2006 BMW X5 tailgate

INTRODUCTION
The Central Body Electronics (ZKE III) equipped on the X5 includes the following sub-
systems under the total scope of its control:
• Windshield/tailgate wiping/washing,
including windshield rain sensor (AIC).
• Interior lighting
• Central locking
• Keyless entry
• Tailgate release
The following is an overview of new or changed features found on the X5 ZKE III variant.
• Passenger’s door module is now incorporated into the passenger’s door switchblock
module.
• Sunroof module (SHD) located on the K bus.
• The Central Locking system uses a new style door lock actuator with hall effect sensors
similar to E46.
• The GM III is responsible for the Key Memory feature. It provides the added
convenience of identifying users of the vehicle. Whenever the vehicle is locked or
unlocked via the FZV keyless entry system, a unique key identification signal (key
number) is transmitted to the General Module.
The key identification signal alerts the GM to communicate with other control systems
over the K Bus to store (when locked) or reset (when unlocked) certain driver adjustable
settings for the driver using the specific key. The GM also resets certain driver
adjustable settings that it controls directly.
• Power windows/Sunroof
• DWA alarm system
• Mirror - adjustment/memory/heating
• Seat adjustment/memory
• Steering column adjustment/memory
• Consumer cut-off/sleep mode
ZKE - 2

RADIO
UNLOADER
RELAY
ZKE - 5
An additional fuse panel is located
in an electrical carrier located at
the right rear of the cargo area.
The panel contains fuses 72 - 87.
The carrier also contains the
following relays
LOWER TAILGATE
ACTUATOR RELAY
REAR WINDOW
DEFROSTER
RELAY






  
 
  !
 "#$"  %
 "#
&'(" )
 (*+( ,
-./  !
01(2  !
*( !
* 1(3  
*+  4
$"  %
$" 

ZKE - 8
WINDSHIELD WASHING:
Pulling the Windshield Wiper Switch rearward closes the “wash” contact providing a
switched ground input to the GM. The GM activates the windshield washer pump directly
via a power output final stage transistor.
HEADLIGHT WASHING:
When the headlights are on, the headlight
washer pump is activated with the first
activation of the windshield washer pump.
The GM recognizes headlights on via K bus
signalling.
Within the same “on” cycle (ignition key has
not been switched off), it is only activated
again after five successive windshield washer
cycles.
The GM provides a ground on the headlight
washer relay control circuit providing pump
operation. The relay is located in the e-box.
The X5 uses three separate washer pumps
which are all easily accessible on the 5.3 liter
washer fluid reservoir located in the engine
compartment.
GM III
HEADLIGHT WASHER
RELAY
HEADLIGHT
WASHER
PUMP
WINDSHIELD
WASHER
PUMP
TAILGATE
WASHER
PUMP

REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER SYSTEM
The tailgate window wiper/washer system is included in the scope of ZKE however is not
controlled directly by the GM. The control electronics are integrated into the rear wiper
motor assembly. It contains two hall sensors, one for monitoring park position and other
for the end stop, or to signal reverse direction of the wiper motor.
The rear wiper system is operator controlled
through the wiper stalk switch providing the
following functions:
• Intermittent rear window wiping
• Programmed rear window wiping interval
• Operation of the rear window washer
Pressing the wiper stalk forward to the first
detent activates the rear wiper in the
intermittent mode.
The default timed interval is approximately 12 seconds. The full sweep and park positions
are recognized by the two hall sensors on the motor gear assembly. If the wiper is switched
OFF, the wiper blade will return to the park position.
The programmed wiper interval procedure is identical to the E39 sport wagon; Briefly
switch the rear wiper ON/OFF, Wait the desired interval time, Switch the rear wiper ON
again. The OFF time will be the programmed interval - up to approx. 30 seconds
Rear window washing is activated by pressing the wiper stalk switch to the full forward
position. The washer pump operates followed by two full wiping cycles. The wipers will then
switch to the intermittent wiping mode.
When the transmission is shifted into reverse, the wiper will switch to continuous operation
until the vehicle is shifted out of reverse. This high signal is provided by the LCM III when it
activates the back up lights.
ZKE - 9

ZKE - 14
CENTRAL LOCKING
SYSTEM FEATURES:
• The Central Locking system controls the door locks, tailgate locks and Fuel Filler Flap
actuators.
• The familiar single/double locking strategy is maintained from previous systems with a
new style door lock mechanismcombined with dual actuator motors similar to that
of the E46 ZKE V system.
• The automatic locking feature activates the door lock actuators when a road speed
signal of 7.5 MPH is detected via the K-Bus. The factory default encoding of this
feature is off, but can be encoded on for individual users with the Key Memory function.
• The Driver’s door lock location is the only point outside of the vehicle where the key can
mechanically control the central locking system functions. The lock incorporates the
familiar overrunning lock cylinder that breaks away and freewheels if an attempt is made
to destroy the lock with a screwdriver, dent puller, etc.
• The selective unlocking feature is maintained. A single unlock request from the driver’s
door with the key or via the remote transmitter unlocks the driver’s door only. A second
unlock request unlocks the remaining doors and trunk. This feature can be modified
for individual users with the new Key Memory capabilities to activate all lock actuators
simultaneously.
• When unlocked, the X5 uppertailgate can be opened by:
- the tailgate button in the center console SZM,
- trunk release switch pad located above the license plate, or
- the trunk release button on an FZV key.
• With the upper tailgate open, the lower tailgate is then opened by depressing the switch
located along it’s top edge.
• GM and EWS 3.3 interface via the K bus to monitor double lock status and to initiate
double lock override. This feature allows the doors to be opened from the inside if an
accepted EWS key is switched on in the ignition when double locked.

TAILGATE CONTROL
The tailgate can be opened from the following locations:
• Exterior tailgate switch pad above the license plate
• Interior remote tailgate button
• FZV radio key
The remote tailgate button is locked out when the GM
detects a vehicle speed signal > 4 MPH via the K-bus.
The switch has been incorporated into the SZM.
ZKE - 20

ZKE - 21
LOWER TAILGATE COMPONENTS
BOWDEN CABLES
LATCH POSTS
LATCH MECHANISMS
LOWER TAILGATE
LATCH ACTUATOR
ACTUATOR
MOUNTING PLATE
LOWER TAILGATE
ACTUATOR SWITCH
UPPER TAILGATE
LATCH POST
CABLE
LEVER
TAILGATE LOCK ACTUATORS
Each tailgate has a separate latching/actuator system. The upper tailgate actuator must first be
activated open before the lower tailgate actuator can be operated (program logic).
When closed, the tailgate actuator position switch provides a ground signal to the GM
signifying a "closed tailgate". This switch also serves as the tailgate open signal to
automatically switch the interior lights on.
The lower tailgate actuator operates a lever which pulls two bowden cables to unlatch the
outboard mounted latch mechanisms. The upper and lower latch mechanisms can also be
manually unlatched for if electrical malfunction occurs (refer to complete vehicle section).

REMOTE RF (KEYLESS) ENTRY
The X5 keyless entry system’s operation is carried over from the E38/E39. However, the
FZV key has undergone considerable redesign.
• The remote key receiver is part of
the antenna amplifier and is
installed in the center of the top
section of the tailgate.
The receiver produces a digital
signal based on the transmitter
command and sends it to the GM
for processing.
The GM then carries out all remote
lock system, window/sunroof
convenience closing features and
DWA arming/disarming functions.
• The frequency at which the key transmits the radio signal to the antenna amplifier is 315
MHz.
• The system is also used to convey the key identification number being used to
lock/unlock the vehicle. This is a requirement of the Key Memory feature covered further
on in this manual.
GM III
ZKE - 23
GM III