Battery Discharge With Key Inserted In Ignition Lock (61 205 04)

Publication date: 2006-10-05
Reference number: 61 205 04
Supersedes refnos: 61 17 06

BATTERY DISCHARGE WITH KEY INSERTED IN IGNITION LOCK

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): SI B 61 17 06, Date of Issue: October 5, 2006

BMW:	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)
GROUP:	General Electrical Systems

Superceded Bulletin(s): S.M. 61 205 04, Date of Issue: May 2004

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

SUBJECT

Battery Discharge with Key Inserted in Ignition Lock

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.