30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

BMW F30 320i Sedan / Wiring Diagrams and Functional Description / Body / System analyses / CAN/FlexRay functions /

Diagnosis on the FlexRay

FlexRay is a new bus system and communication system. FlexRay ensures reliable and very powerful data
interchange in real time between the electrical and mechatronic components. FlexRay serves for networking
innovative functions of today and of the future in the vehicle. FlexRay contains a powerful protocol for real-time-
capable data transfer to different systems which are utilised in the vehicle. With a maximum data transfer rate of
10 MBit/s per channel, the FlexRay is very fast. The FlexRay is significantly faster than the data buses used to
date in motor vehicles in the area of body as well as drive and chassis. FlexRay supports not only the higher
bandwidth but also deterministic data interchange; its configuration is error-tolerant. This means that even after
failure of individual components, reliable continued operation of the remaining communication systems is
enabled. The central gateway module (ZGM) sets up the link between the various bus systems and the FlexRay.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 1/7
30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 2/7
30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

Example G0x: FlexRay topology, maximum equipment

Index Explanation Index Explanation

1 Digital Engine Electronics 2 2 Digital Engine Electronics or
(DME2) Digital Diesel Electronics
(DME or DDE)
3 Electric active roll 4 Digital Motor Electronics
stabilisation front (EARSV) (DME)
5 Body Domain Controller 6 Vertical dynamic platform
(BDC) (VDP)
7 Regulated differential lock 8 Electrical ARS, rear (EARSH)
(GHAS)
9 Rear axle slip angle control 10 Crash Safety Module (ACSM)
(HSR)
11 Optional equipment system 12 Dynamic Stability Control
(SAS) (DSC) without integrated
braking system
13 Transfer box (VTG) 14 Electronic Power Steering
(EPS)
15 Electrical machine electronics 16 Dynamic Stability Control and
(EME) virtual integration platform
(DSC and VIP) with
integrated braking system

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 3/7
30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

Example F0x: FlexRay topology, maximum equipment

Index Explanation Index Explanation

SZL Steering column switch EPS Electromechanical power
cluster steering
VTG Transfer case DME2 Digital Motor Electronics 2
DSC Dynamic Stability Control ICM Integrated Chassis
Management
DME/DDE Digital Motor Electronics or EDCSVR Damper satellite, front right
Digital Diesel Electronics
VDM Vertical Dynamics ZGM Central gateway module
Management
EDCSHR Damper satellite, rear right EME Electrical machine electronics

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 4/7
30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

HSR Rear axle slip angle control AL Active steering

SWW Lane Change Warning EDCSHL Damper satellite, rear left
EDCSVL Damper satellite, front left PMA Park Assist
R Terminating resistor

Example F2x: FlexRay topology, minimum equipment

Index Explanation Index Explanation

DSC Dynamic Stability Control DME/DDE Digital Motor Electronics or
Digital Diesel Electronics
EPS Electromechanical power FEM Front electronic module
steering
ICM Integrated Chassis
Management

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 5/7
30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the central gateway module (ZGM) is equipped with 2 star couplers each
with 4 bus drivers. The bus drivers forward the data of the control units via the communication controller to the
central gateway module (ZGM). Depending on the type of termination, the FlexRay control units are connected to
these bus drivers in 2 different ways. Terminal resistors are used on both ends of the data lines on the FlexRay to
prevent reflections. If only one control unit is connected to a bus driver, each of the connections to bus driver and
control unit is equipped with a terminating resistor. If the connection on the control unit is not the physical end
node: The two components must be terminated at the ends of the respective paths with terminating resistors.

Bus signal

The deterministic data interchange ensures that each message is transferred in the time-controlled section in
real time. Real time means that the transmission takes place in a specified time.

Bandwidth

The FlexRay bus system provides a maximum data transfer rate of up to 10 MBit/s per channel. The value
corresponds to 20 times the data transfer rate of the PT‐CAN2 (Powertrain CAN) or D‐CAN (diagnosis‐on CAN).
This is why signal transmissions cannot be measured using the IMIB.

Waking and sleeping characteristics

The control units on the FlexRay can be woken by a bus signal. Despite this, the activation of most control units
occurs on the FlexRay via an additional wake-up line e.g. from the Car Access System (CAS), central gateway
module (ZGM) or Body Domain Controller (BDC). The wake-up line has the same function as the wake-up line
(terminal 15 WUP) used to date in the PT‐CAN. The signal path corresponds to the signal path of the PT‐CAN.

Synchronisation

To implement synchronous execution of individual functions in networked control units, a common time base is
necessary. As all the control units work internally with their own clock generator, time synchronisation must take
place via the bus. When starting up the Central Gateway Module, the control units BDC, ZGM, DSC, ICM and
DME/DDE operate as synchronisation nodes. For fault-free synchronisation of the FlexRay bus system,
communication from ZGM to at least 2 of the control units is required. If e.g. the DSC has failed, the control units
ICM and DME/DDE are used as synchronisation nodes. If the FlexRay is faulty, the bus lines of the control units
BDC, ZGM, ICM, DSC and DME/DDE must be checked.

Fault handling

For faults on the bus system (e.g. short circuit to B+ or short circuit to ground) or at the control units on the
FlexRay itself: Individual control units or entire paths from the bus communication can be excluded. Excluded

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 6/7
30/12/22, 19:23 Diagnosis on the FlexRay

from this is the path with the 4 control units authorised to perform wake up function on the FlexRay (BDC, ZGM,
DME/DDE, DSC, ICM). No engine start is possible if an interruption of the communication between the control
units occurs.

Wiring

The wiring of the FlexRay bus system is designed as two-wire, twisted cable (partially clad). Some of the terminal
resistors are located in the central gateway module and in the user devices.

Resistance measurement on the FlexRay

The various termination options can lead to misinterpretations of the measurement results. A resistance
measurement of the lines of the FlexRay is unable to provide a 100% true statement regarding the function of the
wiring of the system. In the static state, the resistance value can be within the tolerance even if there is damage
such as pinched locations or connector corrosion. It is possible to repair the FlexRay. In the event of damage
lines may be bundled using commercially available cable straps. However, use special lines only.

Various particularities must be observed during the installation. The wiring of the FlexRay is a twisted cable. This
twist must be preserved during repair. Stripped sections in the repair area must be sealed with shrink-on hoses.
Water ingress can affect the wave resistance (resistance for the spread of electromagnetic waves in a conductor)
and thus the performance of the bus system.
For informational purposes only. The information on this website is provided AS-IS with no warranties, express or implied, and is not guaranteed to be error-free, up-to-date or complete. NewTIS
and BMW assume no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use or reliance on the information and content on this website. The content on this website is subject to change without
notice.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f30-320i-lim_201311/wiring-functional-info/body/system-analyses/can-flexray-functions/YO4Rau0 7/7