Ignition Starter Switch: E60, E61, E63, E64 Up To 09/2005:

Installation location 

The ignition starter switch is fitted on the right-hand side of the steering column.

Fig 1: Identifying Ignition Starter Switch Components: E60, E61, E63, E64 Up To 09/2005

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Construction 

A gearwheel transfers the motion of the ignition key turning in the lock cylinder to the ignition starter switch. 4 Hall sensors are installed in the ignition starter switch. The Hall sensors read the ignition key position without contact being made. The ignition starter switch also contains the ring antenna for checking the transponder in the ignition key.

The ignition starter switch is connected to the CAS control unit by a 14-pin connector.

How it works 

The ignition starter switch switches terminals R, 15 and 50.

The ignition key position is monitored electronically so that an ignition key without  a valid transponder does not  switch the various terminals mechanically. The terminal status is only forwarded to the electrical system if the ignition key has an authorized transponder. This fully electronic access to the vehicle has the following benefits:

• Increased reliability of the terminal signals thanks to wear-free redundant sensors
• defined switching behavior of terminal outputs
• electronic means of accessing the vehicle, e.g. for independent heating and for telestart (remote starting of the engine)

Four Hall sensors are installed in the ignition starter switch. The Hall sensors read the status of the terminals via a matrix.

Fig 2: Identifying Hall Sensors

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.