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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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System Components
- with the Principle of Operation
Driver’s Door Lock: The lock/unlock signals
from the driver’s door lock cylinder are input to
the driver’s door module from the two micro
switches on the lock cylinder. The driver’s door
switchblock module carries out the locking func-
tion of the driver’s door.
The windows and sunroof can be closed or
opened by holding the key in the lock/unlock
position (convenience closing/opening feature).
The signal to lock the remaining doors and fuel filler flap is passed over the P-Bus to the
GM III and passenger’s door module. The locking of the passenger’s door is carried out by
the passengers door module. The rear doors, luggage comparment and fuel flap locking
are carried out directly by the GM III. All four doors will be pulled into the double lock posi-
tion when locking from the driver’s door.
The control of the actuators in the front doors is through final stages in the door modules.
The rear doors, trunk and fuel filler flap actuators are controlled by internal relays in the GM
III. When locked, the GM III will not carry out any opening commands from the central lock-
ing button or luggage comparment interior release button.
Luggage Compartment Lock Cylinder (except E53/E39 Sport Wagon): The vehicle
can be locked/ unlocked (prior to 2000 MY) from the luggage compartment lock cylinder.
The lock/unlock micro switch inputs are processed in the GM III and the locking commands
are carried out.
The signal is passed over the P-Bus to the
door modules to lock/unlock the front
doors and the GM III locks the rear doors
and fuel filler flap.
All door actuators are placed in the double
lock position. Removing the key in the hor-
izontal position will activate the valet mode
and prevent the valet key from opening the
luggage comparment.
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III
12520123.eps
12520124.eps
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LED Status (Keys equipped with LED):
The following functions can be checked with the LED:
• Flashing LED when pressing a button.
Indicates that the data is being transmitted.
(battery voltage between 3.2 - 2.6 volts)
• No LED activity when pressing a button:
1. ZKE responds to pressed button only to
unlock a locked vehicle. Indicates the bat-
tery is between 2.6 - 2.2 volts. Replace bat-
tery.
2. No unlock of vehicle. Indicates battery is
below 2.2 volts. Replace battery.
FZV Key Test: Pressing the trunk release and lock buttons together activates the key test. If
the battery and FZV key EEPROM are “OK”, the LED will come ON for approximately 1 sec-
ond.
FZV Key Rechargeable Battery
From KL R, the battery inside the key head is charged inductively by the EWS ring antenna
via a coil antenna integrated in the key. The charging process is controlled by electronic
circuitry integrated in the key.
• The service life of a radio-control key used under normal conditions corresponds to the veh-
icle lifespan.
• If the FZV keys are not used (ie: stored in a drawer), the battery will be discharged after
approx. 1.5 years.
• The time required to fully charge a discharged battery is approx. 30 hours.
• The remote control can be operated about 15 times after a charging period of approx. 30
minutes (driving time).
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Central Body Electronics ZKE III