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 consideration 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 will power down until the hood is closed. For some repairs, the 48 volt system needs to have the negative battery cables disconnected.
The I-CAR RTS 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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