  other
for the end stop, or to signal reverse direction of the wiper motor.
The  rear  wiper  system  is  operator  controlled
through  the  wiper  stalk  switch  providing  the
following functions:
• Intermittent rear window wiping
• Programmed rear window wiping interval
• Operation of the rear window washer
Pressing  the  wiper  stalk  forward  to  the  first
detent  activates  the  rear  wiper  in  the
intermittent mode. 
The default timed interval is approximately 12 seconds. The full sweep and park positions
are recognized by the two hall sensors on the motor gear assembly. If the wiper is switched
OFF, the wiper blade will return to the park position.
The  programmed  wiper  interval  procedure  is  identical  to  the  E39  sport  wagon;  Briefly
switch  the  rear  wiper  ON/OFF,  Wait  the  desired  interval  time,  Switch  the  rear  wiper  ON
again.  The OFF time will be the programmed interval - up to approx. 30 seconds
Rear  window  washing  is  activated  by  pressing  the  wiper  stalk  switch  to  the  full  forward
position. The washer pump operates followed by two full wiping cycles. The wipers will then
switch to the intermittent wiping mode.
When the transmission is shifted into reverse, the wiper will switch to continuous operation
until the vehicle is shifted out of reverse. This high signal is provided by the LCM III when it
activates the back up lights.
ZKE - 9  
Page 10 of 64

OPTIONAL RAIN SENSOR (AIC)
The  Windshield  Wiping  System  will  also  be  available  with  an  optionally  equipped  Rain
Sensor.    The  Rain  Sensor  provides  added  driver  convenience  and  enhances  safety  by
automatically  activating  the  intermittent  function  of  the  windshield  wipers  when  water
droplets are detected on the windshield.
COMPONENTS:
The  rain  sensor  unit  is  mounted  on  the  top  center  area  of  the  interior  windshield  surface
directly behind the rear view mirror. The unit contains:
•Optical Prism Body:This  portion  of  the  unit  is
permanently  fixed  to  the  windshield.    It  can  not  be
removed  and  can  only  be  replaced  with  a
replacement windshield.  
The  prism  body  has  a  reflective  surface  that  faces
the  back  of  the  windshield.    The  prism  body  also
acts  as  the  windshield  mount  for  the  Rain  Sensor
Control Module.
•Rain Sensor Control Module:The control module incorporates the following;
- Infra Red Emitter and Detector Diodes
- Optics heater (prevents condensation from forming on diodes and prism)
- Optics evaluation and control electronics
- Photo cell to detect night time driving 
The control module requires four signals for operation; KL R, KL 31, Windshield Wiper
Motor Park Signal Feedback and K Bus interface.
ZKE - 10
GM III  
Page 11 of 64

THEORY OF OPERATION:
The  optical  infra  red  portion  of  the  sensor  operates  by  the  principle  of  refraction  (bending
of  a  light  ray).    The  rain  sensor  control  module  activates  the  emitter  diode  which  sends  a
beam  of  infra  red  light  through  the  windshield  on  an  angle.  The  set  angle  is  important
because it provides the beam with a calculated reflective path back to the detector diode.
The  beam  is  reflected  back  into  the  windshield  due  to  the  density  difference  of  the  glass
compared with the ambient air on the outside surface of the glass.  When the windshield is
clean (no rain drops, moisture or dirt) the detector diode receives 100% of the infra red light
that the was sent by the emitter.   With this condition, the rain sensor evaluation electronics
determines the windshield is free of rain drops. 
The density of water is closer to that of glass than air.   When rain starts to accumulate in
the sensor monitoring area, it causes part of the infra red beam to extend past the outside
surface of the glass and into the rain drop.   When this occurs, the beam is refracted and
only part of the beam returns to the detector diode.
The  rain  sensor  evaluation
electronics  determines  the
windshield  has  a  few  rain  drops
(or dirt) on it.  
The  intensity  of  the  returned  infra  red  beam  diminishes  proportionally  with  an  increase  of
water  droplets.    The  rain  sensor  control  module  generates  a  signal  proportionate  to  the
amount of rain on the windshield and broadcasts it to the GM III via the K bus.
The GM III activates the intermittent wipe cycle if the windshield wiper stalk switch is in the
intermittent  position.    It  also  adjusts  the  frequency  of  wiping  the  windshield  depending  on
the four position thumb wheel.
ZKE - 11 
Page 12 of 64

ZKE - 12
RAIN SENSOR FUNCTION:
The rain sensor is online as soon as it receives KL R operating power. 
• When  the  windshield  wiper  stalk  switch  is  placed  in  the  intermittent  position  the  GM
signals  the  rain  sensor  control  module  via  the  K  Bus  of  the  request  for  intermittent
wiping and the position of the knurled wheel (sensitivity).  
• As  an  acknowledgement,  the  rain  sensor  sends  a  command  via  the  K  Bus  to  activate
the  wiper  motor.    If  more  than  12  seconds  pass  before  the  GM  receives  the
acknowledgement,  the  GM  concludes  the  rain  sensor  has  a  defect  and  operates  the
intermittent  wipe  function  as  a  system  not  equipped  with  a  rain  sensor.    The  wiper
intermittent cycling is based solely on the knurled wheel setting.
• The rain sensor continuously monitors the windshield for rain accumulation and signals
the GM to activate the wipers based on the knurled wheel position and how fast the rain
accumulates on the windshield.   
• The  knurled  wheel  position  signal  (1-4)  via  the  K  bus  informs  the  rain  sensor  of  the
selected level of sensitivity.  
- Position 1 (least sensitive) delays the wiper activation signal.
- Position 4 (most sensitive) sends the wiper activation signal to the GM sooner.
• When the wiper motor park contacts signal the GM of the wiper arm position, the signal
is simultaneously sent to the rain sensor as an indication that the windshield has been
cleared  of  water  drops  and  causes  the  rain  sensor  to  reset  the  sensitivity  delay  timer
back to 0.
• If night time driving is detected via the integral photocell, the sensitivity to water droplets
is increased causing a shorter delay than day time driving.
• Depending on the intensity of the rain the wipers will be operated continuously as if set
in  the  normal  wiper  stalk  switch  position  regardless  of  the  knurled  wheel  setting.   For
this reason, the vehicle speed signal on the K bus is not utilized on rain sensor equipped
wiper systems.
• If the ignition switch is turned off with the wiper switch in the intermittent position,  the
rain sensor will only become active after the ignition is switched back on and one of the
following occurs:
- The stalk switch is moved from the intermittent position and then back.
- The knurled wheel setting is adjusted.
- or the wash function is activated.
The  reasoning  behind  this  switching  strategy  is  to  have  the  driver  make  a  conscious
decision to activate the system themselves.   
Page 13 of 64

ZKE-13
RAIN SENSOR CONTROL MODULE ADAPTATION
The rain sensor control module adapts to the optics system environment as follows:
Windshield Aging:As the vehicle ages the possibility of stone chipping in the rain sensors
monitoring area may occur which will cause a loss of light in the optics system.  
The control module adapts for loss of light based on the intensity of the detected infra red
light  with  a  cleared  windshield  (wiper  motor  park  signal).    Therefore,  the  rain  sensors
function is not adversely affected due to windshield aging.
Dirty Windows:The rain sensor adaptation reacts less sensitively to a dirty windshield (dirt,
road salt, wax residue) after a completed wipe cycle.   A dirty windshield has a film on it that
diminishes  the  ability  of  the  infra  red  to  refract  into  present  water  droplets.    This  causes  a
delay  in  the  rain  sensor  detection  capabilities  which  lengthens  the  time  intervals  on  an
intermittent wipe.
SERVICE NOTE FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE RAIN SENSOR: 
Make sure the wiper blades are in perfect condition.  Only use window cleaner to clean the
windows. Dirty windows can cause the Rain Sensor control module to set a fault
due to the end limits of its adaptation abilities.   
WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM FAILSAFE OPERATION
The GM provides failsafe operation of the wiper system if faults are detected with any of the
following input signals:
WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The  GM  monitors  the  circuits  of  the  wiper  potentiometer,  wiper  motor,  double  relay,  the
windshield washer pump and terminal 30.  
FUNCTION FAULTED INPUT DETECTED FAILSAFE FUNCTION
Intermittent wipe Short or open circuit of Delay value for setting 3 
the knurled wheel signal used.
Intermittent wipe Faulted Rain Sensor or K Bus Normal intermittent wipe 
with Rain Sensor Signal corrupt implemented
Wiper motor not Park contact feedback signal  Wiper motor control
functional moving takes longer than 16 seconds deactivated for 3 minutes 
Page 16 of 64

DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS
The  actuators  are  sealed,  self  contained  units  with  no
replaceable parts.  The door lock actuators use hall effect
sensors to provide:
• Door lock key position (driver’s door only),
• Door open/closed status.
The driver’s door lock provides the following signals to
the driver’s door switchblock module (PM-FT/SB):
• Lock / Unlock,
• DWA arm/disarm 
• Convenience closing and opening signals.
DOOR LOCK POSITION HALL
SENSORS
The  Drivers  door  switchblock
module monitors these key positions
over  two  wires.    The  signals  are
generated by two hall effect sensors
(Hall  Sensor  1  &  2)  located  in  the
actuator. 
When  the  key  is  turned,  a  plastic
cylinder  in  the  lock  actuator  is
simultaneously  rotated  by  the  lock
tumbler extension rod.  
A  magnet  is  incorporated  in  the
plastic  cylinder,  which  when  rotated
changes  the  magnetic  influence  on
the hall sensors.
The  presence  of  a  magnet  in  close
proximity  to  the  sensing  surface  of
either  hall  sensor  creates  a  coded
input over the two wires that the GM
uses to determine the key position.
• Magnet in front of sensor, current flow through the sensor is <5 mA (0). 
• Magnet rotated away from sensor, current flow through the sensor is >12 mA (1).
Hall sensor 1 & 2 are not included in the front passenger door or rear door actuators.
ZKE - 16
NEUTRAL
- 0 -
MANUAL
LOCK
HALL SENSOR 1
MANUAL
UNLOCK
• DOUBLE LOCK
 DWA ARMED
 CONVENIENCE
CLOSING (hold
until activated). UNLOCK
 DWA DISARMED
 CONVENIENCE
OPENING (hold
until activated).
HALL
SENSOR 2
TUMBLER
EXTENSION ROD
PLASTIC CYLINDER WITH ASYMMETRICAL MAGNET
(Shown in the Lock Position)    
Page 17 of 64

DOOR CONTACT HALL SENSOR
Also included in the driver’s door actuator is a third hall effect sensor.  This sensor signals
the door open/closed status to the driver’s door switch block module and to the GM via the
P-bus.  
The  rotary  latch  plate  position
activates  the  door  contact  hall
sensor.
• When  the  door  latch  is  closed,
current flow through the sensor
is <5 mA (0).
• When the door is open, current
flow  through  the  sensor  is  >12
mA (1). 
The passenger side front door and
both  rear  door  lock  actuators  only
include  this  hall  effect  sensor  (hall
sensor  3).    Hall  sensors  1  &  2  are
not required. 
ZKE - 17
PM-FT/SB