48-Volt Mild Hybrid Systems: BMW

Mild hybrid systems are not new. They were some of the first hybrid vehicles to be put into production. The 48-volt mild hybrid system is now becoming more common among some vehicle makers. What considerations are there for repairing a vehicle equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system? Let’s see what BMW has to say.

BMW first introduced the 48-volt mild hybrid system in July 2020 stated in ST-2007 48-Volt Electrical System a technical training manual from BMW. This system reduces emissions, improves the automatic engine stop/start, engine off coasting and aids the combustion motor with an eBoost function.

Per BMW:

  • "The 48-volt system will be included on all future vehicles equipped with a B58 engine."
  • "48-volt warning labels and cables are now purple in color for easy identification of the 48-volt system."

The 48-volt system can be put into maintenance mode by opening the hood. The 48-volt system powers down until the hood is closed. For some repairs, the 48-volt system needs to have the negative battery cables disconnected.

The OEM Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Disable Search features a battery layout and step-by-step directions to locate the procedure to disconnect the negative battery cables.

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