1998 BMW 528i Ignition switch

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Lnition switch
4 The positive (+) power supply to the ignition coils comes to
the ignition switch via an unloader relay. When the ignition
switch is turned on, the relay closes, to provide voltage to the
ignition coils. The coils are then actuated at the negative side
by the engine control module.
NOTE-
Schematic diagrams shown are for illustrative purposes only.
See ELE Electrical Wiring Diagrams for engine manage-
ment specific wiring information.
WARNING- Do not touch or disconnect any cables from the coils while
the engine is running or being cranked by the starter:
The ignition system produces high voltages that can be
fatal. Avoid contact with exposed terminals. Use ex-
treme caution when
working on a car with the ignition
switched on or the engine running.
* Connect and disconnect the DME system wiring and
test equipment leads only when the ignition is
OFF
Before operating the starter without starting the engine
(for example when
making a compression test), always
disable the ignition.
4 Knock sensors (arrows) monitor the combustion chamber for
engine-damaging knock. Six-cylinder models (shown) use
two sensors with each sensor monitoring three cylinders.
V-
8 models use four sensors, each monitoring two cylinders. If
engine
knock is detected, the ignition point is retarded by the
ECM.
I Ignition advance Ignition timing is electronically mapped and not adjustable.
The ECM uses engine load, engine speed, coolant tempera-
ture, knock detection, and intake air temperature as the basic
inputs for timing control.
A three dimensional map similar to
the one shown is digitally stored in the ECM.
- The initial ignition point is determined by the crankshaft
speed sensor during cranking. Once the engine is running.
timing is continually adjusted based on operating conditions.

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.-
ignition System
Disabling ignition system
The ignition system operates in a lethal voltage range and
should be disabled any time engine service or repair work is
being done that requires the ignition to be switched on.
The engine management system can be disabled by remov-
ing the DME main relay. The relay is located in the electronics
box (E-box) in the left rear of the engine
compartment, be.
neath the interior microfilter housing.
CAUTION- Relay locations may
vary. Use care when identifying relays.
See
610 Electrical Component Locations.
Checking for spark
CAUTION-
If
a spark test is done incorrecth damage to the Engine Con-
trol Module
(ECM) or the ignition coils may result.
NOTE-
Spark plug replacement is covered in 020 Maintenance.
Check~ng for spark is d~fflcult on englnes wlth d~str~butorless
ignition systems.
Try removing the spark plugs and inspecting for differences between them.
A poor-firing plug may be wet with fuel and/or ~. - ~
black and sooty, but not always. If a coil is not operating, the
engine management system will electrically disable the fuel
injector to that cylinder. The key is to look for differences be-
tween cylinders.
Ignition coil assembly, testing and
replacing
C4 UTION-
Use a digital multimeter for the following tests. I
- Remove plastic engine cover from top of valve cover by pry-
ing off bolt covers and removing cover mounting bolts.
- Raise car slowly while constantly checking position of jack
and car.
- Disconnect harness connector from coil. Connect multimeter
between terminal 15
(+) in connector and ground.
4 Terminal identification are typically molded into connector. In
photo, terminals are from left to right: 1,
4a, 15.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
@ TO fuse & relay panel Battery Safety Terminal
A Battery Safety Terminal (BST) controlled by the Multiple
Restraint System (MRS) control unit was introduced for mod-
el year 1998
vehicles. The system will disconnect electrical
power to the engine compartment
in the event of a significant
impact. The MRS system fires an encapsulated pyrotechnic
device
in the positive (+) battery terminal that disconnects
power to the engine compartment, but maintains power to
the exterior lights and interior of the vehicle.
point
002125~1
Table a. Battery, alternator and starter troubleshooting
1-
/Starter motor or solenoid faulty. l~est starter.
Symptom
Engine does not crank
Engine cranks slowly or
not at all, solenoid
clicits
when starter is operated.
I I
Battery will not stay IShort circuit draining battery. l~est for excessive current drain with everything
Probable cause
Fault
in immobilizer system (EWS)
-Clean Battery cables loose, dirty or corroded.
Battery discharged.
Battery to body ground cable in trunk
loose,
dirty or corroded
Poor connection at starter motor terminal
30.
Corrective action
Try another ignition key. If problem persists, contact
your authorized BMW dealer.
or replace cables. See 020
~aintenance.
Charge battery and test. Replace if necessary.
inspect ground cable. Clean, tighten or replace if
necessary.
Checlc connections, test for voltage at starter. Test for
voltage at neutral safety or clutch
interloclc switch.
charged more than a few
days.
I~atter~ faulty. /Test battery and replace if necessary.
Short driving trips and high electrical drain
on
charging system does not allow battery to
recharge.
. I
I Battery cables loose, dirty or corroded. Iclean or replace cables. See 020 Maintenance.
Evaluate driving
style. Where possible, reduce
electrical
consumption when malting short trips.
Drive
belt@) loose, worn or damaged.
IAlternator or voltage regulator faulty. /Test alternator and voltage regulator.
Inspect
or replace ribbed
belt@). See 020
Maintenance.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
WARNING-
Always wear protective goggles and clothing when perform-
ing a load test.
Table
d. Battery load test - minimum voltage
Ambient temperature Voltage*
27
" C (80" F) 9.6 V
-I 8' C (0"
F) 8.5 V
* Measure
after applying a 200 amp load for 15 seconds.
Closed-circuit current measurement
If the vehicle battery is discharged for an unknown reason,
perform a closed-circuit current measurement as the first test.
For diagnostic purposes, it is important to not disconnect the
battery. Disconnecting the battery may reset a faulty control
unit, preventing proper diagnosis.
The following test is generally completed overnight using a
multimeterwith a closed circuitcurrent measurement adaptor
with a recording function
- Check that battery voltage is 12 volts or higher. If lower,
recharge battery.
- Switch off electrical consumers (interior lights, telephone,
aftermarket equipment, or others).
- Open luggage compartment and remove battery trim panel.
Use screwdriver to lock latch on trunk lid or hatch, simulating
closed luggage compartment. Close other doors.
- Open driver's door, then close it, simulating driver entering
vehicle.
- Switch ignition to RUN position for at least five seconds, then
turn ignition to OFF position. This simulates driving vehicle.
- Open and close driver's door, simulating driver leaving
vehicle.
- Lock car and arm alarm.
- Wait at least 16 minutes for consumer cut-off.

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121-11
Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Alternator 1997 - 98 5281 1997 540i
/-- -----,
I'
-----------
F15 / 7.5A/ :
&.. .... , 30 1 Xi0015
Battery
Hol in run 61 E (D+) Alternator
and stsrt
lBL
(Generator)
1 .--------,charge , . I , indicator I xGoli i
I <"9,7,a,T
Alternator, basic
On 1997-1 998 6-cylinderand 1997 V-8 models, the charging
system indicator light is supplied voltage
(+) to one side of the
light bulb, and the other side of the bulb is connected to the
voltage regulator.
With the engine off and the key in the run position, voltage
from the ignition switch flows through the regulator to ground,
completing the circuit and illuminating the charge indicator
bulb.
When the vehicle is started and the alternator begins to pro-
duce voltage, the output of the diode trio increases and the
light is turned off.
Alternator with multi-function control
(MFR)
Alternator with multi-function control
(MFR)
The multi-function controlled alternator is used on:
* 1999-2002 6-cylinder models
* 1998-2002 V-8 models
4 On cars with multi-function control alternator, the charge in-
dicator lamp is activated by means of an electronic switch in-
tegrated in the alternator controller. This switch receives its
voltage supply from terminal
15 on the 3-pin connector at the
rear of the alternator. The controller measures internally the
voltage difference between terminal 30 and terminal
15 and
signals the DME ECM to turn the charge indicator lamp on.
The controller features integrated fault detection. The battery
charge indicator lamp will come on in the event of:
* Failure of belt drive
No charge due to an
electrical/electronic fault
Interruption in excitation circuit
Over-voltage due to a defective controller output stage Fault or break in charge line
No charge due to alternator fault

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Battery, Starter, Alternator
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Replace alternator rubber sealing O-ring.
* Fill and bleed cooling system as described in 170 Radiator
and Cooling System.
Tightening torques
Fan clutch to coolant pump
with
BMW special tool 11 5 040 30 Nm (22 ft-lb)
without
BMW special tool 11 5 040 40 Nm (29 ft-lb)
Terminal 30 (Bc) wire to alternator (ME) 13 Nm (10 ft-lb)
STARTER
Starter troubleshooting
Typical starter wiring terminal identification is shown. Large
wire at terminal
30 (not shown in photo) is direct battery volt-
age. Smaller wire at terminal
50 operates starter solenoid via
ignition switch.
If starter turns engine slowly when ignition is in start position:
Check battery state of charge.
Inspect starter wires, terminals, and ground
connectlons
for good contact. In particular, make sure ground connec-
tions between battery, body and
englne are completely
clean and tight.
If no faults are found, starter may be faulty and should be
replaced.
- If starter fails to operate, check EWS (drive-away protection
system). Try another ignition key.
If no faults can be found,
have the EWS system checked using
BMW scan tool equip-
ment.
Checkclutch pedal operated
starter lock-out switch or gear
position switch (automatic).
NOTE-
* A factory-installed drive-away protection system, also re-
ferred to as
EWS, is used on E39 cars. This system pre-
vents operation of the starter if a specially coded ignition
key is not used.
On cars with automatic transmission, the transmission
gear position switch signals
EWS to prevent the engine
from starting in gear positions other than PARK or NEU-
TRAL.
On cars with manual transmissions, a starter immobiliza-
tion switch
at the clutch pedal is used to prevent the starter
from operating unless the clutch pedal is pushed fully to
the floor.

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I Battery, Starter, Alternator
- Check for battery voltage at terminal 50 of starter motor with
key in start position. If voltage is not present, check wiring be-
tween ignition switch and starter terminal. Check the EWS
system and other inputs that disrupt terminal
56 to the start-
er. See ELE Electrical
Wiring Diagrams. If voltage is
present and no other visible wiring faults can be found, prob-
lem is most likely in starter motor.
Starter, removing and installing
(6-cylinder engine)
The starter is removed from below. Access to starter bolts is
difficult. Be sure to have the proper tools on hand before pro-
ceeding.
NOTE-
Access to the starter wiring is very limited. Forbetteraccess,
it may be necessary to remove the intake manifold.
- Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
CAUTIOI\C
Prior to disconnecting the battern read the baltery discon-
nection cautions
in OOlGeneral Cautions and Warnings.
Remove complete air filter hous~ng:
Loosen intake duct hose clamp (A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control hose from intake
duct
(B) and disconnect idle speed control valve electrical
harness connector.
Disconnect electrical harness connector
(C) from mass air
flow sensor.
Remove air filter housing mounting screw (D)
Disconnect vent tube
(E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lift air filter housing out of engine bay.
Disconnect throttle cable.
Raise vehicle and support safely.
WARNING-
Make sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive
lift orjack stands designed for
the purpose. A
floorjaclc is not adequate support
- Working underneath car, remove engine splash shield
- Disconnect fuel lines and harness connectors from retaining
brackets, as necessary.

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Fuel Injection
Warnings and cautions
For personal safety, as well as the protection of sensitive
electronic components, adhere to the warnings and cautions
on the following pages.
WARNING-
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive.
Do not smoke or work on a car near heaters or other fire
hazards when diagnosing and repairing fuel system prob-
lems. Have a fire extinguisher available in case of an emer-
gency
Renew fuel system hoses, clamps and O-rings any
time they are removed.
When working on an open fuel system, wear suitable
hand protection, as prolonged contact
with fuel can
cause illnesses and skin disorders.
* The ignition system produces high voltages that can be
fatal. Avoid contact with exposed terminals. Use ex-
treme caution when
working on a car with the ignition
switched on or the engine running.
CAUTION-
- Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code($ storedin
memory Check for fault codes prior to disconnecting the
battery cables. Read the battery disconnection cautions in
001 General Warnings and Cautions.
a Connect and disconnect the DME system wiring and
1 test equipment leads only when the ignition is switched
off.
Wait at least 1 minute after turning off the ignition be-
fore removing the engine control module (ECM) con-
nector. If the connector is removed before this time,
residualpower in the system relay may damage the
control module.
Fuel system cleaners and other chemical additives oth-
er than those specifically recommended by BMW may
damage the catalytic converter, the oxygen sensor or
other fuel supply components.
* Do not connect any test equipment that delivers a 12-
volt power supply to terminal 15 (+) of the ignition coil.
The current flow may damage the ECM. In general,
connect test equipment only as specified by BMW or
the equipment maker.
Only use a digital
multirneter for electrical tests. Only
use an LED test light for
quiclc tests.