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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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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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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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