Dead alarm

[zixel]

Hi,

First post, (of a few), as i've had my 1999 Z3 2.8 for 20 years now, and it's needing a little TLC!

Initially, the alarm. The fob stopped working a while back and I assumed it was the battery getting low, so I just used key in door for a good while as didn't use it much. However, after replacing the battery, still didn't work. I tried the resync thing, when you turn ignition on/off 5x then press the unlock 3x while holding unlock on fob. I still can't seem to get any life. So, I'm starting to think it's the main unit?

Am I right in thinking it's a single box that does the alarm and the fobs for locking?

If that's dead, I guess my route is to get another box of ebay or such? In which case, what's involved in that install? Is it just a swap out/in of the old one? Once installed, can I just do the same pairing thing as mentioned above to get my current keys to work with it?

Any advise much welcome

 

[DrWong]

No advice from me, but welcome to the forum and well done on having kept your Zed for 20 years

Someone should be along soon enough with advice re: alarm

 

[NZ00Z3]

Hi,

What part of the world are you in? The USA and Euro Z3's have different alarm set ups.

Maybe you could update your profile with your location and car details.

 

[zixel]

Hi,

What part of the world are you in? The USA and Euro Z3's have different alarm set ups.

Maybe you could update your profile with your location and car details.

It's a Euro model, I'm based in UK. The car is a 1999 pre-facelift model, 2.8. Profile changed too.

Thanks,

 

[NZ00Z3]

Thank you for updating your profile.

Are your alarm buttons part of the key or on a sperate FOB?

• If they are part of your key e.g. a 2 button or 3 button key, then your alarm is part of the General module 4 (ZKE4). INPA is the software tool I use to sort out these alarms. https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation
• If you have a separate alarm FOB, then you have a sperate alarm module in the module rack behind the glove box. Do a search on this forum for "Alpine Alarm". There will be various threads about it. I have not had to work on an Alpine alarm system, so can't help you there.

Do you have a set of wring diagrams for your Z3. They may help you sort out your alarm system. There are 6 sets of wiring diagrams that cover the production run of the Z3. Look in the "Resources section of this forum to find the wiring diagrams. See the blue ribbon at the top of your screen. Find out the build date of your Z3 (mm/yy). On page 1 of Resources, there are 2 sets of wiring diagram specific for UK Z3's. On page 2 of Resources, there are 4 sets of general Z3 wiring diagrams. The build date range that each set covers is on the bottom right corner of the first page. Select the one that covers your build date.

 

[zixel]

I control the alarm/central locking from the 3 button key fob. Which doesn't open unlock central locking anymore.

I saw in another thread that the central locking issue can often be cause by the fault boot loom too. So I might have a look at this to rule it out first.
It's this part right?

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/vemo-2292115.html

It's say's not for z3 2.8, but for the 3.0. There are no harnesses when I look under 2.8. I assume/hope, it is the same for all Z3's?

 

[t-tony]

The boot loom of doom exists on all Z3 as far as I'm aware. It passes from the boot lid into the car body at the left hand boot hinge.

Tony.

 

[zixel]

Thank you for updating your profile.

Are your alarm buttons part of the key or on a sperate FOB?

• If they are part of your key e.g. a 2 button or 3 button key, then your alarm is part of the General module 4 (ZKE4). INPA is the software tool I use to sort out these alarms. https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation
• If you have a separate alarm FOB, then you have a sperate alarm module in the module rack behind the glove box. Do a search on this forum for "Alpine Alarm". There will be various threads about it. I have not had to work on an Alpine alarm system, so can't help you there.

Do you have a set of wring diagrams for your Z3. They may help you sort out your alarm system. There are 6 sets of wiring diagrams that cover the production run of the Z3. Look in the "Resources section of this forum to find the wiring diagrams. See the blue ribbon at the top of your screen. Find out the build date of your Z3 (mm/yy). On page 1 of Resources, there are 2 sets of wiring diagram specific for UK Z3's. On page 2 of Resources, there are 4 sets of general Z3 wiring diagrams. The build date range that each set covers is on the bottom right corner of the first page. Select the one that covers your build date.

I checked the loom this morning and to me it looks in very good nick. I really dont think it looks faulty to the point where it would warrant a change. I think the wires to the lock must be fine too as I can use the key in the boot and it locks the doors. So I still feel it might be the box the fob talks to.

So I think I'll just bind this back up...

A couple of questions...

This light between the seats...

Never comes on now. I'm sure it's the alarm light and used to come on when I locked the door with the fob. Now when I lock the door with the key in lock, the central locking closes the other door and boot.. question is, should this activate the alarm too for the key in the door?

Is it possible to arm/disarm the alarm without fob?

I'm a little confused about the separation of duties here with regards to what controls what? In my head I assume the my Z3 has a box which controls the RF to the fob, the alarm and central locking? Is this the case or not? Therefore I'm confused why the fobs don't work, the alarm appears not to, yet central locking with key does work.

It's probably beyond me to debug the modules via connecting scanners and thing or digging deep into the wiring or the vehicle. But swapping out a possible faulty box (cost dependant) might be in scope.

One of my concerns about swapping the alarm/central locking control box, would be that I couldn't then pair my keys to it?

Any advise what would be my best course of action?

 

[Stevo7682]

Just out of curiosity did your obc failure happen a similar time to your alarm failure

 

[zixel]

Just out of curiosity did your obc failure happen a similar time to your alarm failure

The fob stopped working a month or so before. The OBC more recently. I just took it to to bits. Fried..

I'm pretty sure it's from water damage. Had a few week of not stop rain and it had zero use in the time, I think it was just too wet and full of condensation inside, probably shorted it as in the pic bellow and burned all the the section away....

Close up ...

It's possible the alarm box has some similar issue. The car had a hard wet winter of little use..

 

[ktnez99]

It's a Euro model, I'm based in UK. The car is a 1999 pre-facelift model, 2.8. Profile changed too.

Thanks,

Snap! What colour? And welcome

 

[ktnez99]

Have you thought about getting a good auto electrician involved?

 

[zixel]

Snap! What colour? And welcome

Cosmos Black


I just cleaned up the contacts and put it all back togehter and it almost works! lol

Looks like the unit is working.. the modes change when i press the steering wheel stalk. Just the LCD display that is trashed.

Wish I knew where to get hold of just the LCD panel in it!! I think I'd be sorted. Just need this bit!!

If someone can tell where the central locking/alarm box is (and how to get it out) I might try the same thing a take it to bit to check for water damage...

 

[NZ00Z3]

The Radio Frequency (RF) receiver is in the inside rear view mirror. Do a Google search on how to synch your BMW key to the central locking. Give it a try, it might be all you need to do.

The ZKE4 is in the module rack behind the glovebox, It's the one with 3 large electrical connectors. As it is locking and unlocking the doors/boot/trunk with the key in the door, it is less likely to be your problem. If you change it, it will need to be programed to your car.

The central locking will not work off the FOB it one of the doors is open. Turn your inside light on to door control. Close all door and let the light time out (10 -15 seconds). If the light stays on, with your knee, push each door closed a bit more and hold it there to see if the light times out. If it does then the door switch (square hidden behind the door latch) is the problem. Change the door latch or build up the square button with something durable.

 

[zixel]

Thanks for the reply.

The Radio Frequency (RF) receiver is in the inside rear view mirror. Do a Google search on how to synch your BMW key to the central locking. Give it a try, it might be all you need to do.

I've exhaustedly tried this process as I thought this would be the issue. Just doesn't do anything. I can see the key goes into paring mode from the way it flashes after I follow the sequence. But the car shows nothing. I wish there was a way to see the car was in paring mode too. Other that turning the key to position one and taking the key out, is there anything? Is the alarm light between the seats meant to show any feedback it's paring? Is there anyway to see if the car is 'ready' for the paring?

The ZKE4 is in the module rack behind the glovebox, It's the one with 3 large electrical connectors. As it is locking and unlocking the doors/boot/trunk with the key in the door, it is less likely to be your problem. If you change it, it will need to be programed to your car.

Sounds beyond a home repair if requires programming to car. I was hoping swap and pair keys again! :/

The central locking will not work off the FOB it one of the doors is open. Turn your inside light on to door control. Close all door and let the light time out (10 -15 seconds). If the light stays on, with your knee, push each door closed a bit more and hold it there to see if the light times out. If it does then the door switch (square hidden behind the door latch) is the problem. Change the door latch or build up the square button with something durable.

Just tried this. For the door it looks right. If the light is in door control mode. If I open the door and turn the key to position one the light stays on ( must know door is open). If I close the door, open it again so light comes on, then close the door, then turn key to position 1, light goes off right away. If the boot is open or closed, it makes no difference to this process. If the boot is open the cabin light behaves like 'doors closes'. I think this is probably right - maybe someone can confirm this on their car? so boot open - light goes off when turn key to position 1 so long as all doors closed.

I also tried central locking with key, with doors and boot open in various combinations. Seem all the locks activate via key, regardless if open or closed.

Still leaves me back to thinking all wiring and connections are sound and it's what the fob talks to.

Is there ANYWAY you can make the red light between the seats activate in some way without the fob? So I can rule in/out if that unit (or part of unit that deals with FOB/Alarm) is dead or not?

 

[NZ00Z3]

The Red light only flashes when the alarm has been activated.

• It flashes once every 2 seconds for about 30 seconds then goes out. This shows that the alarm is functioning correctly and is set.
• It flashes every second for about 30 seconds then goes out. This shows that the alarm is set, but there is an alarm switch somewhere that is not closed, e.g. bonnet/hood switch, radio switch, door switch.

You can check that the key is paired to the car with INPA. Since you have already decided not to get INPA, this knowledge is of little use to you.

Confirming things with INPA is the next step. Maybe someone on the Forum is a lot closer to you and I am and has INPA so can help you.

 

[zixel]

The Red light only flashes when the alarm has been activated.

• It flashes once every 2 seconds for about 30 seconds then goes out. This shows that the alarm is functioning correctly and is set.
• It flashes every second for about 30 seconds then goes out. This shows that the alarm is set, but there is an alarm switch somewhere that is not closed, e.g. bonnet/hood switch, radio switch, door switch.

You can check that the key is paired to the car with INPA. Since you have already decided not to get INPA, this knowledge is of little use to you.

Confirming things with INPA is the next step. Maybe someone on the Forum is a lot closer to you and I am and has INPA so can help you.

I'll give the INPA thing a go!

I need something like this?

OBD2 Diagnostic USB Interface Cable For BMW INPA/Ediabas K+D CAN with Switch | eBay

TypeBMW INPA with Switch. 1pc x For BMW INPA K+CAN Cable with Switch. Interface USB OBD2 for BMW - INPA/Ediabas - K+DCAN allows full diagnostic of BMW from 1998 to 2008 (all functions as in OMNITEC interface).

www.ebay.co.uk

And install the software here;

Car-Programmer | BMW Latest Inpa standard tools instalation video

Latest Sp-Daten v65 software version of Bmw standard tools available to download

www.car-programmer.co.uk

That gets me going?

 

[NZ00Z3]

This is another resource for you. I know this INPA pack installs and works. https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation

 

[zixel]

This is another resource for you. I know this INPA pack installs and works. https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation

Thanks,

From reading the cable I needs It seems this is the one;

INPA K + Dcan Diagnostic Cable Switched Fits BMW | eBay

Modified to use with Ediabs - INPA - NSC - Expert - DIS. NOT MADE OR APPROVED BY BMW BUY AT YOUR OWN RISK. This cable is designed for BMWs using K-Line protocols builtbefore March 2007 andD-can up to 2013.

www.ebay.co.uk

(it's from UK)

Does it seem right to you, if so I'll order.

Also, I saw this too;

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWKcWBMESDQ

Seems that on a 1999 Z3 you can do tiny mod to the 20 cap in engine to access the full modules from the internal ODB2 port, so don't the the 20 pin adapter. Anyone know if this is legit?

 

[ktnez99]

Whereabouts are you based? Perhaps one of the ZedSheds might be able to help you get this resolved or a forum member who already has the kit.