600-2
ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM-GENERAL
CAUTION
-
"
Always
turn
off
the
engine
and
disconnect
the
negative
()
cable
from
the
batterybefore
remov-
ing
any
electrical
components
.
Disconnecting
the
battery
may
erase
fault
code(s)
stored
in
control
module
memory
.
Check
for
fault
codes
using
spe-
cial
BMW
diagnostic
equipment
.
"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpage
viii
.
"
Connect
and
disconnect
ignition
system
wires,
multiple
connectors,
and
ignition
test
equipment
leads
only
while
the
ignition
is
off
.
"
Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
with
engine
run-
ning
.
"
Do
not
quick-charge
the
battery
(for
boost
start-
ing)
for
longer
than
one
minute,
and
do
not
ex-
ceed
16
.5
volts
at
the
battery
with
the
boosting
cables
attached
.
Wait
at
feast
one
minute
before
boosting
the
battery
a
second
time
.
"
Do
not
usea
test
famp
that
has
a
normal
incan-
descent
bulb
to
test
circuits
contafning
electronic
components
.
The
high
electrical
consumptionof
these
test
lamps
may
damage
the
components
.
"
Do
not
use
an
analog
meter
.
Use
onfy
a
digital
multimeter
.
"
Many
of
the
solid-state
modules
are
static
sensi-
tive
.
Static
discharge
will
permanently
damage
them
.
Always
handle
the
modules
using
proper
static
prevention
equipment
and
techniques
.
"
To
avoid
damaging
harness
connectors
or
relay
panel
sockets,
use
jumper
wires
with
flat-blade
connectors
that
are
the
same
size
as
the
connec-
tor
or
relay
terminals
.
"
Always
switch
a
digital
multimeter
to
the
appropri-
ate
function
and
range
before
making
test
con-
nections
.
"
Do
not
tryto
start
the
engine
of
a
carwhich
has
been
heated
above176°F
(80°C),
(for
example,
in
a
paint
dryingbooth)
.
Allow
it
to
cool
to
normal
temperature
.
"
Disconnect
the
battery
before
dolng
any
electric
welding
on
the
car
.
"
Do
not
wash
the
engine
while
it
is
runnfng,
or
any-
time
the
ignition
is
switched
on
.
WIRING
DIAGRAMS
Electrical
Test
Equipment
Many
of
the
electrical
tests
described
in
this
manual
call
for
measuring
voltage,
currentorresistanceusing
a
digital
multi-
meter
(DMM)
.
Digital
meters
are
preferred
for
precise
mea-
surements
and
for
electronics
work
because
they
are
generally
more
accuratethan
analog
meters
.
The
numerical
display
is
alsoless
likely
to
be
misread,
since
there
is
no
nee-
dle
position
to
be
misinterpreted
by
reading
at
an
angle
.
An
LED
test
light
is
a
safe,
inexpensive
tool
that
can
be
used
to
perform
many
simple
electrical
tests
that
would
otherwise
require
a
digital
multimeter
.
The
LED
indicates
when
voltage
is
present
between
anytwo
test-points
in
a
circuit
.
CA
UTION-
"
Choose
test
equipment
carefully
.
Use
a
digital
multimeter
with
at
leadt
10
megaohm
input
im-
pedance,or
an
LED
test
light
.
An
analog
meter
(swing-need1e)
ora
test
light
with
a
normal
incan-
descent
bulb
may
draw
enough
current
to
dam-
age
sensitive
electronic
components
.
"
An
ohmmeter
must
not
beused
to
measure
resis-
tance
on
solidstate
components
suchas
controlunits
or
time
delay
relays
.
"
Always
disconnect
the
battery
before
making
re-
sístance
(ohm)
measurements
on
the
circuit
.
WIRING
DIAGRAMS
The
wiring
diagrams
shown
in
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams
have
been
specially
designed
to
enable
quick
and
efficientdi-
agnosis
and
troubleshooting
of
electrical
malfunctions
.
Wiring
Codes
and
Abbreviations
A
lot
of
information
is
included
in
each
wiring
diagram
if
you
know
how
to
read
them
.
Wire
colors
in
the
diagrams
are
ab-
breviated
.
Combined
color
codes
indicate
a
multi-colored
wire
.
For
example
the
code
BLU/RED
indicates
a
Blue
wire
with
a
Red
stripe
.
Many
electrical
components,
connectors,
fuses,
and
ground
locations
are
identified
using
a
unique
number
.
Each
of
there
numbers
corresponds
to
a
particular
part
in
the
circuit
commonly
found
in
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams
.
1
.
Heater
valves
2
.
ABS
pedal
travel
sensor3
.
ABS
pump
Fig
.
10
.
Left
rear
of
engine
compartment
.
4
.
Main
engineharness
con-
nector
5
.
Power
distribution
box
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-5
0013202
0013226
Fig
.
11
.
M42
engine
idie
speed
control
valve
(arrow)
beneath
intake
manifold
0012421
Fig
.
12
.
M44
engine
intake
air
temperature
(¡Al)
sensor
in
air
filter
housing
Fig
.
13
.
M50/S50U
S
engine
intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
(1)
and
throttle
position
sensor
(2)
.
301180
0012724
Fig
.
14
.
M52/S52U
S
engine
intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
in
bot-
tom
of
intake
manifold
(throttle
housing
shown
removed)
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
19
.
M44
engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sensor
(arrow)
.
Fig
.
22
.
Headlight
ground
at
left
frontof
engine
compartment
(arrow)
.
0012704
Fig
.
20
.
M52
engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sensor
(A)
is
located
beneath
top
enginecover
(B)
and
crankcase
vent
hose
(C)
.
uu12700
Fig
.
21
.
M52
throttle
position
sensor
(A),
idle
speed
control
valve
(B),
and
secondary
air
pump
(C)
.
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-7
00119s4
0013131
uvijijo
Fig
.
23
.
Mainground
at
right
strut
tower
(A)
.
B
is
negative
jumper
con-
nection
.
COMPONENT
LOCA
TIONS
610-10
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
ABS
Hydraulic
Control
Unit
1992-1998
Left
rear
engine
compartment
undermaster
cylinder
Fig
.
7
.
Fig
.
10
.
ABS
Hydraulic
Control
Unit
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
ABS
Pedal
Travel
Sensor
1992-1998
On
brake
booster
beside
master
cylinder
Fig
.
10
.
ABS
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
ABS/AS
T
(Traction)
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
Left
Front
1992-1998
Left
front
steering
arm
Fig
.
31
.
Wheel
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
Left
Rear
1992-1998
Left
rear
trailing
arm
Wheel
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
RightFront
11992-1998
Right
front
steering
arm
Wheel
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
Right
Rear
1992-1998
I
Left
rear
trailing
arm
Wheel
1
A/C
Compressor
1
1992-1998
(
Rightlower
frontof
engine
A/C
Compressor
Control
Relay
1
1992-1998
1992-1998
1992-1998
A/C
Control
Module
A/C
Evaporator
Temperature
Sensor
A/C
Pressure
Switch
1992-1998
Right
frontof
engine
compartment
A/C
Program
Switch
1992-1998
Center
of
dash
below
radio
A/CRecharging
Ports
1992-1998
Right
rear
engine
compartment
Fig
.
16
.
Air
Flow
Sensor
1992-1998
Between
throttle
housing
&
filter
housing
Fig
.
7
.
Airbag
Contact
Slip
Ring
1992-1998
Rear
ofsteering
wheel
Airbag,
Driver
1992-1998
In
center
of
steering
wheel
Fig
.
25
.
Airbag,
Passenger
1994-1998
Right
front
of
dash
above
glove
compartment
Fig
.
26
.
Airbag,
Side-Impact
1997-1998
Behind
right/left
front
door
panel
Airbag
Control
Module
(Basic)
1992-1993
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Airbag
Control
Module
(ZAE)
1994-1998
On
center
tunnel
under
rear
seat
cushion
Airbag
Crash
Sensor,
Airbag
1992-1993
On
righUleft
front
strut
tower
Airbag
Crash
Sensor,
Right/Left
1997-1998
Right/left
door
si¡¡
behind
front
seatSide
Impact
Alternator
(Generator)
1992-1998
Left
lowerfront
of
engine
Amplifier
Hi-fi
1992-1998
Left
front
side
of
luggage
compartment
Antenna
Amplifier
AM/FM
1992-1998
In
upper
left
side
C-pillar
Fig
.
27
.
COMPONENT
LOCA
TIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Behind
center
console
Left
sideof
heater
box
Continued
610-12
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Combination
(Stalk)
Switch
1993-1998
Left
sidesteering
column
(turn
signals/high-low
bean
switch)
Convertible
Top
ActuatingSwitch
1994-1998
Center
console
Convertible
Top
Control
Module
1994-1998
In
lower
left
C-pillar
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
TopEnd
Position
Switch
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Convertible
Top
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
sideof
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
Top
Position
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Lock
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Motor
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
1994-1998
Inright
side
convertible
top
storage
lid
latch
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
side
of
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
(if
applicable)
1992-1998
Bolted
on
radiator,
left
side
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine/cylinder
head
Fig
.
19
.
Fig
.
20
.
Cooling
Fan
Dual
Switch
1992-1998
Right
side
radiator
Fig
.
18
.
Cooling
Fan
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
front
grill
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1992-1995
At
front
crankshaft
pulley
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1996-1998
Left
rearof
crankcase
Crash
Sensor,
Airbag
1992-1993
On
right/left
frontstrut
tower
Crash
Control
Module
1992
Auxiliary
relay
panel
Crash
Control
Module
1993-1998
Driver's
side
footwell
Crash
Sensor,
Right/Left
Side
1997-1998
Right/left
door
sill
behind
front
seat
Impact
Airbag
Cruise
Control
Actuator
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
compartment
Fig
.
7
.
Cruise
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Data
Link
Connector
1992-1998
Right
sideof
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Digital
Motor
Electronics
(DME)
1992-1998
Right
rear
engine
compartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Control
Module
DoorLock
Heater
1993-1994
Left
front
doorhandle
DoorHandle
Switch
1994-1998
left
front
door
Drive-away
Protection
(EWS
II)
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
Fig
.
9
.
Dual
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1997-1998
Below
intake
manifold
Fig
.
19
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
20
.
Electronic
Immobilizer
Control
(
1/1995-1998
~
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
(EWS
II)
Fig
.
9
.
Continued
Tablea
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Engine
Compartment
Light
Switch
1993-1996
Over
right
headlight
assembly
Fig
.
7
.
Engine
Control
Module
(ECM)
1992-1998
Right
rear
enginecompartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Engine
Control
Module
(System)
1992-1998
I
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Relay
Engine
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
1
1992-1998
1
Left
front
of
enginecompartment,
radiator
coolant
reservoir
Engine
Coolant
Temperature
1992-1998
I
Left
front
of
engine
under
intake
manifold
I
Fig
.
19
.
Sensor
Fig
.
20
.
Evaporative
Emission
Valve
1992-1998
Left
side
strut
Power
area
Evaporator
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
side
of
heater
box
EWS
II
Control
Module
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
EWS
II
Ring
Antenna
1
1/1995
-
1998
1
At
ignition
cylinder
EWS
II
Transmitter
Module
1/1995
-
1998
Right
side
of
steering
column
in
auxiliaryrelay
panel
Fig
.
3
.
Exhaust
Gas
Flap
Valve
1996-1998
Left
rear
muffler
area
Flasher
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Foglight
Relay
1
1992-1998
1
Power
distribution
box
1
Fig
.
2
.
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1992
1
Right
side
of
heater
box
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1993-1995
1
Below
right
side
heater
box
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1996-1998
Below
left
side
heater
box
Fuel
Injectors
1992
-
1998
Top
left
side
of
engine
Fuel
Leve¡
Sensor,
Left
1
1992-1998
/
Under
left
side
of
rear
seat
infuel
tank
Fuel
Leve¡
Sensor,
Right
1
1992-1998
1
Under
right
side
of
rear
seat
in
fuel
tank
1
Fig
.
28
.
Fuel
Pump
1
1992-1998
1
Under
right
side
of
rear
seat
in
fuel
tank
1
Fig
.
28
.
Fuel
Pump
Relay
1
1992-1998
1
Power
distribution
box
1
Fig
.
2
.
Fuel
Pump/Start
Identification
Relay
1994
-
1996
Power
distribution
box
Fuel
Tank
Pressure
Sensor
1
1997-1998
1
Right
rear
wheel
well
behind
trim
liner
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-13
Fuse
andRelay
x(Power
11992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box
Fig
.
7
Fig
.
10
.
Gas
Filler
LockMotor
1992-1998
Right
side
of
luggage
compartment
Gear
Position/Neutral
Safety
Switch
1992-1998
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console
Fig
.
29
.
(Automatic
Transmission
Range
Switch)
Glove
Compartment
Lock
Motor
1994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Grounds
G
100
1995-1998
Front
of
left
front
fender
(headlights)
Fig
.
22
.
G
101
1992-1998
Front
of
right
front
fender
Continued
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-14
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
G
102
1992-1998
Left
front
strut
tower
G
103
1992-1998
Right
front
strut
tower
G
110
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
G
111
1992-1998
Near
battery
G
117
1992-1998
Right
rearof
engine
G
119
1992-
1998
Right
front
of
engine
G
123
1992-1998
Right
side
of
safety
wall
G
200
1992-1998
Left
kick
panel
G
201
1992-1998
Right
side
ofI/P
G
202
1992-1998
Left
side
ofI/P
G
203
1992-1998
Right
kick
panel
G
230
1992-1998
Right
kick
panel
G
301
1992-1998
Below
rightfront
seat
G
302
1992-1998
Below
center
console
G
303
1992-1998
Below
right
rear
seat
G
310
1992-1998
Behind
right
rear
seat
G
312
1992-1998
Behind
left
rear
seat
G
313
1992-1998
Right
side
of
rear
shelf
G
314
1992-1998
Left
side
of
rear
shelf
G
400
1992-1998
Left
front
side
of
trunk
G
404
1992-1998
Left
rearside
of
trunk
Camshaft
Position
Sensor
1992-1998
Front
of
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Hard
Top,
Connector
1
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Hard
Top,
Connector
II
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Hazard
Flasher
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Headlight
High
Beam
Relay
1998
Left
hand
side
of
dash
behind
instrument
cluster
Headlight
High
Beam
Relay
1992-1997
Power
distribution
box
Headlight
Low
Beam
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Heat
ExchangerTemperature
1993-1998
Center
console
Sensors
(left
and
right)
HeaterBlower
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
fresh
air
cowl
HeaterBlower
Motor
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Heat
Rear
Recirculation
Flap
1997-1998
Right
sideof
heater
box
Actuator
COMPONENTLOCATIONS
Tablea
.
E36
Component
Locations
Continued
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Heater
Recirculation
Flap
Actuator
1992-1998
Below
left
dash
right
side
of
steering
column
HeaterBlowerMotor
Resistor
Pack
1992-1998
Behind
center
of
dashboard
Heater
Regulator
FlapActuator
1997-1998
Right
side
of
heater
box
HeaterValve
Assembly
1992-1998
Left
rear
engine
compartment
HeatingNentilation
Relay
Box
1992-1993
Below
left
side
of
dash
HeatingNentilation
Relay
1994-1998
Left
front
footwell
High
Speed
Cooling
Fan
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Homs,
Right/Left
1993-1998
Front
of
engine
compartment
Horn
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Horn
Relay
(Alpine)
1994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Board
Computer/Anti-Theft
Fig
.
9
.
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1992-1995
Top
rearof
enginebehind
intake
manifold
(M42
engine)
Fig
.
11
.
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1992-1995
Top
left
side
of
engine
(M50
engine)
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1993-1996
Below
intake
manifold
(M50/S50US
engine)
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1996-1998
On
throttle
housing
(M44
engine)
Fig
.
15
.
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1997-1998
Left
front
of
engine
below
intake
manifold
(M52/S52US
engine)
Ignition
Coils
1992-1998
Right
of
engineunder
plastic
cover
(four-cylinder)
Fig
.
7
.
Ignition
Cofs
1992-1998
Top
of
engine
undercover
(six-cylinder)
Fig
.
17
.
Ignition
Switch
1992-1998
Right
sídeofsteering
column
Intake
Air
Resonance
Changeover
1992-1998
Leftrear
of
engine
compartment
Valve(DISA)
Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1995
In
mass
air
flow
sensor
(M42
engine)
Intake
Air
TemperatureSensor
1996-1998
In
top
ofair
filter
housing
(M44
engine)
Fig
.
12
.
Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
I
Left
sídeof
engine
in
intake
manifold
(six-cylinder)
-
-
I
Fig
.
13
.
Fig
.
14
.
Kick-Down
Switch
(A/T)
1
1992-1998
1
Left
footwell
Mixing
Actuators
1
1992-1998
1
Heater
box
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-15
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Knock
Sensors
1
1992-1998
1
Left
side
of
engine
block
Left
Front
Power
Window
Motor
11992-1998
/
Left
front
door
Left
Front
Window
Monitoring
Switch
1
1997-1998
1
Left
front
door
trim
panel
Left
Front
Window
Retraction
Switch
1
1992
-
1993
1
Left
front
door
handle
lock
assembly
Left
Splice
Panel
1
1992-1998
1
Under
left
side
of
dash
at
kick-panel
1
Fig
.
5
.
Main
Fuse
and
Relay
Box
(Power
1992-1998
I
Left
sideof
engine
compartment
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box)
1
I
Mass
Air
Flow
Sensor
1992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine,
intake
air
duct
Fig
.
7
.1
I
Fig
.
15
.
Continued
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS