BMW 1 Quiz
Engine Electrical Equipment

Charging and Starting Systems

In this manual: Engine Electrical Equipment
Introduction — 10Owner's Manual — 29Routine Care and Maintenance — 30Engine — 18Cooling and Heating Systems — 13Fuel and Exhaust Systems — 29Engine Electrical Equipment — 20Manual Transmission — 4Automatic Transmission — 4Clutch and Drive Shafts — 12Brake System — 19Suspension and Steering — 22Body — 36Body Electrical Equipment — 34Electrical Circuit Diagrams — 30On-board diagnostic system — 5
~1min read

General Information

All vehicles covered in this manual have a 12 V electrical system. The ground connection is made through the negative battery terminal. The battery is located in the engine compartment.

A Marelli starter motor is used to start the engine. The starter switch is part of the ignition switch and, when turned on, energizes the pull-in relay mounted on the starter.

The installed alternator, depending on the engine, is rated for a maximum output of 80 A or 110 A and is manufactured by Valeo.

The alternator is driven by the crankshaft through a multi-ribbed V-belt.

The charge indicator lamp built into the instrument panel indicates that the electrical system is operating properly while the battery charge is normal.

Test yourself

A quick BMW 1 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.