BMW 7 Series: Functions

Overview

The following outside mirror functions are possible depending on the vehicle equipment:

• Mirror adjustment in up/down and left/right directions
• Mirror heating
• Mirror fold-in
• Electrochromic mirror, outside mirror with memory function
• Automatic parking function
• Manual adjustment
• Motor protection by repeat interlock

Mirror Adjustment

Outside mirror adjustment High

The driver's door switch cluster is connected via the LIN-bus to the footwell module.

The footwell module checks the status of the mirror adjustment switch every 20 ms. The electronics in the driver's door switch cluster evaluates the mirror adjustment switch and sends the signal via the LIN-bus to the footwell module. In turn, the footwell module initiates activation of the adjustment motors.

To protect the mirror drive unit, the mirror adjustment is limited to a maximum activation time of 10 seconds.

Activation is maintained within this period of 10 seconds until the mirror adjustment switch is released.

Activation is also maintained until the outside mirror blocks or reaches its end position.

Detecting position of outside mirrors

The High version of the outside mirrors has two potentiometers that register the mirror adjustment. The potentiometers receive their 5V voltage supply from the electronic mirror module. The determined values of the potentiometers are stored in the footwell module for the memory function.

Mirror Heating

The mirror heating is operable as from terminal 15 ON.

Outside mirror

The mirror heating is activated by the footwell module. The corresponding information is passed on to the electronic mirror module via the LIN-bus.

The instrument cluster makes available the outside temperature value via the PT-CAN. The signal is transferred to the K-CAN2 by the central gateway module.

The junction box electronics provide the information for the wipers via the K-CAN2.

The percentage switch-on time is calculated from both values in the footwell module.

The following table shows the values for the percentage ON time:

MIRROR HEATING CAPACITY EVALUATION CHART

The percentage increase is still retained for 300 seconds after the wiper is switched off.

The maximum electric heating output is 28 W that is set by means of voltage and current measurement in the mirror.

Undervoltage

The electronic mirror module switches off the mirror heating in the event of undervoltage. This has a positive effect on the charge balance of the battery. The cutout threshold is at 10.8 V.

The electronic mirror module switches on the mirror heating again as from a voltage of 11.6 V.

Terminal 50

The "terminal 50 ON" status is output during the starting procedure. The mirror heating is switched off for the duration.

Mirror Fold-in

The mirror fold-in function is controlled by the footwell module. For this purpose, the footwell module requests the status of the mirror fold-in switch. The driver's switch cluster evaluates the mirror fold-in switch and forwards the request via the LIN-bus. The footwell module initiates the fold-in function.

The electronic mirror module receives the request and executes this function by activating the corresponding fold-in motor. The footwell module receives the request via the LIN-bus. Both outside mirrors are folded in towards the vehicle thus reducing the vehicle width.

Electrochromic Outside Mirrors

The automatic dip function (anti-dazzle) of the outside mirrors is dependent on the setting of the interior rearview mirror. The function is available as from "terminal 15 ON".

The interior rear-view mirror forwards the anti-dazzle request to the junction box electronics on the LIN-bus.

The junction box electronics transfer the request to the K-CAN. The footwell module is now able to receive the request.

The footwell module sends this request via the LIN-bus to the electronics in the outside mirrors. The electronics implement the request to dim the outside mirrors.

Outside Mirror with Memory Function

The outside mirror High features a memory function that is stored in the footwell module. Three memory locations are available for this purpose. They are:

• Current position when leaving the vehicle
• Memory position of memory button 1
• Memory position of memory button 2.

Identification transmitter

Up to three personalizable ID transmitters are possible per vehicle.

When the vehicle is locked using the ID transmitter, the current mirror position is stored in the memory location for the key memory of the ID transmitter currently used.

As a result, the mirror position last set, referred to the ID transmitter used, is always reassumed when the vehicle is unlocked.

Storing memory position

The position of the outside mirrors is stored in the footwell module by pressing the "M" button followed by pressing one of the memory buttons within 7 seconds.

The footwell module evaluates signals from the memory buttons on the LIN-bus and transmits this information on the K-CAN2. As a result, the seat module also knows when to store the current seat position.

Calling up memory position

When the memory button is pressed, the footwell module receives the request to adjust the outside mirrors to the memory position. The footwell module sends the request to the K-CAN2. The seat module is therefore aware of the request and instructs the seat to move to the memory position.

Automatic Parking Function

The outside mirror on the front passenger's side is swivelled downward when reverse gear is engaged so that the curb can be easily viewed.

The automatic parking function is activated under following conditions:

• Terminal 15 ON and
• Reverse gear signal and
• Mirror selector switch set to driver position.

The footwell module receives the reverse gear signal via the K-CAN2. The automatic transmission control unit then makes this signal available.

Folding Mirror Manually

The outside mirrors can be folded in or out manually. The outside mirrors could lose their set position when folded in or out manually. It may be therefore necessary to fold out the outside mirrors, fold them in and then fold them out again.

The outside mirrors will then again be in the correct locked position.

Motor Protection by Repeat Interlock

The outside mirrors feature a repeat inhibit facility to avoid thermal overheating by frequently folding the mirrors in and out. The motors cannot be activated for 180 seconds when the repeat inhibit is active.

Mirror Auto Remote Fold-in Function (Comfort Function)

The auto remote fold-in function for the outside mirrors can be activated through following components:

• Identification transmitter
• Driver's door lock cylinder
• Outer door handle.

For example, the "Lock" button on the ID transmitter must be pressed for longer than 5 seconds to trigger the fold-in function. Fold-in is then initiated. Initially, the panoramic glass roof is closed, followed after a time delay by the front/rear windows.

With the option "Fold-in outside mirrors" The outside mirrors are folded in simultaneously with closing the rear windows.

READ NEXT: