2000 bmw z3 key sense wire?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Vehicle Wiring Information & File Requests
Forum Discription: Request Car Alarm, Car Stereo, Cruise Control, Remote Starter, Navigation, Mobile Video, and Other Vehicle Specific Wiring Info, Manuals, Tech Tips
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=116850
Printed Date: May 29, 2024 at 5:07 AM

Topic: 2000 bmw z3 key sense wire?

Posted By: jade_monkey07
Subject: 2000 bmw z3 key sense wire?
Date Posted: October 09, 2009 at 10:41 PM

lets start by me saying that i am an experienced installer on most vehicles, this is my first bmw. I'm installing an alarm/start combo on a 2000 z3. everything seems straight forward on the wiring but the car will not start without the key IN the tumbler. I have already wrapped the spare key with relay as per the norm. if we stick even a screw driver into the tumbler the car remote starts. We have tested every wire coming out of the barrel in any way and cant see anything that resebles a "keysense" wire. What am i missing? I'm tapped out on this one.

Please help!

Mike

Replies:

Posted By: Ween
Date Posted: October 10, 2009 at 9:19 AM

hi,

the keysense wire is the car recognizing a correct key in the ignition lock cylinder. the transponder in the key makes the keysense. the ring antenna wires go to the EWS module under the dash. used to go to the BMW dealer and buy another ring antenna...less than $20, wire it in as a change-over setup. use the little valet key (the plastic one) BMW provides.

Posted By: jade_monkey07
Date Posted: October 10, 2009 at 9:24 AM

thanks for the quick reply. why do none of the install guides tell you this? thier usually good for the little details, but none of the information we have at work, or could find on the net had anything about this

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: October 11, 2009 at 3:28 AM

The electrics are E46 based. The normal acc, purple MUST be wired as ign 2. I use the good old 556U, wired Euro fashion, i.e. without using the loop, loops don't seem to work on BMW and VAG cars, the transponder signal is too weak. Last DON'T use a regular key, you MUST use the grey valet key. There's no key sense as such on this vehicle, but the regular key transmits to the car and even charges it's battery through the ignition slot (via RF), some of the info will disable certain R/S functions. Keep all the electrics to the driver side, it's easier for instance to pick-up lock unlock functions in the driver kick panel and under dash, e.g. tach is the black wire on the diagnosic plug, in front of that is the floor light, pos going RED / blue to pick-up the door contacts.