2001 BMW 525i STARTER MOTOR WIRING

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Two common causes of driveability problems are incorrect
system voltage and bad grounds.
System voltage
Digital motor electronics (DME) requires that the system (bat-
tery) voltage be maintained within a narrow range of DC volt-
age.
DC voltage levels beyond or below the operating range,
or any
AIC voltage in the electrical system can cause havoc.
When troubleshooting an illuminated MIL, make sure the bat-
tery is fully charged and capable of delivering all its power to
the electrical system. An undercharged battery can amplify
AIC alternator output ripple.
To
make a quick check of the battery charge, measure the
voltage across the battery terminals with all cables attached
and the ignition off.
Afully charged battery will measure 12.6
volts or slightly more, compared to 12.1 5 volts for a battery
with a 25% charge.
The DME system operates at low voltage and current levels,
making it sensitive to small increases in resistance. The elec-
trical system is routinely subjected to corrosion, vibration and
wear, so faults or corrosion in the wiring harness and connec-
tors are not uncommon. Check the battery terminals
forcorro-
sion or loose cable connections. See 121 Battery, Starter,
Alternator for additional information.
If a battery cable connection has no
v~sible faults but is still
suspect, measure the voltage drop across the connection. A
large drop indicates excessive resistance, meaning that the
connection is corroded, dirty, or damaged. Clean or repairthe
connection and retest.
NOTE-
For instructions on conducting a voltage drop test and other
general electrical troubleshooting information, see
600 Elec-
trical System-General.
Visually inspect all wiring, connectors, switches and fuses in
the system. Loose or damaged connectors can cause inter-
mittent problems, especially the small terminals in the ECM
connectors. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors to
check for corrosion, and use electrical cleaning spray to re-
move contaminants.
Main grounds
Good grounds are critical to proper DME operation. If a
ground connection has no visible faults but is still suspect.
measure the voltage drop across the connection. A large volt-
age drop means high resistance. Clean or repair the connec-
tion and retest.
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120-3
Ignition System
Warnings and cautions
The ignition system produces dangerous high voltage. In ad-
dition the sensitive electronic components can be damaged
if
proper precautions are not adhered to.
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 tlie 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.
CA
U TIOW-
Do not attempt to disable the ignition by removing the coils
from the spark plugs.
Connect or disconnect ignition system wires, multiple
wire connectors, and ignition test equipment leads only
while the ignition is
off Switch multimeter functions or
measurement ranges only with the test probes discon-
nected.
* Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning.
A high impedance digital multimeter should be used for
all voltage and resistance tests. An LED test light
should be used in place of an incandescent-type test
lamp.
In general, make test connections only as specified by
BMW as described in this manual, or as described by
the instrument manufacturer.
Engine management
BMW €39 engines use an advanced engine management
system known as Digital Motor Electronics (DME). DME in-
corporates on-board diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition and
other engine control functions. DME variants are listed in
Table a. Engine management systems.
Second generation On-Board Diagnostics
(OED II) is incor-
porated into the engine management systems used on the
cars covered by this manual. Use a BMW-specific electronic
scan tool, or a "Generic"
OED II scan tool to access Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes (DTCs). DTCs can help pinpoint ignition
ine management problems.

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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.