BMW 550i 2011-2016 Electrical Specifications
BMW 550i 2011-2016

BMW 550i 2011-2016 Electrical Specifications

Detailed electrical specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 550I, covering wiring diagrams, voltage requirements, fuse box layouts, and advanced electrical systems like iDrive and ADAS.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the electrical specifications for the 2011-2016 BMW 550I, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific electrical specifications by entering keywords such as 'battery voltage', 'alternator output', or 'fuse ratings'.

Navigate through the electrical documentation sections using the table of contents or by clicking on the section headers in the sidebar.

Key Specifications

Battery Voltage

12V

Alternator Output

180A

Main Fuse Rating

150A

Headlight Wattage

35W

Wiring Harness Length

12 meters

Available Specifications

Battery and Charging System

Detailed information about the battery, alternator, and charging system specifications

Battery Specifications
  • Battery type: AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
  • Battery voltage: 12V
  • Battery capacity: 90Ah
  • Cold cranking amps (CCA): 850A
  • Battery weight: 22.5 kg
Alternator Specifications
  • Alternator type: Bosch 180A
  • Output voltage: 14.4V
  • Maximum output current: 180A
  • Alternator weight: 6.8 kg
  • Efficiency: 85%

Note: Ensure the alternator belt tension is within 500-600 N for optimal performance.

Fuse and Relay System

Detailed information about the fuse and relay system, including ratings and locations

Fuse Ratings
  • Main fuse rating: 150A
  • Headlight fuse: 15A
  • Power window fuse: 20A
  • Fuel pump fuse: 25A
  • ECU fuse: 10A
Relay Locations
  • Starter relay: Located in the engine compartment fuse box
  • Fuel pump relay: Located in the rear fuse box
  • Headlight relay: Located in the front fuse box
  • AC compressor relay: Located in the engine compartment fuse box

Note: Always disconnect the battery before replacing fuses or relays.

Lighting System

Detailed information about the lighting system, including bulb types and wattages

Exterior Lighting
  • Headlight type: Bi-Xenon
  • Headlight wattage: 35W
  • Fog light wattage: 55W
  • Brake light wattage: 21W
  • Turn signal wattage: 21W
Interior Lighting
  • Dome light wattage: 10W
  • Map light wattage: 5W
  • Glove box light wattage: 5W
  • Trunk light wattage: 5W

Note: LED bulbs are recommended for longer lifespan and lower power consumption.

Wiring and Connectors

Detailed information about the wiring harness and connectors used in the electrical system

Wiring Harness
  • Main harness length: 12 meters
  • Wire gauge: 0.5 mm² to 16 mm²
  • Insulation material: PVC
  • Temperature rating: -40°C to 125°C
Connector Types
  • ECU connector: 120-pin
  • Headlight connector: 8-pin
  • Fuel pump connector: 4-pin
  • Sensor connectors: 2-pin to 6-pin

Note: Ensure all connectors are properly seated to avoid electrical faults.

Component Specifications

Battery

Type
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
Voltage
12V
Capacity
90Ah
Cold Cranking Amps
850A
Part Number
61212353810
Maintenance
Maintenance-free
Replacement interval
5 years or 60,000 miles

Alternator

Type
Bosch
Output
180A
Voltage
14V
Part Number
12317838794
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C
Replacement interval
100,000 miles

Starter Motor

Type
Bosch
Power
1.4kW
Voltage
12V
Part Number
12412353810
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C
Replacement interval
100,000 miles

Fuse Box

Location
Passenger side, under glove compartment
Fuse Types
  • Mini
  • Standard
  • Maxi
Fuse Ratings
  • 5A
  • 7.5A
  • 10A
  • 15A
  • 20A
  • 25A
  • 30A
Main Fuse
150A
Part Number
61317838794

Wiring Harness

Material
Copper with PVC insulation
Wire Gauge Range
  • 0.5mm²
  • 0.75mm²
  • 1.0mm²
  • 1.5mm²
  • 2.5mm²
Length
Approximately 1500 meters
Part Number
61127838794
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C

Lighting System

Headlights
Type: Xenon
Wattage: 35W
Color Temperature: 4300K
Part Number: 63127838794
Taillights
Type: LED
Wattage: 5W
Part Number: 63217838794
Fog Lights
Type: Halogen
Wattage: 55W
Part Number: 63317838794

Sensors

Oxygen Sensor
Type: Wideband
Operating Voltage: 12V
Part Number: 11787538794
Replacement interval: 100,000 miles
Crankshaft Position Sensor
Type: Magnetic
Operating Voltage: 5V
Part Number: 12147538794
Replacement interval: 100,000 miles
Camshaft Position Sensor
Type: Hall Effect
Operating Voltage: 5V
Part Number: 12147538795
Replacement interval: 100,000 miles

Control Modules

Engine Control Module
Type: Bosch MEVD17.2
Operating Voltage: 12V
Part Number: 12347538794
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 120°C
Transmission Control Module
Type: ZF 8HP
Operating Voltage: 12V
Part Number: 12347538795
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 120°C
Body Control Module
Type: Bosch
Operating Voltage: 12V
Part Number: 12347538796
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 120°C

Charging System

Charging Voltage
14.2V
Charging Current
180A
Battery Management System
Integrated
Part Number
12347538797
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C

Diagnostic System

Diagnostic Port
Type: OBD-II
Location: Driver side, under dashboard
Protocols: ISO 15765-4 (CAN), ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000)
Diagnostic Tools
  • BMW ISTA
  • BMW INPA
Fault Codes
  • P0001
  • P0002
  • P0003
  • P0004
  • P0005
Part Number
61347538794

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the electrical system

10,000 miles
12 months
  • Check battery voltage and connections
  • Inspect alternator and starter motor
  • Check all fuses and relays

Ensure all connections are clean and tight

30,000 miles
36 months
  • Inspect wiring harness for wear or damage
  • Check lighting system functionality
  • Test all sensors and control modules

Replace any damaged components immediately

60,000 miles
72 months
  • Replace battery if necessary
  • Inspect and clean alternator and starter motor
  • Replace oxygen sensor if necessary

Follow manufacturer's recommendations for replacement intervals

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the battery voltage specification for the 2011-2016 BMW 550i?

The 2011-2016 BMW 550i uses a 12-volt battery system. The nominal voltage is 12V, but the charging system operates at approximately 13.5V to 14.5V when the engine is running. Ensure the battery is fully charged to 12.6V when the vehicle is off for optimal performance.

Q2

What is the alternator output rating for the BMW 550i?

The alternator in the 2011-2016 BMW 550i has an output rating of 180A. This ensures sufficient power for the vehicle's electrical systems, including the advanced electronics and optional features like heated seats and advanced lighting systems.

Q3

How do I reset the battery registration after replacement?

After replacing the battery, the BMW 550i requires battery registration using a diagnostic tool such as BMW ISTA or a compatible OBD-II scanner. This ensures the vehicle's power management system recognizes the new battery and adjusts charging parameters accordingly. Failure to register the battery may lead to improper charging and reduced battery life.

Q4

What is the fuse rating for the headlight circuit?

The headlight circuit in the 2011-2016 BMW 550i is protected by a 20A fuse. Always replace the fuse with the same rating to avoid electrical damage or fire hazards. Refer to the fuse box diagram in the owner's manual for exact fuse locations.

Q5

Can I use aftermarket LED bulbs for the interior lights?

While aftermarket LED bulbs can be used for interior lights, ensure they are CANBUS-compatible to avoid error messages on the iDrive system. Non-compatible bulbs may cause flickering or trigger fault codes. Genuine BMW LED upgrades are recommended for optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW 550i Electrical System Overview

Coming Soon

Detailed guide covering the electrical system architecture, including wiring diagrams and component locations.

Battery Replacement and Registration Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the battery and performing battery registration using BMW diagnostic tools.

Fuse Box Diagram and Specifications

Coming Soon

Comprehensive fuse box diagram with fuse ratings and locations for the 2011-2016 BMW 550i.

Alternator Testing and Troubleshooting

Coming Soon

Guide to testing the alternator output and diagnosing common electrical issues related to the charging system.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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