Battery - Discharges With Key Left In Ignition Switch

SI B 61 17 06
October 2006

General Electrical Systems
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.M. 61 205 04 dated May 2004.

SUBJECT
Battery Discharge with Key Inserted in Ignition Lock

MODEL
E36 (3 Series), E38 (7 Series), E39 (5 Series), E46 (3 Series), E52 (Z8), E53 (X5), E83 (X3), E85 (Z4) with electronic immobilizer 3 (EWS 3)

SITUATION
There is a possibility of the battery eventually discharging if the driver leaves the vehicle parked up for a long period without removing the key from the ignition lock completely.

CAUSE
If the key is not removed from the ignition lock completely (semi-removed status), there is a critical distance between the key and the ring antenna where the EWS will detect statuses permanently changing between "key inserted" and "key removed". This will result in a permanent closed circuit current of approximately 800 mA.

PROCEDURES
In the event of a complaint, explain to customer that he should either leave the key fully in the ignition lock, or remove the key from the ignition lock completely.

Parts replacement does not provide a remedy.





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