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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
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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)
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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).
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4
Central Body Electronics ZKE III
System Components
General Module (GM): The GM is reponsible
for the operation and central coordination of
body electronics. The GM is a micro-computer
that is the central component (heart) of the
Central Body Electronics. The GM is located be-
hind the glove box.
The main objectives for using the GM are:
The GM requires inputcommands to perform
Central Body Electronics functions. The inputs
are supplied by digital switched signals such
as:
• Trunk Lock Microswitch - supplies voltage (KL
30) to the GM when switched. A path to gro-
und is provided by the GM (internally). The
GM monitors the switched input voltage.
• Central Lock Button - supplies a ground cir-
cuit to the GM when switched. The GM sup-
plies and monitors a reference voltage (5v)
that is “pulled” low when the switched gro-
und path is provided.
The GM processesthe input information and
contains “coded” instructions that allow a spe-
cific output control of functions.
The GM will produce outputfunctions using
internal transistors to switch current flow (pro-
viding voltage or ground) through circuits and
actuators. Actuators are the final controlling
devices used by the GM to operate or control
various output functions such as relays and
motors.
• Increase Overall Reliability
• Centralize Electronic Systems
• Decrease Assembly and Service Repairs
• Centralized Diagnosis of all ZKE Components
• Individualization of Features (Coding)
CENTRAL LOCK BUTTONCENTRAL LOCK BUTTON
TRUNK LOCK BUTTONTRUNK LOCK BUTTON
KL 30KL 30
TRUNK LOCK MICROSWITCHTRUNK LOCK MICROSWITCHSignal Monitor
5v
Supply/
Monitor
GM
FUEL
FILLER
FLAP
RELAY
Transistors
GM
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
The ZKE III system offers an overall reduction in vehicle wiring particularly in the areas sub-
ject to wear from movement such as doors, seats and the steering column. To accomplish
this, the “P- Bus” is used to interface (signaling) with peripheral modules over a single wire.
The ZKE III modular system consisting of the following components:
• General Module III = Main controller for ZKE functions
• PM - SB/FT = Driver’s door switch block and door module
• PM - BT = Passenger’s door module
• PM - SHD =Sunroof module
•PM - SM =Seat/Mirror/Steering Column memory module
• AIC = Rain Sensor (if equipped)
All modules communicate through the P-Bus and GM III onto the K-Bus for diagnosis.
PM-FT/SB
PM-SMPM-BT
PM-SHD
P-BUS
K-BUS
Driver's Door
Switchblock/
ModuleDriver's Door
Switchblock/
Module
Seat Memory
ModuleSeat Memory
Module
Passenger's
Door ModulePassenger's
Door Module
Sunroof
ModuleSunroof
Module
GM IIIFBZVFBZVDWADWA
FBZV
RECEIVER
MODULE
GM III MODULE
LOCATED IN CARRIER
FORWARD OF GLOVE BOX
Separate
Switch and
Module < 96
E38 on K-Bus
>99 MY
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
The following is an overview of new or changed features found on the E53 ZKE III variant:
• Passenger’s door module is incorporated into the passenger’s door switchblock.
• Sunroof module (SHD) is located on the P -Bus.
• The Central Locking system uses a door lock actuators with hall effect sensors.
• The GM III is responsible for the Key Memory feature.
The E53 ZKE III system continues to be a modular system consisting of the following:
•General Module III = Main controller for ZKE functions
•PM - SB/FT = Driver’s door switch block and door module
•PM - SB/BT =Passenger’s door module/Window switch
•PM - SHD =Sunroof module
•PM - SM =Seat/Mirror/ Steering Column memory module
•AIC = Rain Sensor (if equipped)
All of these modules communicate over the “K-Bus and P-Bus” for signaling purposes and
diagnosis.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
Power Distribution
The power distribution box for the
E38 is incorporated in the Electr-
onics box in the engine compart-
ment.
The power distribution box for the
E39 and E53 is inside the vehicle.
The main fuse box is located
inside the glove box above a
hinged panel.
A “pull out” fuse designation card
is also located in the fusebox. This
notes:
• Fuse value in amps
• Location
• Circuit listing by fuse
The placement of the power distribution box is
close to the main electronics carrier behind
the glove box. The modules/relays located in
the electronics carrier include (examples):
• General Module III (GM III)
• Drive away protection (EWS II)
• Anti-lock Brake (ABS/ASC+T)
• Light Check Module (LCM) - behind right kick
panel
• Overload protection relay module
An auxiliary fuse block is located in the trunk
above the battery. In addition to fuses, the
auxiliary fuse block also contains relays (exam-
ples):
• Fuel filler flap lock motor relay
• Fuel pump relay (some vehicles)
• Rear defroster relay
• Unloader relay
FUSE
DESIGNATION
CARDFUSE BOX DROPS
DOWN AFTER TURNING
TWO THUMB SCREWS
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Fused Power Distribution Centers
The E38, E39 and E53 utilize high amperage fused power distribution centers.
The E38 and E39 locations are found under the carpet on the passenger’s side floor and
in the right rear area of the trunk, forward of the battery.
The X5 utilizes a single high amperage fused
power distribution center located next to the
left side EHC air reservoir beneath the cargo
area floor paneling.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
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