General Information

Remote RF (Keyless) Entry







The keyless entry system is similar in operation to the keyless system on the E31 840 and E34 540. The system is made up of the following components:
- The key (which also contains the transmitter)
- The receiver module; mounted in the vehicle behind the left rear seat backrest,
- The receiver antenna; located below the rear parcel shelf.

Up to four keys can be coded to operate the remote system. The operating range of the system is approximately 15 meters depending on country version.

Features of the remote system include:
- Selective unlocking of the driver's door.
- Remote unlocking / locking of the trunk.
- Interior lights activation.
- Panic mode alarm activation.

Keyless Entry Operation







The remote entry control module (FBZV) is connected to the K-Bus. All commands from the transmitters are received by the control module and sent over the K-Bus to the GM III.

All locking/unlocking, window/sunroof and DWA operations are carried out through the GM III, door and sunroof modules,

Transmitter Operation







The buttons on the transmitter provide the flowing functions:

Button #1.(LOCKING)
- Locking and DWA arming when pressed once.
- Interior lights "ON" when pressed on a locked vehicle.

Button #2.(UNLOCKING)
- Driver's door unlocked/DWA disarmed, interior lights "ON" when pressed once.
- Total unlocking when pressed twice.
- Convenience opening when pressed and held (after pressing once or twice).

BUTTON #3.
- Trunk lid opened when pressed.
- Panic mode when pressed and held (alarm activation).

Transmitter LED
The LED on the transmitter provides feedback of system operation and battery condition.

The LED flashes in the following sequences:
- One flash indicates that the message was sent and the batteries are OK.
- A quick flashing LED indicates that the convenience opening signal is being sent.
- A slow flashing LED indicates that initialization procedure was successful.
- A steady on LED indicates that the hardware/software of the transmitter are OK.
- No LED activity could indicate discharged batteries or a defective transmitter.

Transmitter Self-Test












Pressing buttons #1 and #3 at the same time will start a self-test of the transmitter. The transmitter is OK when the LED comes on steady for one second. If the LED fails to come on, try replacing the batteries before discarding the transmitter.

The state of charge of the transmitter batteries is monitored by the control module. Once the voltage level of the transmitter drops below 4.5 volts, the LED will no longer signal transmitter operation. Convenience opening, initialization and self-testing are no longer possible. The control module will store the low battery level and post a message in the check control display will the door is opened.


NOTE: Replacing the batteries within one minute will not require a new initialization procedure.


Transmitter Initialization







Up to four transmitters can be coded to operate the remote system. All transmitters must be initialized at the same time. The initialization procedure is as follows:
1. All doors closed.
2. Switch KI. R on and off, within max. 5 seconds.
3. Press and hold button #2 on the transmitter.
4. Press button #1 three times.
5. Release button #2, the LED flashes for 10 seconds. A successful initialization is followed by the doors locking/unlocking.
6. All remaining transmitters must be initialized by completing steps 3 through 5.
7. When initialization is complete, switch KI. R back on.

If the acknowledgement signal of the doors locking/unlocking does not follow the initialization procedure, the process must be repeated. If the ignition is switched on during the process, the initialization procedure is cancelled,

Remote System Coding
As with previous keyless entry systems, the E38 remote system uses coded signals for security purposes. The code signal sent by the transmitter is changed every time the vehicle is locked/unlocked with the transmitter. A separate code word group is used for each transmitter that is initialized to the system. This allows for each transmitter to operate independently of the others.

Due to the changing of the code each time the buttons are pressed, the system allows for a lack of synchronization between the transmitter and receiver. This would occur if the buttons on the transmitter are pressed inadvertently.

Up to 100 erroneous actuations of the transmitter are automatically corrected for by the control module. If more than 100 actuations are present, the operator need only to press the button a second time to restore the system operation.

If more than 1000 erroneous actuations exist, the complete transmitter group must be reinitialized.

Battery Replacement







Two lithium batteries are used to supply power to the transmitter. When replacement is necessary, remove the screw and cover from the rear of the transmitter to access the batteries.

BATTERY P/N: 61 35 8 364 946


NOTE: Replacing batteries within one minute will not require a new initialization procedure.