
5
EWS
EWS I
EWS  I  was    installed  on  vehicles  beginning  production 1/94,  replacing  the  original  Drive
Away Protection System.
Purpose of the System
The next level of compliancy with the European Insurance Commission required additional
changes from the previous system. An additional component was added called the Starter
Immobilization Relay.  This relay module provides added theft prevention and safety fea-
tures.
At  the  time  of  introduction  the  system  was  referred  to  as Electronic  Drive  Away
Protectionwhich in German is E
lectronische Wegfahrsperreor EWS.
The EWS I system consisted of the following components:
• Starter Immobilization Relay
• Door Lock Cylinders and Switch
• General Module
• Board Computer (if equipped)
• Transmission Range Switch
• DME Engine Speed Signal (Beginning 6/94 Production)
• DWA (E31)
System Components
Starter Immobilization Relay
The Starter Immobilization Relay was installed on E31, E34 and E36 vehicles.
It was in the following location:
E36     -In the relay carrier to the left of the steering column.
E31/E34-In the “A” pillar above the footwell kick panel speaker.
The Starter Immobilization Relay functions as a “Smart Relay”, a relay which receives inputs
from various sources looking at the proper combination of input signals before activating a
component, in this case the starter.
The Starter Immobilization Relay receives input from:
• Ignition Switch •   General Module •   Board Computer
• Trans Range Switch •   DME (>6/94)
And processes output to:
• Starter •   DME8510104 

6
EWS
Door Lock Cylinders and Switch
The door lock cylinders and switch input a High/Low signal into the GM informing the GM
of lock status.  The signal is High when the system is in Double Lock. 
General Module
The  GM  receives  the  High/Low  signal  from  the  door  lock  switch  and  outputs  a  High/Low
signal  to  the  Starter  Immobilization  Relay.  A  High  signal  indicates  the  vehicle  is  in  Double
Lock.
Board Computer
The Board Computer outputs a High/Low signal to the Starter Immobilization Relay. A High
signal indicates the Code function is active.
Transmission Range Switch
The  Transmission  Range  Switch  input  with  automatic  transmission  equipped  vehicles
allows the Starter Immobilization Relay  to provide a Neutral safety switch function.  A High
signal from the Trans range switch indicates the transmission is in Park or Neutral.  A Low
signal indicates the transmission is in a drive gear and will prevent starter operation.
DME
The  DME  is  both  an  input  device  (after  6/94)  and  an  output  device  of  the  Starter
Immobilization Relay.
Input
Starting with production 6/94, the DME “TD” (engine speed) signal was added to the inputs
of the Starter Immobilization Relay. This additional input allows the relay to provide a starter
protection  feature.  The  internal  relay  contact  (starter  operation)  opens  if  the  TD  signal
exceeds 60 Hz which equals the following engine speeds:
8510103
EWS I - 
Starter
Immobilizer
Relay
After 6/94
Driveaway
Protection
Signal
Range
Switch
Code 

10
EWS
Ring Antenna
The  Ring  Antenna  is  an  inductive  coil  installed  around  the  lock  cylinder  which  provides
power for the transponder in the key and the communication link (antenna) between the key
and the transmit/receive module.
Transmitter/Receiver Module
The  Transmitter/Receiver  module  supplies  power  to  the  transponder  through  the  ring
antenna  and  controls  the  flow  of  data  between  the  transponder  and  the  EWS II  control
module.
Data  transmission  between  the  transmitter/receiver  module  and  the  transponder  takes
place over a radio frequency of 125 KHz amplitude modulated AM signal.
The  transmitter/receiver  module  converts  the
analog  data  received  through  the  AM  signal  to
digital data and transfers it to the EWS II control
module  over  a  single  wire  bi-directional  data
interface.
8510109
8510110
Workshop Hint:
On E34 and E36 models the transmitter/receiver mod-
ule is located under the dash near the steering column.
On E 31, E38 and E39 models the transmitter/receiver
module is located in the steering column cover on the
right hand side of the column.
Inductive
coil
Ring Antenna
Transmitter
Receiver
Module
Transmitter/Receiver Module under Dash
Connector
to EWS II
Module
Ring Antenna
fits around the 
Lock Cylinder 

11
EWS
EWS II Control Module
The  EWS II  Control  Module  is  linked  to  the  BC,  GM,  DME,  Trans  Range  switch  and  the
starter for drive away protection operation. The module incorporates an integral starter relay
and stores data and codes for communication with the transponder chip.
The function of the EWS II module is to provide improved drive away protection for the vehi-
cle and it incorporates many features of previous systems:
• Lock out of the starter when the code function of the BC is set.
• Disable injection and ignition through the DME.
• Prevent starter engagement with engine running.
• Recognition of Park/Neutral position with automatic transmission.
New features that have been added:
• Disable injection, ignition and starter operation until a correct key is recognized.
• EWS and DME synchronization through the use of the ISN.  
• Release of double lock when a correctly coded key is switched on.
The EWS II control module stores the following data
for the key transponder inter-link:
• Key identification code- up to 10 keys.
• Key password.
• Changing code- up to 10 keys.
Workshop Hint:
On  E31,  E36,  E38  and  E39  models  the
EWS II  control  module  is  located  behind
the glove box in the electrical carrier.
On  E34  models  the  module  is  located  on
the  drivers  side  of  the  vehicle  behind  the
knee bolster.
8510106
Typical component locations
E36 shown 

14
EWS
• If the transponder accepts the password as correct the transponder releases the 
changing code (7) to the transmitter/receiver module which converts this AM signal to 
digital (8) and sends it to the EWS II module (9).
• If the changing code received by the EWS II module is correct, the status of the BC, 
transmission range switch and TD is examined. With correct input status the internal 
starter relay is energized and the starter motor begins to operate (10). At the same 
time the EWS II module sends the ISN to the DME via the single wire communication 
link (11).
• If the ISN code stored in the EWS II module matches that of the DME, the drive away 
protection is cancelled and injection and ignition is enabled.
• During the process of sending the ISN to the DME, the EWS II module sends a new 
changing code to the transponder through the transmitter/receiver and ring antenna. 
The  transponder  stores  the  changing  code  until
the next starting sequence.
8510122
8510124
10
11
Workshop Hints:
The entire process takes place in under 750ms.
If the starter operates, the key has been recognized as
OK  and  the  key  requires  no  further  diagnosis.  Check
status of ISN in DISplus or MoDic.
Recognition of a valid key by the EWS II module  caus-
es it to send an unlock signal to the GM if the vehicle is
in double lock.
Transponder
Chip in KeyTransmitter
Receiver
Module
EWS II
EWS II 

15
EWS
Replacement Procedures
Keys
Up  to  6  additional  keys  may  be  ordered  as  replacement  keys.  The  EWS  II  control  module
is codeable for only 10 keys (4 delivered with vehicle and 6 replacement). 
EWS II Control Module
Replacement EWS II Control Modules must be ordered VIN specific.  EWS II modules con-
tain  the  VIN  and  coding  from  the  factory  to  recognize  the  key  codes.  Modules  from  other
vehicles will not recognize keys as being valid and not start the engine.
EWS II Control Modules store the Central Coding Key (ZCS) and the VIN. If the EWS II con-
trol module is replaced the system must be ZCS coded (SIB 61 02 96 and TRI 61 01 95).
The  EWS II  module  must  be  synchronized  with  the  DME  (aligned).  There  is  no  limit  to  the
number of times the ISN may be changed in the EWS II module.
DME Control Module 
The  DME  Control  Module  is  not  ordered  VIN  specific  and  must  be  programmed  during
replacement. The ISN from the new DME must
be  transferred  to  the  EWS II  module  using  the
DISplus or MoDic.
Key Activation
Keys that are lost or stolen may be deactivated
or  made  to  not  operate  the  starter  functions.
The  SERVICE FUNCTIONS  of  the  DISplus  or
MoDic  for  EWS II  contains  a  “Bar/Release
Code”  function  that  activates  and  deactivates
keys  of  the  EWS II.    Any  key  may  be  “Barred”
except  the  key  in  the  ignition  at  the  time  of
deactivation. The lost or stolen key can be iden-
tified by the identification of the remaining keys.
There  is  no  limit  to  the  number  of  times  a  key
can be activated/deactivated.
EWS II Update
Beginning MY 1997 E31 and E36 vehicles with manual transmissions were updated to include a clutch
pedal position switch.  The clutch switch signal is provided by a hall-effect sensor providing a high sig-
nal when the clutch is depressed.
Note: A “Barred” key will not start the engine, it
will still unlockthe vehicle. 

17
EWS
Lock and Unlock Requests
The  lock  and  unlock  information  arrives  at  the  GM  over  the  P-Bus  from  the  door  module
and is sent via the K-Bus to the EWS III (3.2) control module.  This information informs the
EWS control module the lock status of the vehicle (lock/double lock). The EWS III (3.2) con-
trol module signals the GM over the K-Bus that an authorized key has been recognized and
requests the doors be removed from the double lock position.
Code Function
The code function status arrives at the EWS control module over the K-Bus. This informa-
tion  allows/disallows  vehicle  operation  based  on  code  status.  If  a  code  has  been  set  and
entered  correctly  during  the  start-up,  the  vehicle  will  operate  normally  based  on  the  other
inputs. Entering the code incorrectly will prevent vehicle operation.
Range Selector Position
Range selector position is still provided directly to the EWS III (3.2) control module from the
Transmission Range Selector Switch. Redundant information is provided over the K-Bus in
case of loss of signal from the range switch.
13 pin cable adapter P/N
61 3 190 for EWS III (3.2) diagnosis.
Workshop Hint:
If  the  starter  engages  the  following
inputs are functioning normally:
• Key
• Code Function
• Trans Range (Clutch Switch)
• Engine Speed
Don’t  waste  time  diagnosing  these
inputs
.
EWS
III 

18
EWS
Clutch Switch
A Hall-Effect Switch is added to the clutch system to inform the EWS III (3.2) control mod-
ule of clutch status. Input from the switch replaces the signal from the Trans Range Selector
Switch  on  manual  transmission  equipped  vehicles.  High  signal  status  indicates  the  clutch
is depressed and vehicle starting is allowed.
Principle of Operation
The starting sequence for the EWS III (3.2) is as follows:
• The key is inserted into the lock cylinder and switched “ON”.  The EWS III control mod-
ule is powered through KL R and sends a 125kHz AM signal to the ring antenna. The 
AM signal induces voltage in the key coil and powers up the transponder.
• Powered up, the key transponder sends the key identification code to the EWS III mod-
ule. The EWS III module verifies the key identification code and checks to see if the key
is enabled. If the key is correct and enabled, a password is sent to the transponder over
the 125kHz AM signal through the ring antenna.
• When the transponders accepts the password, it releases the changing code, which it 
received from the EWS III module during the last start-up operation, to the EWS III mod-
ule via the ring antenna.
• The EWS III module compares the changing code received from the transponder with 
the code stored in its memory and if they match the process is allowed to continue.
The EWS III module looks at the other inputs for correct status (e.g. Code function not
active, Transmission in P or N or clutch depressed, engine speed below specified RPM)
and energizes the the internal relay to begin starter operation.
• As the starter begins to operate, the EWS III module sends the ISN to the DME and if 
verified as correct by the DME, drive away protection is cancelled and injection and igni-
tion is enabled.   The EWS III module also sends a new changing code to the key 
transponder through the ring antenna.
Replacement Procedures
Keys
Up to 6 additional keys may be ordered as replacement keys. The EWS III (3.2) module is
codeable  for  only  10  keys  (4  delivered  with  vehicle  and  6  replacement).  The  keys  are
mechanically  matched  to  the  vehicle  with  the  lock  tumblers  and  electronically  matched  to
the EWS III (3.2) through unalterable coding.