Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch - New
Bulletin61 01 00
General Electrical Systems
March 2000
SUBJECT
Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch
MODEL
E46 323i, 3281
SITUATION
Since January of 2000 production, the new Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch (EBS) replaced a conventional mechanical switch in E46 4-door sedan vehicles, which are equipped with the optional ski sack (option 464), or fold-down rear seats (option 465).
A battery disconnect switch serves as a simple way to interrupt load current for electrical components on vehicles which are not in use. When installed and utilized, the switch allows battery service intervals to be extended from 6 to 12 weeks on vehicles which are in transit or storage.
Note: The traditional (mechanical) battery disconnect switch will still be used in E38, E39, E36/7 as well as other E46 models including the 4-door versions equipped with ski sack or fold-down rear seats.
Before new vehicle delivery (QC1), or prior to a vehicle test drive on a public road, the Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch (EBS) kit should be removed from the vehicle and returned to your parts department. The EBS switch kit is a recyclable unit, and should be returned to BMW Warranty Parts Return Center using the same shipping procedure which applies to the mechanical disconnect switches however, separate containers must be used for the storage and shipping of mechanical and electronic switches.
PROCEDURE
The Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch (EBS) kit includes: magnetic pen with the holder, magnetic sensor with connecting cable, and electronic battery switch.
^ Magnetic pen in the holder, which is attached to the lower left (driver's side) corner of the outside surface of windshield.
The magnetic pen must be returned after removal.
^ Magnetic sensor with connecting cable, which is installed inside the vehicle and is attached to the driver's side sun visor bracket mounting points (1). The sensing surface is visible from the outside through the windshield.
The magnetic sensor must be returned after removal.
^ Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch (1) is installed between the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) and the main vehicle power supply line.
The disconnect switch must be returned after removal.
^ Signal line from the magnetic sensor to the electronic disconnect switch on the Battery Safety Terminal (routed underneath the rear seat to the trunk) remains in the vehicle after removal of the electronic switch kit.
To turn the battery switch "ON" (to connect power supply):
^ Hold the magnetic pen in front of, and at a small distance from the upper part of the magnetic sensor (marked "I") until LED light turns "ON".
To turn the battery switch "OFF" (to disconnect power supply):
^ Hold the magnetic pen in front of, and at a small distance from the lower part of the magnetic sensor (marked "0") until LED light turns "OFF".
IMPORTANT: Do not "tap" the head of the pen against, or scrape the pen across the glass; windshield scratches can result from either of the actions.
If the pen does not activate the magnetic sensor, make sure that the sensor is located no more than 1/4" away from the inside surface of the windshield.
In order to remove the Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch from the vehicle:
1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery.
2. Disconnect the two nuts from the bolt connections (2) on the Battery Safety Terminal (one securing vehicle's power supply cable to the electronic switch, the second one between electronic switch and the battery terminal). Remove the electronic disconnect switch (3).
3. Disconnect the 3-pin plug connector (1) between electronic switch (3) and the signal line. The signal line remains in the vehicle, and for this reason it should be attached to the vehicle's power cable with electrical tape to prevent any rattling noises.
4. Lift up the front edge of the rear seat cushion.
5. Disconnect the 3-pin connector of the signal line. Section (1) of the signal line remains in the vehicle, so for this reason it should be secured (2) by means of electric tape or "wire tie", and stored underneath the rear cushion.
6. Unscrew two Phillips screws from the mounting points of the magnetic sensor (1). Remove the sensor.
7. Install sun visor holding bracket, which is supplied with the vehicle, and can be found in the plastic bag (containing small items for vehicle preparation) in the trunk.
8. Remove the magnetic pen and its holder from the windshield.
9. Return the following components of the Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch to your parts department:
^ Magnetic sensor
^ Magnetic pen with holder
^ Electronic Disconnect Switch.
For packaging, reuse the plastic bag (or equivalent) found in the vehicle. Collected kits should be stored in separate containers (than mechanical, conventional switches), and should be returned to the BMW Warranty Parts Return Center.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information only.
DISCLAIMER
**FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, ON TIME, EVERY TIME**
For administrative convenience and to reduce costs, this bulletin may contain repair procedures for authorized BMW car centers and/or authorized BMW SAV centers. All references to SAVs and/or the X5 are ONLY intended for authorized BMW SAV centers. Furthermore, ONLY BMW SAV centers are authorized to perform repair and service work on SAVs.