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400-8
Body-General
Airbags
Front airbags, s~de a~rbags, pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
and the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) are integrated into the
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and its variants.
NOTE-
The BMW SRS system is called Multiple Restra~nt System
(MRS). Over the years,
E39 cars were equipped with MRS,
MRS
11, MRS 111. Each version offers varied features and im-
provements over the previous system.
< As many as 8 airbags may be installed in E39 cars, depend-
ing on model and MRS version.
The front
airbags operate without sodium azide propellant,
widely considered an irritant when an
airbag is deployed.
Starting with
1999 models. "smart"front passenger and driver
airbags were installed. These are of the dual-threshold, dual
stage design, including a
sensorto help prevent the unneces-
sary deployment of the passenger side
airbag if the seat is un-
occupied.
MRS control Depend~ng on options chosen, one airbag may be installed in module each door of the sedan and Sport Wagon models, protecting
passengers against
s~de impacts.
Head Protection System (ITS)
airbags strelch diagonally
across the tops of the front doors.
Airbag deployment automatically triggers fuel shutoff, turns
on the hazard and interior lights, and unlocks the doors.
- -
WARNING -
Airbags are inflated by an explosive device. Handled im-
properly or without adequate safeguards,
airbag units can
be very dangerous. Special precautions must be observed
prior to any worlc at or near any of the airbags. See
721 Air-
bag System (SRS).
Always disconnect the battery and cover the negative
(-) battery terminal with an insulator before starting di-
agnostic, troubleshooting or service work on cars fitted
with SRS, and before doing any welding on the
car.
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400-9
Body-General
Battery safety terminal
(BST)
4 Starting with 1999 models (9198 production and later), a py-
rotechnic (explosive charge) device automatically discon-
nects the battery positive terminal during impacts. Key
features,
like power windows and door locks, remain opera-
tional.
Security
Electronic immobilization (EWS)
Ignition key transponder signal All
E39 vehicles incorporate an electronic immobilization sys-
tem known as EWS. This svstem uses a wireless comrnuni-
cation link between a transponder chip in the ignition key and
the ring antenna surrounding the ignition switch. The EWS
control module blocks the starting of the vehicle unless the
correct coded ignition key is used.
NOTE-
Electronic immobilization is sometimes referred to as the
driveaway protection system.
Antitheft alarm (DWA)
This is adealer-installed option for which the E39 vehicles are
factory-wired. When armed, the system monitors door
loci(
contacts and trunk and engine hood locks and sounds a siren
if it detects tampering.
E39 interiors have a unique character, with a combination
of
sporty features and innovativedesign. All body versions were
made in a wide choice of interior and exterior colors. New col-
ors with matching leather or leatherette upholstery were intro-
duced for each model year.
Driving
comfort is enhanced by power steering, tilt steering
wheel, height-adjustable front seats, and electrically adjust-
able and heated rear-view mirrors. Inside the car there are
reading lights at four seating positions.
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400-1 0
Body-General
Seats
4 Anatomically correct seats are constructed from polyure-
10 way seat adjustment thane foam
containing areas or "zones" of different firmness.
They offer good lateral support without constricting the occu-
pant.
The seats have a passive internal ventilation system: Cylin-
drical cavities within the cushions and backrests generate a
pumping effect as the ride motions cause occupant motion.
This
helps remove moisture and feeds fresh air into the seats.
Other features of the seating system:
The seat bases have steel springs for added support and
strength.
The seat control switches are along the outside edge of
the
seat.
Heated seats are an option in all models
In cars equipped with seat position memory, three different
seat confiaurations can be memorized by the seat control
module(s): Seat memory coordinates with outside mirror
memory. These functions are controlled by the seat mem-
ory
module(s).
* For security reasons, the release lever to fold the rear seat
backrest forward is installed in the trunk.
Sport Wagon models: Rear seat
baclts are split 60140, with
the center armrest on the left seat back.
The center armrest incorporates a non adjustable head-
rest. When folded down, the armrest opens out with
cup-
holders and a storage compartment. See 520 Seats for
more details.
instruments and controls
Everything in the interior passengercompartment essential to
the driver is logically grouped and easy to reach. All instru-
ments and controls have been arranged ergonomically and
are fully integrated into the overall design of the vehicle.
Tilt-telescopic steering wheel has
30 mm (1.2 in) of vertical
and longitudinal adjustment.
Multifunction steering wheel contains two
ltey pads con-
taining controls for the sound system, telephone and
cruise control.
Padded dashboard houses the instrument cluster and the
ventilation and heating system.
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Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster uses large easy-to-read analog instru-
ments and is removable as a unit without removing the dash-
board. On-board computer and Check Control functions are
integrated into the instrument cluster displays.
Service Interval Display
Service Interval Display calculates vehicle service needs
based on current driving patterns, and indicates to the driver
when the car requires
service
On-board navigation
An integrated on-board navigation system, based on Global
Positioning System (GPS) technology, is optionally available
on
E39 cars. When installed, a multifunction monitor is includ-
ed in the center of the dash above the radio. in addition to dis-
playing navigation system information, this monitor accesses
On-Board Computerfunctions, audiosystem controls, mobile
phone dialling and memory, and automatic ventilation.
Park Distance Control (PDC)
Park Distance Control (PDC) is an optional system which
uses ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper trim to warn the
driver of approaching too close to obstacles when parlting.
Central body electronics
E39 vehicles are equipped with an integrated complex of
electronic modules connected mostly via K-Bus. This system,
called central body electronics (ZKE
Ill), is primarily con-
trolled by the general module (GM
Ill). An overview of ZKE Ill
functions is found in 600 Electrical System-General. Details
of ZKE
Ill functioning is in the following repair groups:
- 512 Door Windows
* 515 Central Locking and Aniti-Theft
520 Seats
a 540 Sunroof
611 Wipers and Washers
620 Instruments
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51 2-2
I Door Windows 1
This repair group covers door glass, window regulator and
power window motor repair information.
CA U JIO&
All E39 models are equipped with side-impact airbags in the
front doors. Some models are also equipped with
airbags in
the rear doors. Be sure to read the
airbag warnings and cau-
tions in 721
Airbag System (SRS).
Electric window switch replacement is covered in 612
Switches.
The windshield, rear window, fixed rear doorglass, and cargo
compartment glass (Sport Wagon only) are bonded using
special adhesives and tools. It is recommended that bonded
glass replacement be done by an authorized
BMW service fa-
cility or an automotive glass installer.
Special tools
Some window repair operations require special tools.
Power windows
- Power window features in E39 models include:
Control of the front and rear door window motors is carried
out directly by the General Module (GM
Ill).
One-touch operation in both directions on all four windows.
Cable type window regulator used for all door windows.
. Anti-trap protection provided by pressure sensitive finger
guard.
Right front and each rear door has a single window switch
located in door handle trim.
Rear door window switches can be deactivated by press-
ing child lock-out switch in the driver's window switch block.
Convenience closinglopening of the windows from driver's
loci( cylinder or convenience opening only from remote un-
lociting feature (FZV) remote key.
Window (FZV) operation can be owner customized with
Car Memory function. See 515 Central Locking and Anti-
Theft.
After ignition is switched off, electric windows can be oper-
ated until a door is opened or until
I6 minutes has elapsed.
The GM
IiI bases window motor end position on current
draw (load). There is a maximum window motor run time of
6 seconds. The motor is then switched off even if the end
position load sensor fails.
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Door Windows
Tilt window glass carefully inside door cavity and lift out of
door.
Installation is reverse of removal.
Replace plastic window retainers once glass is inside door.
Use new mounting bolts when reinstalling side-impact
air-
bag to door.
Adjust window as described earlier,
Sedan and Sport Wagon doors are similar. There are two win-
dow rails in each front window regulator, only one in the rear.
Otherwise the front and rear regulators are similar.
WARNING-
E39 cars are Wed with side-impact airbags in the front
doors. Some are equipped with
airbags in the rear doors
as well. When servicing the door windows on cars with
side-impact airbags, always disconnect the negative
(-)
battery cable. See 721 Airbag System (SRS) for cau-
tions and procedures relating to the
airbag system.
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery dis-
connection cautions given at the front
001 General
Warnings and Cautions.
NOTE-
Because window operation is electronically controlled, a win-
dow motor does not have mechanical endpositions. For this
reason it can be removed and installed with the window in
any position and does not need reinitialization.
Front window regulator removing and
installing
NOTE-
BMW recommends removing the window regulator and mo-
tor as one unit, then separating the two on the bench.
- Remove front door panel as described in 411 Doors.
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery, then remove air-
bag unit and vapor barrier from door. See 721 Airbag Sys-
tem (SRS).
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I lnterior Trim
This repair group covers interior trim removal and installation
procedures.
- Refer to the following repair groups for additional information:
250 Gearshift Linkage
41 1 Doors (interior door panels)
@ 612 Switches
620 Instruments
640 Heating and Air Conditioning [IHKA control panel!
650 Radio
721 Airbag System (SRS)
lnterior trim repairs
lnterior trim and finish panels are clipped or screwed into
place. Many of the trim retaining clips are designed
to be used
only once. When removing trim that is held in place with clips,
it is a good idea to have spare clips on hand before beginning
the job.
WARNING-
Special precautions must be observed when servicing the
BMWSupplementai Restraint System (SRS). Serious inju-
ry may result if system service is attempted by persons un-
familiar with the BMW
SRS and its approved service
procedures. BMW
speciiies that all inspection and service
should be performed by an authorized BMW
dealer.
Before performing any work involving airbags, discon-
nect the negative
() battery cable. See 721 Airbag
System (SRS).
Airbags contain a back-uppowersupply within the SRS
control module. A
5 second discharge period should be
allowed after the battery cable has been disconnected.
CAUTION-
* When working on electrical switclies or lights, always dis-
connect the negative
(-) cable from the battery and insu-
late the cable end to prevent accidental reconnection.
a Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery dis-
connection cautions given in
W1 General Warnings
and Cautions.
To prevent marring the trim when working on interior
components, work with plastic prying
tools or wrap the
tips of screwdrivers and pliers with tape before prying
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51 5 Central Locking and Anti-Theft
........................... General .51 5.2
Central Locking ................... .51 5.2
General Module
..................... .51 5.2
Central locking inputs and outputs
....... .51 5.3
Doorlocks
........................... 515-5
Trunklock
........................... 515-7
Remote entry (FZV)
.................. .51 5.7
Remote entry (FZV) inputs and outputs ... .51 5.8
Car Memory I Key Memory ............ .51 5.12
Trunk lid soft close (SCA)
............. .51 5.13
SCA subsystem
.................... .51 5.14
........ Tailgate and rear window locks
.51 5.14
Sport Wagon tailgate and rear
window
lock schematic ............... .51 5.15
Door Handles and Locks .......... .51 5.16
Door handle (outer), removing
and installing
....................... .51 5.16
Door latch, removing and installing
..... .51 5.17
Outer door lock cylinder, removing
and installing
....................... .51 5.18
Trunk Lock Assembly ............. 515-1 9
Trunk lock. removing and installing
...... 515-19
Trunk lock striker plate. removing
and installing
....................... 515-20
Tailgate lock. emergency release
....... 515-21
... Electronic Immobilization (EWS) 515-21
EWS variations
..................... 515-22
......... EWS control module. replacing 515-23
Transmitter
1 receiver module .......... 515-23
....................... Ring antenna 515-23
Anti-theft System (DWA) ........... 51 5-24
DWA LED Status
.................... 51 5-24
Tilt sensor
......................... 515-24
Interior protection .................... 51 5-25
Glass breakage sensors
.............. 515-26
Emergency disarming
................ 51 5-26