BMW 7 Series: Introduction

New Generation of Familiar Systems

General

Nowadays, the dynamic handling systems are subdivided into three groups according to the co-ordinate axis that their function relates to.

Development continued over the years with the EDC II (E24) and EDC III (E31, E38 and E39) and ultimately the EDC-K ("K" stands for continuous) in the E65.

The E65 then became the first model to feature a new vertical dynamics system called ARS Active Roll Stabilization, which was marketed as "Dynamic Drive".

The existing vertical dynamics systems are also complemented by the EHC electronic ride-height control system which made its BMW debut on the E39 (air springs on 2 wheels) and E53 (air springs on all 4 wheels).

With the arrival of the E70 came an increasing level of system integration in the area of dynamic handling and for the first time a central control unit was used for the vertical dynamics systems which was called the VDM Vertical Dynamics Management unit.

With the new VDC Vertical Dynamics Control function, independent electronic damper control for each wheel was realized for the first time.

On the E70, and subsequently also on the E71, VDC was combined with ARS under the name of Adaptive Drive.

On the F01/F02, that constant development of the vertical dynamics systems has continued and the new generation of vertical dynamics management is referred to internally as VDC II.

System Overview

General

The following systems are available on the F01/F02:

• Electronic ride-height control (EHC)
• Active Roll Stabilization (ARS)
• Electronic ride-height control (EHC)

VDC (also called VDC II) is fitted as standard on the F01/F02. ARS and EHC are offered as optional extras on the F01, whereas EHC is standard on the F02.

Components of Vertical Dynamics Control (standard equipment)

Fig. 102: Identifying Vertical Dynamics Control Components (Standard Equipment)

VERTICAL DYNAMICS CONTROL COMPONENT REFERENCE CHART

1. EDC_SVR
2. Ride-height sensor, front right
3. Front power distribution box
4. VDM
5. Handling setting switch
6. ICM
7. Ride-height sensor, rear right
8. EDC_SHR
9. Ride-height sensor, rear left
10. EDC_SHL
11. ZGW
12. Ride-height sensor, front left
13. EDC_SVL

Components of Active Roll Stabilization with VDC

Fig. 103: Identifying Active Roll Stabilization Components With VDC

ACTIVE ROLL STABILIZATION WITH VDC COMPONENT REFERENCE CHART

1. DME
2. EDC_SVR
3. Ride-height sensor, front right
4. Front power distribution box
5. VDM
6. ARS valve manifold
7. Instrument cluster
8. ICM
9. Ride-height sensor, rear right
10. EDC_SHR
11. Rear-suspension hydraulic motor
12. Ride-height sensor, rear left
13. EDC_SHL
14. SZL
15. ZGM
16. DSC
17. Ride-height sensor, front left
18. EDC_SVL
19. Hydraulic fluid reservoir
20. Front-suspension hydraulic motor

Components of electronic ride-height control

Fig. 104: Identifying Electronic Ride-Height Control Components

ELECTRONIC RIDE-HEIGHT CONTROL COMPONENT REFERENCE CHART

1. ZGM
2. Ride-height sensor, rear right
3. EDC_SHR
4. Rear power distribution box
5. EHC
6. Air supply relay
7. LVA, air supply unit
8. EDC_SHL
9. Ride-height sensor, rear left

Bus System Overview for Vertical Dynamics Systems

Fig. 105: Bus System Overview For Vertical Dynamics Systems

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

EHC - Electronic ride-height control
ZGM - Central Gateway Module
DME - Digital Motor Electronics
DSC - Dynamic stability control
SZL - Steering column switch cluster
ICM - Integrated Chassis Management
VDM - Vertical Dynamics Management
EDC SVL - Electronic Damper Control satellite, front left
EDC SHL - Electronic Damper Control satellite, rear left
EDC SVR - Electronic Damper Control satellite, front right
EDC SHR - Electronic Damper Control satellite, rear right

System Circuit Diagrams

VDC System Circuit Diagram

Fig. 106: VDC System Circuit Diagram

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. Ride-height sensor, front left
2. Ride-height sensor, front right
3. Electronic Damper Control satellite, front left
4. Electronic Damper Control satellite, front right
5. Central Gateway Module
6. Front power distribution box
7. Vertical Dynamics Management
8. Integrated Chassis Management
9. Connection for handling setting switch
10. Electronic Damper Control satellite, rear left
11. Electronic Damper Control satellite, rear right
12. Ride-height sensor, rear left
13. Ride-height sensor, rear right

VDC and ARS System Diagram

Fig. 107: VDC And ARS System Diagram

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. Electronic Damper Control satellite, front left
2. Dynamic Stability Control
3. Hydraulic fluid level sensor
4. Intake restrictor valve
5. Electronic Damper Control satellite, front right
6. Digital Motor Electronics/Digital Diesel Electronics
7. ARS valve manifold
8. Front suspension pressure sensor/rear suspension pressure sensor
9. Switch-position detector
10. Failsafe, directional control and pressure valves
11. Vertical Dynamics Management
12. Front power distribution box
13. Electronic Damper Control satellite, rear right
14. Electronic Damper Control satellite, rear left
15. Integrated Chassis Management
16. Ride-height sensor, rear left
17. Ride-height sensor, front left
18. Ride-height sensor, front right
19. Ride-height sensor, rear right
20. Connection for handling setting switch
21. Steering column switch cluster
22. Instrument cluster
23. Central Gateway Module

EHC System Diagram

Fig. 108: EHC System Diagram

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. Central Gateway Module
2. Ride-height sensor, rear left
3. Ride-height sensor, rear right
4. Air supply unit
5. Compressor unit
6. Solenoid valve, left side
7. Solenoid valve, right side
8. Air exhaust valve
9. Air supply relay
10. Rear power distribution box
11. Electronic ride-height control

EHC Pneumatics Diagram

Fig. 109: EHC Pneumatics Diagram

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. LVA, air supply unit
2. Compressor unit
3. Solenoid valve block

1. Air intake (by left rear light unit)
2. Pressure limiting/holding valve
3. Air exhaust valve
4. Solenoid valve, right side
5. Air spring, rear right
6. Air spring, rear left
7. Solenoid valve, left side
8. Restrictor
9. Restrictor
10. Air drier
11. Non-return valve
12. Electric motor
13. Compressor
14. Air cleaner
15. Air exhaust silencer

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