Home/BMW/M6/BMW M6 E63/E64 (2005-2010)/Repair manual/Body Electrical/Breakout Boxes & Connectors - Overview
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Body Electrical All sections

Breakout Boxes & Connectors - Overview BMW M6 E63/E64

Body Electrical 110 illustrations ~4459 words

Breakout Boxes and Connectors

Model: All

Production Date: All

Connector Contact Removal Kit

The connector contact removal kit provides tools for the disassembly of connectors. Proper use of these tools enable the technician to access wiring connectors for repairs equal to factory quality.

Always refer to the latest appropriate articles for up to date information regarding new tools.

Scheme 86

Scheme 86: Connector Contact Removal Kit

Current P/N 88 88 6 611 150.

The Connector Contact Removal Kit is used for

  1. Releasing round plug housings.
  2. Releasing relay carriers.
  3. Pressing out contacts.
  4. Pulling out indicator lamps.

Scheme 87

Scheme 87: Socket and Spring Contacts

Scheme 88

Scheme 88

Socket and Spring contacts compress the springs while the connector is pushed from the housing.

Scheme 89

Scheme 89

Scheme 90

Scheme 90

Flat spring contacts depress the spring allowing the connector to be pushed or gently pulled from the connector housing.

Instrument Cluster Illumination Bulb Holder Removal Socket

The backlighting illumination bulbs are removed from the cluster by placing square head of the socket on the bulb holder and turning 90° counter clockwise.

The bulb removal socket is used on all instrument clusters.

Scheme 91

Scheme 91: Instrument Cluster Illumination Bulb Holder Removal Socket

Relay Holder Disengaging Tool

This tool allows the relay holder (2) to disengage the relay connector (1).

Scheme 92

Scheme 92: Relay Holder Disengaging Tool

Circular Connector Lock Disengager

These tools unlock the circular connector housings allowing the individual connectors to be removed.

The various sizes are reflected in the part numbers

4 pin = 61 1 141.

7 pin = 61 1 142.

10 pin = 61 1 145.

12 pin = 61 1 143.

25 Pin = 61 1 144.

Scheme 93

Scheme 93: Circular Connector Lock Disengager

Scheme 94

Scheme 94

Scheme 95

Scheme 95

Scheme 96

Scheme 96

BMW Plug System Abbreviations

D 1.5/2.5Round contacts of 1.5mm or 2.5mm diameter
MDK 3 PlusMiniature double flat spring contact
JPT ELAJunior Power Timer flat spring contacts with strand sealing
DFK ELADouble flat spring contacts with strand sealing
EloElectronic contacts with and without strand sealing Manufacturer: Siemens
EloPower Electronic contacts for heavy loads with and without strand sealing Manufacturer: Siemens
MQSMicro Quadlock System electronic contacts with and without strand sealing Manufacturer: AMP
MPQMicro Power Quadlock electronic contacts for heavy loads with and without strand sealing Manufacturer: AMP

BMW PLUG SYSTEM ABBREVIATIONS

Circular Plug 7--8 Pin System D2.5

  1. Pull off the rubber boot (1).
  2. Push the retaining lugs (2) of the inner connector section 3 inward carefully to disengage the lock notch.
  3. Push the inner connector section (3) in the direction of the arrow in the illustration until the retaining lugs (2) are in the recessed notch (4) and use the appropriate sized spring contact tool and remove the connector from the housing.

Scheme 97

Scheme 97

Scheme 98

Scheme 98

Circular plug 13 Pin System D2.5

  1. Carefully pull off the rubber grommet (1).
  2. Pull the lock retainers (2) outward (direction of arrows) to allow the lock notch to disengage.
  3. Pull the inner section (3) upward as shown in the illustration until the lock notches (4) are in the released position of the lock retainers (5) and use the appropriate size spring contact and remove the connector from the housing.

Scheme 99

Scheme 99

Scheme 100

Scheme 100

Circular Plug 20 Pin System D2.5

  1. With the boot pulled back, press the lock tabs (1) of the inner connector section (2) inward.
  2. Simultaneously, rotate the inner connection section (2) counter clockwise to allow the lock tabs (1) to engage in the unlocked position and use the appropriate sized spring contact and remove connector from the housing.

Scheme 101

Scheme 101

Scheme 102

Scheme 102

Circular Plug 4-7-10-12-25 Pin System D1.5/D2.5

  1. Insert the appropriate unlocking tool (determined by the number of pins) into the connector.
  2. The connector is unlocked when the lock tab (3) is in the unlocked position (1). The connector is locked when the lock tab (3) is in the locked position (2).
  3. Use the appropriate sized spring contact and remove connector from the housing.

Scheme 103

Scheme 103

Scheme 104

Scheme 104

In-line Plug 15 Pin System D2.5

  1. Pull the outer connector section (1) slightly outward in the area of lock tabs (2).
  2. Simultaneously, slide the inner connector section (3) in the direction of the arrow to the unlocked position.
  3. Use the appropriate sized spring contact and remove connector from housing.

Scheme 105

Scheme 105

Scheme 106

Scheme 106

In-line Plug 8-, 12 Pin System D2.5

  1. Slide the upper section (1) and the lower section (2) of the connector in opposite directions to unlock the connector.
  2. Using special tool 61 1 132 press the spring latch down and pull the connector (3) from the housing.

Scheme 107

Scheme 107

Scheme 108

Scheme 108

In-line Plug 20 Pin System D2.5

  1. Pull locking slide (1) completely out of connector (2).
  2. Using special tool 61 1 132 press the spring latch down and pull the connector from the housing.

Scheme 109

Scheme 109

Scheme 110

Scheme 110

In-line Plug 30 Pin System D2.5

  1. Pull the outer section (1) slightly outward in the area of lock tabs (2).
  2. Simultaneously, slide the inner connector section (3) in the direction of the arrow to the unlocked position.
  3. Use the appropriate sized spring contact and remove connector from housing.

Scheme 111

Scheme 111

Scheme 112

Scheme 112

In-line plug 2 Pin System JPT ELA

  1. Press lock (1) in direction of arrow and slide plug forward.
  2. Press lock (1) downward and slide out to one side.
  3. Unlock contact with special tool 61 1 136 and pull out cable (2) and contact towards rear.

Scheme 113

Scheme 113

Scheme 114

Scheme 114

Scheme 115

Scheme 115

In-line plug 2 Pin System MDK 3 plus 2.8

  1. Unlock lock (1) on outside at arrester hook and slide out lock (1) side.
  2. Unlock contact with special tool 61 1 136 and pull out cable (2) and contact towards rear.

Scheme 116

Scheme 116

Scheme 117

Scheme 117

In-line plug 4 Pin System DFK ELA

  1. Press arrester hook in direction of arrow and remove lock (1).
  2. Unlock contact with special tool 61 1 136 and pull cable and contact out towards rear.

Installation Instructions

  1. If necessary, slide lock must also be unlocked with screw driver.

Scheme 118

Scheme 118

Scheme 119

Scheme 119

Scheme 120

Scheme 120

In-line Plug 3-,6 Pin System Elo-Power 2.8

  1. Press unlocking hook (1) in direction of arrow and disengage. Then unlock locking hook (2) and remove lock.
  2. Press down arrestor hook (3) with screwdriver and pull out cable with contact towards rear.

Scheme 121

Scheme 121

Scheme 122

Scheme 122

In-line plug 4-,10 Pin System Elo

  1. Slide connector lock (1) off of main connector body.
  2. Push the lock tab of the connector being removed down (3) with pin or small screwdriver in the primary lock slot (4) and pull the wire out (5) to the secondary lock position (6).
  3. Push the lock tab down again in the secondary lock position and remove wire completely.

Scheme 123

Scheme 123

Scheme 124

Scheme 124

Scheme 125

Scheme 125

In-line Plug 6-,50 Pin System Elo

  1. Unlock lock (Scheme 126)
  2. Unfasten cable clip (Scheme 127)
  3. Slide connector lock (1) off of main connector body (2) (Scheme 128)
  4. Push the connector plate (3) out of connector shell using a small screwdriver through hole on end of connector body (Scheme 129)
  5. Push the lock tab of the connector being removed down (6) with pin or small screw driver in the primary lock slot (7) and pull the wire out to the secondary lock position (8) (Scheme 130)
  6. Push the lock tab down again in the secondary lock position and remove wire completely (Scheme 131)

Scheme 126

Scheme 126

Scheme 127

Scheme 127

Scheme 128

Scheme 128

Scheme 129

Scheme 129

Scheme 130

Scheme 130

Scheme 131

Scheme 131

In-line Plug 6-,8 Pin System MQS

  1. Press lock (1) in direction of arrow and slide plug forward.
  2. Press locking hook (2) downward and slide lock (1) out.
  3. Press down arrester hook (3) with screwdriver and pull out cable with contact towards rear.

Scheme 132

Scheme 132

Scheme 133

Scheme 133

Scheme 134

Scheme 134

In-line Plug 2 Pin System MPQ 2.8

  1. Press catch on outside in direction of arrow and remove towards top.
  2. Press down arrestor hook (1) with screwdriver and pull out cable and contact (2) towards rear.

Scheme 135

Scheme 135

Scheme 136

Scheme 136

Control Unit Plug 25-, 35-, 55-,83-,88 Pin

  1. Remove phillips head screws (1) from connector. Gently pivot the connector plate (2) with seal (3) out of the connector shell.
  2. Remove seal (3) and pull connector plate lock (4) out of locked position.
  3. Using the appropriate sized spring contact and remove connector (5) from housing.

Scheme 137

Scheme 137

Scheme 138

Scheme 138

Scheme 139

Scheme 139

In-line Plug 24 Pin Hybrid System MQS/MPQ

Manufactured by AMP : The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the plug housings

MQS (Micro Quadlock System).

MPQ, width 2.8 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

MPQ, width 5.2 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

Socket Housing

  1. Press locks (1) on cap (2) upwards on both sides.
  2. Detach cap from contact carrier (3).

Note. Detaching the cap releases the secondary lock of the socket contacts.

Scheme 140

Scheme 140
  1. Hold down retaining hook (1) of socket contact carrier with a small screwdriver.
  2. Pull wire with socket contact in direction of arrow as far as secondary lock (2). (Scheme 141)
  3. Hold down retaining hook in secondary lock (1) again and pull cable with socket contact (2) completely out of contact carrier (3). (Scheme 142)

Scheme 141

Scheme 141

Pin Housing

  1. Press locks (1) on cap (2) upwards on both sides.
  2. Detach cap from housing carrier (3)(Scheme 143)

Note. Detaching the cap releases the secondary locks of the pin contacts in the contact carriers.

  1. Pull contact carrier (1) out of housing carrier (2) (Scheme 144)
  2. The pin contacts are pulled of a contact carrier as described under "Socket Housing".

Scheme 142

Scheme 142

Scheme 143

Scheme 143

Scheme 144

Scheme 144

Socket Housing 42-,43 Pin Hybrid Systems MQS/MPQ

Manufactured by AMP: The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the socket housings

MQS (Micro Quadlock System).

MPQ, width 2.8 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

MPQ, width 5.2 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

  1. Open secondary locks (1) on socket housing.
  2. Press back retaining hook of MQS contacts (2) with special tool 61 1 134 and pull out cable with contact.
  3. Press back retaining hook of MPQ contacts (3) with screwdriver or similar tool and pull out cable with contact.

Installation

  1. Bend open retaining hook of contacts gently before inserting into plug housing.
  2. To install contacts, observe cavity numbers on reverse side of socket housing.

Scheme 145

Scheme 145

Scheme 146

Scheme 146

Socket Housing 2x27-, 2x27 Pin Hybrid System MQS/MPQ, Elo/Elo Power

Manufactured by Amp: The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the socket housings

MQS (Micro Quadlock System).

MQS, width 2.8 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

MPQ, width 5.2 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

Manufactured by Siemens: The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the socket housings

Elo (electronic contact).

Elo-Power 2.8 mm wide (electronic contact for heavy loads).

Elo-Power 5.2 mm wide (electronic contact for heavy loads).

  1. Raise lock (1) on housing (2).
  2. Push contact carrier (3) from rear out of housing.

Note. The second carrier is pushed out in the same way.

Pushing out the contact carrier releases the secondary locks of the secondary contacts.

Procedure for removing contacts are same as for other Elo/Elo-Power Systems, refer to the appropriate article.

Scheme 147

Scheme 147

In-line Plug 30 Pin Hybrid System MQS/MPQ

Manufactured by AMP: The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the plug housings

MQS (Micro Quadlock System).

MPQ, width 2.8 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

MPQ, width 5.2 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

  1. Raise lock (1) on housing (2).
  2. Push contact carrier (3) from rear out of housing (2).

Note. Pushing out the contact carrier releases the secondary locks of the socket contacts. Procedure for removing contacts are same as for other Elo/Elo-Power Systems, refer to the appropriate article.

Scheme 148

Scheme 148
  1. Contact 1-13 and 19-27.
  2. Raise locking slide (1) on both sides (2) of housing and detach. NOTE: Detaching the locking slide releases the secondary locks of the pin contacts.
  3. Contacts 14-18 and 28-30.
  4. Pull slide (1) outward completely.
  5. Raise lock (2) on housing.
  6. Pull contact carrier out of housing.

Note. Pulling out the contact carrier releases the secondary locks of the pin contacts.

Scheme 149

Scheme 149

Scheme 150

Scheme 150

Socket Housing 5-, 8 Pin System MQS/MPQ

Manufactured by AMP: The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the socket housings

MQS (Micro Quadlock System).

MPQ, width 2.8 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

MPQ, width 5.2 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

Socket housing 5 pin (Hybrid System MQS/MPQ)

  1. Raise fastener (1) (slide) by way of retaining lug (2) and detach from contact carrier (3).

Scheme 151

Scheme 151

Socket Housing 8 Pin (MQS)

  1. Raise fastener (1) (slide) by way of retaining lug (2) and detach from contact carrier (3).

Procedure for removing contacts are same as for other Elo/Elo-Power Systems, refer to the appropriate article.

Scheme 152

Scheme 152

Socket Housing (Radio Plug) Hybrid system MQS/MPS

Manufactured by AMP: The following contact types without strand sealing can be fitted in the plug housings

MQS (Micro Quadlock System).

MPQ, width 2.8 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

MPQ, width 5.2 mm (Micro Power Quadlock).

Removing MPQ contacts from radio plug

  1. Press lock (1) in direction of arrow, detach secondary lock (2) from radio plug.
  2. Feed special tool 61 1 135 past side of contact.
  3. Press special tool 61 1 135 in direction of arrow.
  4. Pull wire (1) with socket contact out of radio plug (2).

Scheme 153

Scheme 153

Scheme 154

Scheme 154

Removing MQS contacts from carrier

  1. Press lock (1) in direction of arrow and pull housing (2) out of radio plug (Scheme 155)
  2. Press lock (1) in direction of arrow. Pull contact carrier (2) out of housing (Scheme 156)

Note. When the contact carrier is pulled out, the secondary locks of the socket contacts are raised. Procedure for removing contacts are same as for other Elo/Elo-Power Systems, refer to the appropriate article.

Scheme 155

Scheme 155

Scheme 156

Scheme 156

Removing MPQ contacts from contact carrier

  1. Remove contact carrier (1) with MQS contacts from radio plug. Raise lock (2) on radio plug. Pull contact carrier (3) out of radio plug (Scheme 157)
  2. Press lock (1) in direction of arrow. Pull secondary lock (2) in direction of arrow completely out of contact carrier (3) (Scheme 158)
  3. Press special tool 61 1 135 on inside of contact into contact carrier (2). Pull wire with socket contact (1) out of contact carrier (2) (Scheme 159)

Scheme 157

Scheme 157

Scheme 158

Scheme 158

Scheme 159

Scheme 159

Fuse Strip

  1. Pull appropriate fuse from fuse strip (1). Note: Mark fuse rating and position for reinstallment.
  2. Pull locking slide (2) out of fuse strip until stop is felt.
  3. Using special tool 61 1 136 or 61 1 137 press the spring latch down (3) and pull the connector from the housing.

Scheme 160

Scheme 160

Scheme 161

Scheme 161

ECM Main Relay Connector

  1. Unlock wire flap (1) of connector being removed.
  2. Using special tool 61 1 136 or 61 1 137 press the spring latch down (2) and pull the connector from the housing.

Scheme 162

Scheme 162

Scheme 163

Scheme 163

Solderless Terminals And Connectors

Mechanical strength of solderless terminal design and electrical conductivity must be maintained at all times. To ensure these characteristics are maintained in the vehicles electrical system several BMW repair kits are available.

The repair kits listed contain all the approved connectors, pins, and tools required for proper repair of BMW's electrical, electronics components.

  1. Electrical Repair Kit IV

P/N 90 88 6 619 020

The Electrical Repair Kit IV (Ref. SI. 04 18 92) is used in conjunction with the detailed repair procedures.

Scheme 164

Scheme 164
  1. Disassembling, replacing a plug connection on the various types of connectors.
  2. Cutting cable to length.
  3. Crimping stop parts (Contacts).
  4. Butt connectors for repairing a plug connection.

Operating instructions for special tools and the handling of individual parts in the repair kit are available under PN 61 9 029.

Three previous kits issued by BMW are

  1. Electrical Repair Kit I (Black Case) P/N 81 24 9 408 080
  2. Electrical Repair Kit II (Blue Case) P/N 81 24 9 408 300
  3. Electrical Repair Kit III (Red Case) P/N 82 11 9 408 400

Electrical repair kits I, II and III are primarily needed for repairing wiring harness and connectors of older vehicles (E30 and earlier).

Operating instructions for special tools in these kits are available under PN 61 8 084.

Scheme 165

Scheme 165

Electrical Repair Kit IV

The Electrical Repair Kits (I, II, III and IV) have gone through various upgrades.

Electrical Repair Kit IV (PN 90 88 619 020) has been developed to handle repairs of the specialized state of the art wiring and harnesses of the newest BMW products.

Scheme 166

Scheme 166: Electrical Repair Kit IV
CAUTIONThe special tools contained in the Electrical Repair Kits I, II, III are not state of the art and are not suitable for specialized wiring harness repairs. Use exclusively Electrical Repair Kit IV for those repairs.

Electrical Repair Kit IV (61 9 020)

Contains the following

61 9 041 Crimping Tool.

61 9 042 Matrix.

61 9 043 Cable Stripper.

61 9 044 Matrix.

Assorted Individual Parts.

Cable Stripper

Special Tool 61 9 043 Cable stripper with wire cutter for cutting and stripping insulation from cables.

Scheme 167

Scheme 167: Cable Stripper

Crimping Tool

Special Tool 61 9 041 Crimping Tool with special tool 61 9 044 (matrix) for crimping cable guide and strain relief device on antenna elbow plug.

Supplementary kits for Electrical Repair Kit IV are released periodically.

Scheme 168

Scheme 168: Crimping Tool

Cable Stripping

Proper wire stripping and connector replacement is essential to ensure the integrity of the electrical connection. Always follow specific instructions in the Electrical Repair Kit IV instruction manual.

The length of wire to be stripped is determined by the wire gauge.

Wire cross-section sizeStripped length
Mm 2Mm
0.35... 0.504.0
0.75... 1.004.5
1.00... 2.505.0

WIRE CROSS-SECTION SIZE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 169

Scheme 169

Proper use of the wire stripping tool will provide consistently positive results. Insert the wire (1) into the stripper. Stop the wire when the required strip length is past the cutter (2). Squeeze the handle of the tool.

Scheme 170

Scheme 170

When the top jaw of the tool touches the wire (3) the mechanism shifts the clamping action to a pulling action which strips the wire of the insulation (4).

Scheme 171

Scheme 171

Crimping

Use the wire crimper from the BMW Electrical Repair Kit. This crimper is designed for the specific connectors found in BMW automobiles. Proper use of the tools will provide consistent good quality connector crimps.

The crimper is designed to apply just the right amount of pressure based on the wire gauge and connector size.

Scheme 172

Scheme 172: Crimping

The tool has removable crimper jaws (3). This feature allows for an unlimited number of connector types for future compatibility. The article refers to the different sized crimping slots as "Nests". The gauge of the wire being crimped determines which "Nest" is used.

Scheme 173

Scheme 173
NestWire Cross-section size
10.035....0.50mm 2
20.75......1.0mm 2
31.5mm 2
42.5mm 2

WIRE CROSS-SECTION SIZE SPECIFICATIONS

Example

A. 75 - 1.0mm gauge wire requires nest 2 for proper crimping.

Throughout the Electrical Repair Kit instruction manual are illustrations of various connectors being crimped. The highlighted box of the 16 box grid in these illustrations refers to the storage compartment in the electrical kit drawers in which that specific connector can be found.

Insert the "crimping end" of the connector into the appropriate "nest". Illustration provides example of comb replacement connector (4) and inline splice connector (5).

Scheme 174

Scheme 174

Squeeze the tool handle slightly to set the tool in the first ratchet latch position. This will hold the connector in the tool without closing the crimp (6).

Insert the stripped wire into the receiving end of the crimper tool making sure the wire is inserted far enough to ensure that only the wire insulation will be inside the insulation support barrel (7).

Properly crimped connectors exhibit the following characteristics

Scheme 175

Scheme 175
  1. The insulation support barrel will be crimped consistently and snug against the insulation. The insulation will not be crushed (8).
  2. A bellmouth crimp will be visible at the wire end of the of the wire barrel (9).
  3. Wire strands will be visible at the contact end of the wire barrel (10).
  4. Insulation end will be visible in this area (11) (Scheme 177)

Scheme 176

Scheme 176

The following are examples of unacceptable crimps: (Scheme 178)

  1. Excessive or no wire strands at the contact end of the wire barrel (10).
  2. Excessive or no insulation end in the acceptable area (11).

Scheme 177

Scheme 177

Scheme 178

Scheme 178

Prepackaged Wiring Repair Sets

Included with the Electrical Repair Kit IV are a variety of wiring repair sets. These sets contain various pre-crimped wiring connectors on assorted gauge wire lengths for simple splice connection repair into a wiring harness.

The repair kits also contain

  1. Various gauge lengths of wire with precrimped connectors.
  2. In-line splice connectors.
  3. Heat shrink tubing.

Scheme 179

Scheme 179

When used correctly the in-line splice connectors provide a BMW factory approved wire crimp. Use the correct size nest in the crimper tool and connect one side of the in-line crimp with the wire.

Slide a piece of heat shrink tubing on the wire and crimp the other side of the in-line connector.

Scheme 180

Scheme 180

Use a heat gun to shrink the tube around the splice connector to provide a moisture resistant seal.

Part numbers for the wire sets or any component of all four electrical repair kits can be reordered from

  1. The P/N reference card inside each repair kit.
  2. Special tools microfiche.
  3. The Electrical Repair Kit 1-4 component catalog (SD 92-036).

Scheme 181

Scheme 181

As new connectors are developed for new vehicles, the repair kits will be added to appropriate articles.

Soldering Connections

In the event that a wiring connection must be soldered in a vehicle's electrical system, there are certain procedures which must be followed. Improper soldering will result in poor electrical connections or damage to electrical components.

SAFETY: Adhere to the following basic guidelines when preparing to solder.

  1. Safety glasses must be worn.
  2. Disconnect vehicle battery.
  3. Cover vehicle trim surfaces.
  4. Exercise your common sense.
  5. Provide adequate ventilation, it's the best safety precaution!

Scheme 182

Scheme 182

Soldering Preparation and Procedure

  1. The wire insulation must be stripped to expose an adequate amount of bare wire (not too little-not to much.)
  2. The wires and or connectors must be clean and free of grease, dirt, wax, etc.
  3. A thin coating of rosin core flux must be applied to the soldering connection.
  4. Have enough 60/40 (tin/lead) general electrical solder on hand prior to starting.
  5. If heat transfer to a heat sensitive component is possible use "heat sinks".
  6. Use a soldering gun tip that is the right size for the job. Do not use an overly large tip which could melt wire insulation and block your view of what is being soldered.
  7. The soldering tip must be "tinned" . This means to keep a thin layer of solder on the tip at all times during soldering. This will transfer the heat quickly and allow the solder to flow easily into the joint being soldered.
  8. Preheat the wires or connector. Introduce the solder into the joint not the soldering tip.
  9. When the solder starts to flow allow it to infiltrate the joint only for a moment. Almost simultaneously, pull the tip off of the joint to prevent overheating.
  10. A properly soldered joint will be smooth, shinny, and even surfaced.

Scheme 183

Scheme 183

Breakout Boxes and "V" Cables

Breakout Boxes are used to

  1. Provide a convenient "tap" into an electrical circuit.
  2. Minimize the possibility of damage to control unit connections and wire harnesses during diagnosis of electrical/electronic systems.
  3. Ensure solid meter connections for proper diagnosis, this in turn will help the technician to be more organized and efficient.
  4. Provide easier access to circuits for testing with equipment such as, multimeter, DISplus tester or other diagnostic tools.
CAUTIONBreakout box cable connections are universal in order to fit the varying coded connectors found in the vehicles. Always confirm that you are connecting the correct control module into the system harness that is on the other side of the breakout box. System damage will occur if it is not the correct system.

Example: DME and EGS/AGS control modules both utilize an 88 or 134 pin control module. These control modules reside in the same E-Box on most vehicles. The control modules are coded to prevent unintentional cross connecting at the vehicle harness. But, this connector coding is not present on the 88 or 134 pin breakout box(s). Result: A DME control module could be connected to a transmission control system. Damage will result!

Several different types of breakout boxes are available depending on the particular system being diagnosed.

Scheme 184

Scheme 184

55 pin Breakout Box P/N 81 12 9 425 091

Used with control modules that have single multipin plugs from 25 to 55 pins.

  1. L-jetronic.
  2. ABS.
  3. Motronic.
  4. EGS.

Adapter cables are required.

Scheme 185

Scheme 185

83 Pin Breakout Box (Red Face) P/N 90 88 6 614 420

When used with ABS/ASC 5 system, no adapter cables are required. There is an adapter harness for use with the Teves Mark IV G ABS system of the E36.

Scheme 186

Scheme 186: 83 Pin Breakout Box (Red Face) P/N 90 88 6 614 420

88 Pin Breakout Box (Green Face) P/N 88 88 6 614 410

Used with control units that have up to 88 pins

  1. DME.
  2. EGS/AGS.
  3. ZAE/MRS.
  4. LCM.

No adapter cables are required when connected to a DME or EGS/AGS control module. There are adapter harnesses for ZAE/MRS and LCM systems.

Scheme 187

Scheme 187

134 Pin SKE Control Module Breakout Box Set P/N 90 88 6 121 300

The 134 pin modular connector DME and AGS control modules use a combination of breakout boxes for troubleshooting. The part number above provides three breakout boxes and five adapter harnesses. The two outside edge connectors use the familiar 26 pin breakout boxes. The three inside connectors use the boxes from the ordered set.

Scheme 188

Scheme 188: 134 Pin SKE Control Module Breakout Box Set P/N 90 88 6 121 300

26 Pin Breakout Box P/n 88 88 6 611 459

Used with system or peripheral control module that have up to 26 pins. This breakout box is used in conjunction with adapter cables called "V" Cables. There are many different types of "V" cables for the various connectors found on the vehicles.

Scheme 189

Scheme 189: 26 Pin Breakout Box P/n 88 88 6 611 459

60 Pin Breakout Box P/N 90 88 6 614 390

Used for connecting all adapter leads with 27 pin to 60 pin plug connections.

Scheme 190

Scheme 190: 60 Pin Breakout Box P/N 90 88 6 614 390

Tester and Adapter Set for Relays

The Relay Adapter provides a platform to test a relay while allowing the relay to remain active in a circuit.

The adapters included enable different pin configurations of relays to be tested using a single tester.

Scheme 191

Scheme 191: Tester and Adapter Set for Relays

Remove relay and compare plug in adapter with plug pattern on relay. Choose correct adapter (Scheme 192)

Fit adapter to Measuring bridge, noting the marker arrows (A). Fit the relay to the measuring bridge (Scheme 193)

Plug the assemble measuring bridge into the socket of the relay to be checked. Test using a multimeter. See the circuit diagram, testing instructions in the appropriate article for subsequent procedure (Scheme 194)

Scheme 192

Scheme 192

Scheme 193

Scheme 193

Scheme 194

Scheme 194

"V" Cables

"V" cables are available in different versions depending on the system being diagnosed. Always refer to the most recent information for the required special tools.

"V" cables are only used with the 26 pin breakout box to access input and output signals of peripheral modules and systems.

Scheme 195

Scheme 195: "V" Cables
  1. The appropriate cable is distinguished by the color of the connector end.
  2. The color will match the particular modules connector color. Unless the color matches, the cable will not fit the connector on the module being tested.
  3. Each colored "V" cable has a series of alignment tabs that will only fit it's particular module or system.

"V" cables with ELO connectors are also being used with the 26 pin breakout box. These cables are unique in that they have a locking arm on the component side of the cable. They are light green in color, and the number of pins will vary depending on the system being tested.

"V" harness adapters were introduced with the E38. These also have light green ELO connectors on the component side, but they do not require a breakout box.

There is a black plug on one side with same number of pins as the component being tested.

The plug has numbers stamped on it's side that corresponds with the pins on that particular component.

You access the signals by plugging the test equipment directly into those pin numbers.

As new systems and components are being introduced, new breakout boxes and cables will also be introduced.