Page 10 of 30

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 
     
        
        Page 18 of 30

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. 
     
        
        Page 21 of 30

21
EWS
DME Control Module
The DME Control Module has changed in that it is not the source of the ISN but now only
stores the “Rolling Code”.  It compares the “Codes” to those sent to it by the EWS III (3.3)
control module. The “Rolling Code Table” assigned to the DME must match the table in the
EWS III  (3.3)  module.  The  “Rolling  Code  Table  is  “burned”  into  the  DME  during  the  pro-
gramming of the DME and cannot be change once “burned”.
Transmission Range Selection Input
With  the  introduction  of  the  SKE  type  connectors  on  Transmission  Control  Modules  the
direct input from the Transmission Range Selector Switch is eliminated. The input for range
selection is now received from the AGS Control Module. 
On manual transmission vehicles clutch status is input directly into the DME.
Principle of Operation
The starting sequence of the EWS III (3.3) is as follows:
(Same as EWS III (3.2)
• The key is inserted into the lock cylinder and switched “ON”.  The EWS III (3.3) control
module 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 (3.3)
module. The EWS III (3.3) 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 (3.3) module during the last start-up operation to the EWS III
(3.3) module via the ring antenna.
• The EWS III (3.3) 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 contin-
ue. The EWS III (3.3) module looks at the other inputs for correct status (e.g. Code func-
tion not active, Transmission in P or N or clutch depressed, engine speed below spec-
ified RPM) and energizes the the internal relay to begin starter operation.