
Table of Contents
SubjectPage
Central Body Electronics (ZKE III)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Objectives of the Module  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Purpose of the System  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
System Components  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Power Distribution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Windshield Wiping/Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Headlight Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Rain Sensor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Central Locking. . . . . .  . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Trunklid/Tailgate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Remote (Keyless) Entry.  . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Car Memory/Key Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Anti-Theft (DWA) System . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Windows/Sunroof . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior Lighting. . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Visual Entry Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Seat/Mirror/Steering Column Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Seat Functions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Steering Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
General Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Consumer Cut Off/Overload Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Sleep Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Review Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 

2
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
Objectives of the Module
After completing this module, you will be able to:
• List the functions directly controlled by the GM III.
• Describe how the GM III recognizes the key position from the drivers door.
• Explain what “convenience” features are available from the FZV key.
• Describe how the Seat Module communicates a request for a stored memory position  
with the mirror modules. 
• List what circuits are controlled by Consumer Cut Off.
• Demonstrate how to Emergency disarm DWA. 
• Describe the changes in the 2000 MY Key.
• Explain the electronic influence on power steering assist (Servotronic).
• Demonstrate how to open the sunroof (in the event of an electrical malfunction). 
CENTRAL BODY ELECTRONICS (ZKE III) 
Models: E38 - 740i(L) and 750iL
E39 - 525i, 528i, 530i, 540i and M5            
E53 - X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i
Production Date: E38 1994 to Present
E39 1997 to Present 
E53 1999 to Present
Manufacturer: Hella
Pin Connectors: White - 26 pin, Black 26 pin, Black 20 pin (large)  

3
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
Central Body Electronics (ZKE III)
Purpose of the System
The Central Body Electronics (ZKE III) system manages the following functions:
GM III
• Windshield Wiping/Washing
• Windsheild Rain Sensor (AIC)
• Headlight Washing
• Tailgate Wiping/Washing
• Interior Lighting
• Central Locking
• Keyless Entry
• Key Memory
• Power Trunk Release
• Electric Opening of Tailgate
• DWA Alarm System
• Servotronics
• Consumer Cut-off/sleep mode
• DiagnosisDriver’s Door Switch Block/
Module
• Power Windows
• Mirror Adjustment/Memory/   
HeatingPassenger’s Door Module
• Mirror Adjustment/Memory/
Heating
• Power Windows
Sunroof Module
• Power SunroofSeat/Mirror/ Steering Column
Memory Module
• Seat Adjustment/Memory
• SteeringColumn Adjustment/
Memory
The ZKE III system was introduced on the E38 and is used in the E39 and E53. Most of the
functions  operate  the  same  on  these  vehicles  with  minor  changes  and  added  features  to
the system.
ZKE III  represents  the  combination  of  Body  Electronics  functions  into  one  central  control
module, the General Module (GM).  

The key data is stored in a transponder chip. The transponder chip is a wireless read and
write  EEPROM.  It  is  powered  via  the  ring  coil  at  the  steering  lock.  Power  is  applied  elec-
tromagnetically when the key is in the ignition switch from KL R.
The power supply is used both for data transfer as well as for charging the battery. This has
been made possible by new development of the transponder chip.
As with previous systems, every press of an FZV key also provides the battery charge con-
dition. When the FZV electronics receives a low power condition message three successive
times,  the  GM  sets  a  fault  indicating  a  low  battery  within  a  specific  key.  The  LCM  is  also
informed via the bus system and alerts the driver via an instrument cluster matrix message.
If the battery is recharged (used operate car), the fault will be automatically deleted when
five successive messages are received indicating a charged battery condition.
The battery has no affect on the EWS III communication function!
32
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

Servotronic (E38 only)
Purpose of the System
The  servotronic  steering  system  is  based  on  a  conventional  power  assisted  steering  sys-
tem.  An  additional  electro-hydraulic  solenoid  and  oil  passageways  are  added  to  the  con-
ventional worn and roller type steering box. The GM monitors the vehicle’s road speed and
regulates  an  electro-hydraulic  solenoid.  The  servotronic  steering  system  provides  the  fol-
lowing:    
• A light steering effort at low speeds and while parking.
• Increased steering effort as road speed increases.
The "Direct Hydraulic Reaction" provided by the system allows the frictional forces between
the front wheels and road surface to be transmitted to the driver. This allows the driver to
make a better judgment in regard to the driving conditions.
This principle of direct hydraulic reaction can be used with the servotronic system because
of the spool valves that are already used with the worm and roller steering box.
Refer to ST056 Chassis Dynamics for further “mechanical” details of Servotronic. 
72
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

System Components
Electro-Hydraulic  Solenoid: The  solenoid  regulates  the
amount  of  power  steering  assist  for  the  servotronic  system.  It
contains a needle valve that can restrict oil flow. When current
is  applied,  the  needle  valve  closes  against  spring  pressure  to
restrict the oil flow.
With maximum current applied, the valve is closed. This is the
condition of the valve for slow speed driving and parking.
Without  current  applied,  the  needle  valve  is  held  open  by
spring  pressure.  This  is  the  condition  of  the  solenoid  during
higher driving speeds.
Electro-Hydraulic  Solenoid  Control: The  GM  monitors  the  road  speed  input  and  sup-
plies the electro-hydraulic solenoid with power. The road speed signal “A” is supplied from
the IKE  (and K-Bus) on E38 vehicles and from the DSC Control Module on E39/E53 vehi-
cles.
The  solenoid  is  pulse  width  modulated  for  control  and  varies  the  amount  of  assist  based
on  the  road  speed.  The  maximum  assist  is  available  while  parking  and  driving  at  slow
speeds.
73
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

Principle of Operation
Control logic (example E38) includes:
• Servotronic control electronics active with KL R being switched "ON" - ensure  no delay
in operation if engine is started and vehicle is immediately driven.
• Plausibility  check  for  speed  signal  -  the  control  electronics  monitor  both  the  Speed  sig-
nal "A" from the  IKE and the vehicle speed signal on the K-Bus.
• The ability to detect both acceleration and deceleration from the two speed signals - the
speed signal from the IKE is updated every two seconds.
• The servotronic assist is reduced gradually when the vehicle is under acceleration.
• The servotronic assist is adopted to the lower direct reading during decel or braking.
Electric/electronic failures with the servotronic system will result in the following:
• Power/electronic  failure  of  the  control  module  or  solenoid  -  steering  assist  the  same  as
high speed driving (increased effort).
• Vehicle speed signal missing - control module retains the assist mode in effect when the
speed signal was lost.
• Speed signal implausible - steering assist the same as high speed driving (increased  
effort).
The GM also provides the diagnostic “gateway” to the Servotronic status and Component
Activation via the DISplus/MoDiC.
74
Central Body Electronics ZKE III 

General Functions of ZKE III
Consumer Cut Off
The Consumer Cut Off function interrupts battery voltage to circuits preventing inadvertent
battery  drain  if  one  of  these  consumers  were  to  remain  activated.  Circuits  controlled  by
consumer cut off will be switched off as the GM enters into the sleep mode.
For example, the interior lights are connected to the consumer cut out circuit (KL 30) and
can  remain  on  if  one  of  the  control  switches  are  left  on.  The  consumer  cut  off  will  deacti-
vate KL 30 to the interior lighting after 16 minutes (or with the DISplus/MoDIC).
The  following  circuits  are  con-
trolled by consumer cut off:
• Map/Reading Lights
• Glove Box/Luggage Compart- 
ment Lights
• Transmission Range Indicator  
Light
• Overload Protection Relay for
- Power Seat Motors
- Steering Column Motors
Overload Protection
The seat and steering column motors receive
operating  power  through  the  consumer  cutoff/
overload protection relay module. The consumer
cutoff  signal  from  the  GM  signals  the  relay  to
maintain operating power to the consumers. 
If the relay module detects an increase in amper-
age (overload) the relay will open. The relay mod-
ule  (K-72)  is  located  in  the  electrical  carrier
behind  the  glove  box.  The  relay  is  reset  by
switching  the  ignition  “off”  for  16  minutes,  dis-
connecting the relay or the DISplus/ MoDIC. 
75
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
E38 Shown
Overload
Protection Relay
Module