BMW M3 2015-2020 Electrical Specifications
BMW M3 2015-2020

BMW M3 2015-2020 Electrical Specifications

Detailed electrical specifications and technical information for the 2015-2020 BMW M3, covering battery, alternator, wiring, and system components.

Updated

Electrical Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the electrical specifications for the 2015-2020 BMW M3. It is designed to assist technicians, engineers, and enthusiasts in understanding the electrical systems, components, and functionalities of the vehicle. The information is organized into sections for easy navigation, with detailed subsections covering various aspects of the electrical system. Use the search functionality to find specific details and navigate through the sections to explore different components.

How to Use

To search for specific information, use the search bar at the top of the document. Enter keywords related to the component or system you are looking for, and the search results will highlight relevant sections. This feature allows quick access to detailed technical information.

To navigate through the document, use the table of contents or section headers. Each major section is divided into subsections that provide detailed information on specific components. Click on a section title to expand its contents and access detailed specifications.

Key Electrical Specifications

Battery Capacity

80 Ah

Alternator Output

180 Amps

Infotainment Display

8.8-inch touchscreen

Maximum Charging Power

7.2 kW

Harman Kardon Audio Power

600 Watts

Available Specifications

Electrical Systems

This section provides an overview of the electrical systems in the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including the battery, alternator, wiring, and circuit protection. It also covers the vehicle's electrical architecture and key components.

Battery Specifications
  • Battery Type: Maintenance-free, absorbed glass mat (AGM)
  • Battery Capacity: 80 Ah (Ampere-hours)
  • Voltage: 12 Volts
  • Cold Cranking Amperage (CCA): 800 CCA
  • Location: Under the hood, driver's side
Alternator and Charging System
  • Alternator Type: High-efficiency, internally regulated
  • Alternator Output: 180 Amps
  • Voltage Regulation: 13.5-14.5 Volts
  • Charging System: Intelligent alternator control with brake energy regeneration
  • Belt Driven: Serpentine belt system
Wiring and Circuit Protection
  • Wiring Harness: High-temperature, cross-linked polyethylene insulation
  • Fuses: Blade-style fuses with relay modules
  • Circuit Breakers: Electronic circuit protection with automatic reset
  • Grounding System: Multi-point grounding for reduced noise and improved reliability
  • Connectors: Weather-sealed, high-current capacity

Infotainment and Electronics

This section covers the electrical specifications of the infotainment system, including the display, audio, navigation, and connectivity features. It also includes details on the vehicle's electronic control units and software systems.

Infotainment System
  • Display Size: 8.8-inch high-resolution touchscreen
  • Display Resolution: 1280x480 pixels
  • Operating System: BMW iDrive 5.0
  • Processor: Dual-core Intel Atom processor
  • Memory: 256GB hard drive storage
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Audio System
  • Standard Audio System: HiFi Sound System with 9 speakers
  • Optional Audio System: Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 speakers
  • Amplifier Power: 600 Watts (Harman Kardon)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 90dB
  • Connectivity: Auxiliary input, CD player, and HD radio
Navigation and Connectivity
  • Navigation System: BMW Navigation Professional with real-time traffic updates
  • Map Data: Stored on internal hard drive
  • GPS Module: High-sensitivity, dual-band GPS
  • Voice Command: Natural language voice recognition
  • Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
  • Over-the-Air Updates: Available for iDrive and navigation maps

Lighting Systems

This section provides detailed specifications for the lighting systems in the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and adaptive lighting features.

Exterior Lighting
  • Headlights: Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams
  • Headlight Bulb Type: LED (low and high beam)
  • Headlight Lumens: 1500 lumens (low beam), 2000 lumens (high beam)
  • Taillights: LED taillights with dynamic turn signals
  • Fog Lights: LED fog lights with cornering function
  • Daytime Running Lights: LED DRLs integrated into headlights
  • Turn Signal Flash Rate: 90ms (front), 120ms (rear)
Interior Lighting
  • Interior Light Bulb Type: LED
  • Ambient Lighting: Mood lighting with 5 color options
  • Footwell Lighting: LED footwell lights
  • Door Pocket Lighting: LED door pocket lights
  • Trunk Lighting: LED trunk light
  • Automatic Lighting Control: Light sensor with delay function
  • Dimming Levels: 10-step dimming control

Safety and Driver Assistance

This section covers the electrical specifications of the safety and driver assistance systems in the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including sensors, cameras, and electronic control units.

Sensors and Cameras
  • Front Radar Sensors: 24GHz and 77GHz radar sensors
  • Rear Radar Sensors: 24GHz radar sensors
  • Front Camera: High-resolution color camera
  • Rear Camera: High-resolution color camera
  • Side Cameras: 180-degree wide-angle cameras
  • Ultrasonic Sensors: 8 ultrasonic sensors (front, rear, and sides)
  • LIDAR: Optional LIDAR system for adaptive cruise control
Driver Assistance Systems
  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Lane Departure Warning: Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration
  • Lane Keeping Assistant: Active Lane Keeping Assistant with steering intervention
  • Blind Spot Detection: Active Blind Spot Detection with steering intervention
  • Forward Collision Warning: Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking
  • Automatic Parking: Parking Assistant with automatic parallel and perpendicular parking
  • Traffic Jam Assistant: Traffic Jam Assistant with hands-free driving in traffic

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
Advanced Electrical System
Configuration
High-performance electrical architecture
Platform
BMW F80
Voltage
12V
Location
Distributed throughout the vehicle

Dimensions

Battery Length
263 mm (10.35 in)
Battery Width
175 mm (6.88 in)
Battery Height
190 mm (7.48 in)
Alternator Size
170 mm x 130 mm x 150 mm
Wiring Harness Length
Approx. 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)
Fuse Box Dimensions
150 mm x 100 mm x 50 mm
Ecu Size
200 mm x 150 mm x 50 mm
Power Steering Pump Dimensions
180 mm x 120 mm x 100 mm

Materials

Battery
Lead-acid
Wiring Harness
Copper core with PVC insulation
Circuit Boards
Fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate
Connectors
Aluminum with nickel plating
Fuses
Silver-plated copper

Features

Electrical Power Steering
  • Speed-dependent power steering
  • Variable assistance modes
  • Energy-efficient motor
Dynamic Stability Control
  • Integrated Chassis Management
  • Traction control system
  • Electronic differential lock
Battery Management
  • Advanced charging system
  • Smart battery sensor
  • Energy recovery during braking
infotainment And Connectivity
  • iDrive system with touch controller
  • BMW ConnectedDrive services
  • Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Lighting Systems
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Automatic high beams
  • Ambient interior lighting
Driver Assistance Technologies
  • Active Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Park Distance Control

Safety Features

Airbag System
  • Dual frontal airbags
  • Side airbags
  • Curtain head airbags
  • Knee airbags
Emergency Calling
  • Automatic collision notification
  • Emergency assist
  • SOS button
Collision Prevention
  • Forward collision warning
  • City collision mitigation
  • Brake force display
Battery Protection
  • Overcharge protection
  • Short-circuit protection
  • Thermal monitoring

Comfort Features

Automatic Climate Control
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Air quality sensor
  • Climate comfort windscreen
Heated And Ventilated Seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Heated rear seats
Keyless Access And Start
  • Comfort Access keyless entry
  • Push-button start
  • Smartphone vehicle access
Ambient Lighting
  • LED ambient lighting
  • Lighting scenarios
  • Door courtesy lights
infotainment And Navigation
  • High-resolution 8.8-inch display
  • Navigation system with real-time traffic
  • Voice command system

Accessories

Charging Accessories
  • BMW i Wallbox
  • BMW i Cable Organizer
  • 12V accessory socket
Connectivity Accessories
  • BMW CarPlay/Android Auto adapter
  • Wireless charging tray
  • Rear entertainment system
Lighting Accessories
  • LED door projectors
  • Interior light package
  • Exterior LED lighting kit

Maintenance

Service interval
  • Miles: 5,000 miles, Months: 6 months, Items: Battery check and testing,Electrical system inspection,Software updates,Wiring harness inspection, Note: Recommended maintenance interval
  • Miles: 12,000 miles, Months: 12 months, Items: Alternator belt inspection,Fuse box check,ECU software update,Lighting system inspection, Note: Intermediate service recommended
  • Miles: 60,000 miles, Months: 48 months, Items: Battery replacement,Wiring harness replacement,Electrical connectors cleaning,Power steering pump service, Note: Major electrical system overhaul
Maintenance Notes
  • Use only BMW-approved electrical components
  • Avoid exposing electrical components to water
  • Regularly check battery terminals
  • Update software regularly

Warranty

New Vehicle Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Bumper-to-bumper
Battery Warranty
Miles: 100,000 miles
Years: 8 years
Coverage: Battery and electrical components
Maintenance Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Scheduled maintenance
Accessories Warranty
Miles: 50,000 miles
Years: 4 years
Coverage: Accessories and electronics

Production Details

Manufacturer
BMW Group
Manufacturing Process
  • Robotic assembly lines
  • Laser welding
  • Automated testing systems
  • Quality control checkpoints
Quality Control
inspection Levels: Component-level inspection, Subsystem testing, End-of-line testing
Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycled materials usage
  • Energy-efficient manufacturing
  • Emission reduction programs
Production Metrics
Units Per Year: Over 50,000 units
Manufacturing Plants: Munich, Germany, Austria, South Africa
Workforce: Over 10,000 employees

Service Information for electrical Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

5,000 miles
6 months
  • Battery terminal cleaning
  • Electrical system inspection
  • Software updates
  • Wiring harness visual inspection

Recommended maintenance interval

12,000 miles
12 months
  • Alternator belt replacement
  • Fuse box inspection
  • ECU software update
  • Lighting system check

Intermediate service recommended

60,000 miles
48 months
  • Battery replacement
  • Wiring harness replacement
  • Electrical connectors cleaning
  • Power steering pump service

Major electrical system overhaul

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the key electrical specifications of the 2015-2020 BMW M3?

The 2015-2020 BMW M3 features a sophisticated electrical system with a 12-volt architecture. It includes a maintenance-free battery with a capacity of 80Ah, an alternator rated at 210A, and a advanced Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing the power distribution. The system is compatible with various electrical accessories and supports the car's advanced driver-assistance systems. Always ensure compatibility when adding aftermarket components.

Q2

What maintenance is required for the electrical system?

Regular maintenance is crucial. Inspect the battery terminals every 6 months and the alternator belt every 12,000 miles. Check wiring and connections annually. Use genuine BMW parts to maintain system integrity. It's recommended to have a certified BMW technician perform diagnostics every 30,000 miles.

Q3

How do I install or replace an electrical component?

Start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Access the component, such as the ECU, through the engine bay or interior. Remove connectors and screws, then install the new part. Ensure connections are secure and torque bolts to 10Nm. Reconnect the battery and test the system. Consult a professional if unsure.

Q4

How do I troubleshoot electrical issues?

Begin with the battery; check voltage with a multimeter. Inspect fuses in the glovebox or engine bay. Look for blown fuses or corrosion. Use an OBD-II scanner for error codes. Consult the repair manual or a technician for complex issues. Common fixes include replacing fuses or recharging the battery.

Q5

How can I optimize electrical system performance?

Upgrade to high-performance components like ignition coils or wiring harnesses. Consider a high-capacity battery for reliable power. Ensure all connections are clean and secure. For peak performance, have the ECU tuned by a professional, which can improve power delivery and efficiency without compromising electrical integrity.

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 M3 (F80) Service Manual

Coming Soon

This manual covers electrical system diagnostics, maintenance, and repair procedures for the 2015-2020 BMW M3.

BMW M3 Electrical System Technical Bulletin

Coming Soon

This bulletin provides updates and troubleshooting guides for common electrical issues in the 2015-2020 BMW M3.

BMW M3 Electrical Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

This catalog lists all electrical components for the 2015-2020 BMW M3, including part numbers and compatibility information.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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