General information for service staff on power supply

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 528xi, 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not connect a trickle-charger to the cigarette lighter.

Power is fed to the cigarette lighter from the rear power distributor via a relay. This relay is deactivated when terminal 15 is switched off. That means that a trickle-charger connected to the cigarette lighter is separated from the battery. Only recharge the battery using the external-start support point. Only then can the energy fed into the vehicle be registered.

Intelligent battery sensor

IMPORTANT: Risk of irreparable damage if mechanically stressed

Do not attach any additional connections to the negative terminal of the battery.
Do not modify the ground cable in any way.
The ground cable also serves to carry off heat.
Do not create a connection between the IBS (intelligent battery sensor) and the sensor screw.
Do not use force when disconnecting the terminal clamp from the battery terminal:
- Do not pull on the ground cable.
- Do not apply any tools under the IBS to lever off the terminal clamp.
Do not use the IBS connections as a lever.
Use a calibrated torque wrench with tightening torque set according to the Repair Instructions.
Do not loosen or tighten the sensor screw (Torx screw).
Prevent direct contact between the IBS and ground.

Change battery

IMPORTANT: Risk of irreparable damage to the IBS and the wires when changing the battery

When the battery is replaced, the IBS (intelligent battery sensor) and the wires could be damaged beyond repair by mechanical stressing.

Please note the following when replacing the battery:

Always proceed in accordance with the Repair Instructions.
Avoid subjecting the integrated battery sensor to mechanical stress.

NOTE: When changing the battery, perform service function "Register battery renewal".

When changing the battery, use the battery size (capacity) installed in production. The battery size needed for the vehicle is encoded in the Car Access System (CAS) and in the engine electronics (DME/DDE).

If a battery with a different capacity is fitted, the CAS must be recoded. Run "Battery" retrofit with Progman.
Erase any fault memory entry in the engine control unit relating to the battery replacement.

Micro-power module until 09/2005

> From 09/05, MPM function is integrated into the body-gateway module (KGM)

If consumers are cut off from the vehicle electrical system by the MPM, a fault will be registered in the fault memory. The following faults can be read off in the BMW diagnosis system:

Fault at terminal 15
Cutoff with information about switch-off conditions.
The information about the switch-off conditions is stored in the info memory used for storing additional information.
Undervoltage
Contact fault in relay contacts

Fault at terminal 15

If there is a different level at terminal 15, pin 14 and in the CAN message, the MPM will register a fault in the fault memory.
The MPM cyclically monitors the relay contacts every 100 milliseconds (ms) from terminal 15 ON. If the relay contacts do not remain closed, despite the switch-on conditions being satisfied, an entry will be made in the fault memory.

Alternator

Alternators manufactured by Bosch and by Valeo are installed on 5- and 6-Series vehicles.

Air-cooled alternator models are used.
The alternator model used depends on the engine installed and the vehicle's equipment specification.