
Seat/Mirror/Steering Column Memory
Purpose of the System
The  front  seats,  outside  rearview  mirrors  and  steering  column  (if  equipped)  positions  are
electrically  adjustable.  The  “customized”  adjustment  positions  can  be  memorized  and
stored for three diferent users and recalled back to the individual positions (with the excep-
tion of the passenger seat - not in memory).
The  basic  features  of  seat/mirror/steering  column  operation,  as  well  as  the  memory  posi-
tions is integrated into the ZKE III system.
• Seat/Steering Column Memory 
Module (PM SM).
• Driver’s Door Switchblock Mod- 
ule (PM FT/SB - early E38 was  
separate).
• Passenger’s Door Module (PM  
BT - E53 combined with window  
switch).
• General Module (GM III).
• 3 Position Memory Switch.
• Seat Switch.
• Steering Column Switch.
• Seat/Steering Column/Mirror 
Motors.
The Seat/Steering Column Memory Module communicates with the DISplus or MoDiC for
diagnosis and Vehicle Memory encoding.
58
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
System Components:                               Inputs - Processing - Outputs
E38/E39 Shown 

59
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
System Components
- with Principle of Operation
Manual Operation:The manual adjustments of the seat, mirrors and steering column are
carried out with the respective switches as with the previous systems.
The  mirror  adjustment  switch  is  located  in  the  driver’s  switch  block.  The  mirror  operation
input is a digital signal that is processed by each respective module for mirror positioning.
Memory Storage: The parameters for storing memory positions are are as follows:
• With  the  transmission  range
selector  in  “P”  and  the  mirror
change over switched to the left,
switch  the  ignition  on  and  press
the “M” on the memory switch.
• The memory indicator lamp swi- 
tches on for 7 seconds.
• Press one of the three position 
switches (1, 2 or 3) within the 7  
second memory period.
• The current positions of the mir-
rors, seat and steering column 
are stored for recall.
The positions of the mirrors are stored in the respective door
modules based on the position of the feedback potentiome-
ters. The positions of the seat and steering column are stored
in the seat module, based on the ripple count.
Recalling a memory position setting is possible by either
pressing and holding the recall switch (1, 2 or 3) with KL 15
“ON” or tapping the recall button (1, 2 or 3) with:
• The driver’s door open and KL 15 “OFF”.
• KL R ON and KL 15 “OFF”. 
The recall movement can be interrupted at any time by touching any of the adjusting
switches.
E38/E39
E53 
615200133.tiff 

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.
62
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
615200137.eps 

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.
63
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

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.
64
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

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. 
65
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

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.
70
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

9. What type of sensor is used to detect the position of a seat with Memory?  What type
of signal does it produce?__________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
10. How does the Seat Module communicate a request for a stored memory position with
the mirror modules?_______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
11. On an E38 with Servotronic, why is the speed signal provided to the GM from both  
the IKE “A” signal and the K-Bus?___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
12. An E38 customer complains that when exiting the vehicle the steering wheel moves 
up. What is the cause of this?______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
13. How does the SZM monitor the Seat Heating temperature?_____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
14. What circuits are controlled by Consumer Cut Off? ____________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
15. If a technician double locked a 2000 MY E39 while still inside the vehicle, how could  
he/she exit the vehicle?____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16. How is the MY 2000 key charged?__________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
17. How is the DWA Disarmed (emergency)?_____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
18. What functions will deactivate the exterior door handle lighting? _________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________     
80
Central Body Electronics ZKE III