BMW 640i 2011-2018 Electrical Specifications
BMW 640i 2011-2018

BMW 640i 2011-2018 Electrical Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the electrical system of the 2011-2018 BMW 640i. Includes wiring diagrams, fuse layouts, control module details, and diagnostic procedures.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the electrical specifications for the 2011-2018 BMW 640I, 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', 'fuse ratings', or 'wiring diagrams'.

Navigate through the electrical documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the document. Each major section is labeled clearly for easy access.

Key Specifications

Battery Voltage

12V

Alternator Output

180A

Headlight Power

35W

Fuse Rating

150A (Main)

Wire Gauge Range

0.5mm² to 16mm²

Available Specifications

Battery and Charging System

Details about the battery specifications, charging system components, and related electrical measurements.

Battery Specifications
  • Battery type: AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
  • Battery voltage: 12V
  • Battery capacity: 90Ah
  • Cold cranking amps (CCA): 850A
Charging System
  • Alternator output: 180A
  • Charging voltage range: 13.5V - 14.8V
  • Voltage regulator type: Integrated
  • Battery monitoring system: IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor)

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

Fuse and Relay System

Information about fuse ratings, relay locations, and circuit protection mechanisms.

Fuse Ratings
  • Main fuse rating: 150A
  • Standard fuse ratings: 5A, 7.5A, 10A, 15A, 20A, 25A, 30A
  • Fuse box locations: Engine compartment, glove compartment, trunk
  • Fuse material: Blade-type
Relay System
  • Relay types: Mini ISO, Micro ISO
  • Relay locations: Junction box in engine compartment
  • Relay control: Integrated into FRM (Footwell Module)
  • Relay switching capacity: 30A

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

Lighting System

Technical details about the vehicle's lighting system, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting.

Exterior Lighting
  • Headlight type: Bi-Xenon with adaptive LED
  • Headlight power: 35W per bulb
  • Taillight type: LED
  • Fog light power: 55W
Interior Lighting
  • Dome light type: LED
  • Dome light power: 5W
  • Ambient lighting: RGB LED with adjustable brightness
  • Reading light power: 3W

Note: LED lights are not serviceable and require module replacement if faulty.

Wiring and Connectors

Details about the wiring harness, connectors, and electrical routing.

Wiring Harness
  • Wire gauge range: 0.5mm² to 16mm²
  • Harness material: Copper with PVC insulation
  • Harness routing: Engine compartment, underbody, interior
  • Harness protection: Conduit and loom
Connectors
  • Connector types: AMP, Deutsch, Molex
  • Pin count: 2 to 48 pins
  • Sealing: IP67 rated for water resistance
  • Terminal material: Tin-plated copper

Note: Use a proper terminal removal tool to avoid damaging connectors.

Component Specifications

Battery

Type
AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
Voltage
12V
Capacity
90Ah
Cold Cranking Amps
850A
Part Number
61217604810
Maintenance
Maintenance-free
Replacement interval
5 years or 60,000 miles
Safety Notes
Ensure ignition is off before disconnecting to avoid electrical system damage

Alternator

Type
Bosch
Output
180A
Voltage
14V
Part Number
12317838796
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C
Efficiency
85%
Replacement interval
100,000 miles
Cross Reference
Battery, voltage regulator

Starter Motor

Type
Bosch
Power Rating
1.4kW
Voltage
12V
Part Number
12417707235
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 100°C
Replacement interval
150,000 miles
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for voltage drop during cranking, should not exceed 0.5V

Ignition System

Spark Plug Type
Bosch ZR5TPP33
Spark Plug Gap
0.032 inches
Ignition Coil Type
Bosch
Ignition Coil Resistance
0.5-0.7 ohms
Part Number
12137548073
Replacement interval
60,000 miles
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for misfires using BMW diagnostic software

Lighting System

Headlight Type
Xenon
Headlight Power
35W
Headlight Part Number
63117284871
Taillight Type
LED
Taillight Part Number
63217284872
Fog Light Type
Halogen
Fog Light Power
55W
Fog Light Part Number
63117284873
Replacement interval
As needed
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for burnt-out bulbs and wiring integrity

Fuse Box

Location
Passenger side dashboard
Fuse Type
Mini blade
Fuse Ratings
  • 5A
  • 7.5A
  • 10A
  • 15A
  • 20A
  • 25A
  • 30A
Part Number
61317838797
Maintenance
Inspect fuses every 30,000 miles
Safety Notes
Always replace with the same amperage rating

Wiring Harness

Material
Copper with PVC insulation
Wire Gauge Range
18-12 AWG
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to 105°C
Part Number
61117838798
Maintenance
Inspect for wear and corrosion every 30,000 miles
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for continuity and resistance using a multimeter

Sensors

Oxygen Sensor Type
Planar
Oxygen Sensor Part Number
11787548074
Crankshaft Position Sensor Type
Hall Effect
Crankshaft Position Sensor Part Number
12147548075
Camshaft Position Sensor Type
Hall Effect
Camshaft Position Sensor Part Number
12147548076
Replacement interval
100,000 miles
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for proper voltage and signal output using BMW diagnostic software

Control Modules

Engine Control Module Type
Bosch MEVD17.2
Engine Control Module Part Number
12347548077
Transmission Control Module Type
ZF
Transmission Control Module Part Number
12347548078
Body Control Module Type
Bosch
Body Control Module Part Number
12347548079
Replacement interval
As needed
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for fault codes using BMW diagnostic software

Charging System

Alternator Output
180A
Battery Charging Voltage
13.8-14.4V
Charging System Efficiency
85%
Part Number
12317838796
Maintenance
Inspect belt tension and condition every 30,000 miles
Diagnostic Specifications
Check for proper voltage output and charging system performance

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the electrical system

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Inspect battery terminals and connections
  • Check alternator belt tension and condition
  • Inspect wiring harness for wear and corrosion

Ensure all connections are clean and secure

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Replace spark plugs
  • Inspect and test ignition coils
  • Check and replace fuses as needed

Use only BMW-approved parts for replacements

100,000 miles
84 months
  • Replace oxygen sensors
  • Inspect and test all control modules
  • Check and replace starter motor if necessary

Perform a full diagnostic scan using BMW software

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the voltage rating for the 2011-2018 BMW 640i electrical system?

The 2011-2018 BMW 640i operates on a 12-volt electrical system. The battery voltage typically ranges between 12.6V (fully charged) and 14.4V (charging voltage when the engine is running).

Q2

What is the amperage rating for the alternator in the 2011-2018 BMW 640i?

The alternator in the 2011-2018 BMW 640i has a rated output of 180 amps. This ensures sufficient power for the vehicle's electrical systems, including advanced features like the iDrive system and adaptive headlights.

Q3

How do I reset the battery registration after replacement?

After replacing the battery, you must register it using a BMW-specific diagnostic tool such as ISTA or a compatible OBD-II scanner with BMW software. This ensures the vehicle's power management system recognizes the new battery and adjusts charging parameters accordingly.

Q4

What is the fuse rating for the headlight circuit in the 2011-2018 BMW 640i?

The headlight circuit in the 2011-2018 BMW 640i is protected by a 20-amp fuse. Always replace fuses with the same rating to avoid electrical system damage.

Q5

Can I use aftermarket LED bulbs in the 2011-2018 BMW 640i?

While aftermarket LED bulbs can be installed, they may trigger error codes or cause malfunctions in the vehicle's lighting system. BMW recommends using genuine parts to ensure compatibility and avoid warranty issues.

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 640i Electrical System Overview

Coming Soon

A detailed guide to 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 registering it with the vehicle's power management system.

Fuse Box Layout and Specifications

Coming Soon

A comprehensive diagram and description of the fuse box layout, including fuse ratings and their corresponding circuits.

Alternator Testing and Replacement

Coming Soon

Technical instructions for testing the alternator's output and replacing it if necessary.

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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