Fuses and relays BMW E46 (3 Series, 1998 - 2007)

The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by the German automaker. A wide range of engines, five body styles, and high-performance modifications contributed to the commercial success of this generation. In this article, we cover the fuse and relay box diagrams for the BMW E46 (3 Series: 316Ci, 316i, 316ti, 318d, 318i, 320d, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330d, 330i, 330xd, M3) produced from 1998 to 2007 model years.

Here you will find fuse box locations, diagrams, and relay layouts. Fuses for the “Cigarette Lighter” and “Fuel Pump” are highlighted in bold.

In the engine compartment

This compartment contains one main electronics box (E-Box) along with individual relay modules.

Fuse box

Located in the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger side, near the windshield wiper assembly.

Accessing the engine compartment fuse box.

Diagram
No.	Protected Circuit / Component	Rating (A)
F1	Ignition coils (320i MS43 / 325i / 330i)	30
F2	Engine Control Module (ECM), reverse light relay, Transmission Control Module (TCM) (316i / 318i)	30
F3	Mass air flow (MAF) sensor, crankshaft position sensor, reverse light relay, cooling system thermostat, camshaft position sensors 1 & 2 (320i / 325i / 330i)	20
F4	Fuel pump relay, secondary air pump relay, A/C compressor clutch relay (316i / 318i / 330i)	30
F5	Ignition coil relay (316i / 318i / 320i / 323i / 328i)	30
1	Engine Control Module (DME / ECM)
2	Transmission Control Module (TCM / EGS)
3	Windshield wiper relay
4	Engine management system (Gasoline)
5	Engine management system (Diesel / DDE)
6	Reverse light relay

Relays

Location of individual relays in the engine compartment.

No.	Function
R1	Variable valve timing (Valvetronic) relay
R2	DDE main relay (Digital Diesel Electronics)
R3	Auxiliary heater / glow plug relay
R4	SMG hydraulic pump relay
R5	DME main relay (Digital Motor Electronics)
R6	Windshield wiper relay
R7	Hydraulic pump relay
R8	Reverse light relay
R9	Terminal 15 unloader relay
R10	Fuel injector relay

In the passenger compartment

Fuse box

Located inside the passenger-side glove compartment. Additional relays are mounted on the rear of the fuse carrier panel.

Overview of the BMW E46 interior fuse box. 

Diagram
No.	Protected Circuit / Component	Rating (A)
1-4	—
5	Horn relay	5
6	Vanity mirror illumination, convertible top control module	5
7	Convertible top switch, navigation system control module, audio amplifier, multi-function display, telephone, head unit	5
8	Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) – M3	5
9	Multi-function steering wheel controls, cruise control, brake light switch (brake pedal position sensor), multi-function control module (GM5), light switch module (LCM), clutch pedal position sensor	5
10	Instrument cluster	5
11	SRS/Airbag control module, power seat adjustment, seat belt warning system	5
12	Multi-function steering column switch assembly	7.5
13	Rollover protection system (ROPS) control module	7.5
14	EWS electronic immobilizer module, automatic transmission shift interlock switch	5
15	Rain sensor, rear window wiper/washer
16-21	—
22	Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) – M3	5
23	Auxiliary coolant pump – Diesel	5
24	Auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, Park Distance Control (PDC) module	5
25	Passenger side power door mirror, heated windshield washer nozzle temperature switch	5
26	Integrated garage door opener (HomeLink)	5
27	Reverse light relay, transmission shift position sensor	10
28	Automatic climate control unit (IHKA), A/C compressor solenoid clutch relay	5
29	Engine Control Module (ECM/DME), ignition coil relay	5
30	Alternator, engine oil level sensor, 16-pin OBD2 diagnostic connector (DLC)	7.5
31	Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC) control module	5
32	Light switch module (LCM), left/right Xenon headlight control units	5
33	Multi-function switch, ABS control module with ASC, steering angle sensor	5
34	Instrument cluster	5
35	Convertible soft-top motor relay	50
36	Secondary air injection (SAI) pump relay	50
37	Radiator cooling fan motor	50
38	Front fog light relay	10 / 15
39	Telephone system, voice control module	5
40	Gear selector scale illumination, steering angle sensor (DSC)	5
41	Multi-function display, audio amplifier, CD changer, radio, navigation control module	30
42	Multi-function steering column switch assembly	30
43	Instrument cluster	5
44	Trailer towing electrical connector	20
45	Rear window wiper/washer system	20
46	Power sunroof control module, convertible top cover motor relay	20 / 30
47	Cigarette lighter (front), 12V accessory socket	20
48	General Module 5 (GM5 / body control module)	30
49	General Module 5 (GM5), audio amplifier	5
50	Heater blower motor final stage unit (FSU / resistor)	40
51	Headlight washer system module	30
52	General Module 5 (GM5 / body control module)	30
53	ABS/DSC electronic control unit	30
54	Fuel pump relay (Fuel pump fuse)	15/20
55	Dual horn relay	15
56	ABS/DSC electronic control unit	30
57	Power folding mirror module, driver/passenger door mirror memory modules	5
58	Power rear window relay	7.5
59	Windshield wiper motor relay	30
60	General Module 5 (GM5 / body control module)	25
61	Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module	30
62	Heater coolant control valve	7.5
63	A/C compressor solenoid clutch relay	7.5
64	Auxiliary heater control module	20
65	Driver power seat adjustment switch panel	30
66	—
67	EWS immobilizer module, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, DWA anti-theft system control unit (interior motion sensor), tilt sensor, alarm siren	5
68	Rear window defogger relay	30
69	Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC) control module	5
70	Passenger power seat adjustment switch panel	30
71	General Module 5 (GM5 / body control module)	10 / 30
Relays on the back of the fuse block
1	Fuel pump relay
2	Heater blower fan relay
3	Fog light relay
4	Horn relay

High-current power fuses (glove box fuse block)
No.	Protected Circuit / Component	Rating (A)
F101	Radiator cooling fan motor	50
F102	Engine management system relay, ECM/DME, TCM/EGS, rear power distribution box	80
F103	—
F104	Glow plug control module (Diesel)	100
F105	Ignition switch, 20-pin DLC diagnostic connector (engine bay)	50
F106	Ignition switch, light switch module (LCM)	50
F107	Light switch module (LCM), trailer towing control module	50

Relays

Relay panel locations in the passenger compartment.

No.	Function
R1	Blower motor relay (or unassigned)
R2	Headlight washer relay
R3	A/C compressor relay (or unassigned)
R4	Power rear window relay
R5	Secondary air injection (SAI) pump relay
R1	Fuel pump relay (or unassigned)
R2	Rear window defogger relay
R3	Fuel heater / water separator relay (Diesel)

Overview of Electrical Components

General component locations throughout the vehicle.
1. A/C compressor magnetic clutch relay – behind dashboard, right side;
2. Automatic climate control module (IHKA);
3. Solar sensor (climate control system);
4. Antenna amplifier – C-pillar;
5. Antenna amplifier – left side of trunk (Convertible);
6. Antenna amplifier – under roof spoiler (Touring / Wagon);
7. Side-impact sensor – driver side (under carpet);
8. Side-impact sensor – passenger side (under carpet);
9. Anti-theft tilt sensor – right side of trunk;
10. Anti-theft alarm siren – near intake silencer;
11. Anti-theft interior motion sensor – center roof console;
12. Hood contact switch (anti-theft) – right rear engine compartment (E-Box);
13. Audio amplifier – behind left rear side panel (Convertible);
14. Audio amplifier – left side of trunk (Sedan / Coupe / Wagon);
15. Auxiliary heater control module;
16. Battery – right rear engine compartment (4-cylinder models);
17. Battery – right side of trunk (6-cylinder and Diesel models);
18. Trunk / tailgate release button – lower driver's side footwell panel;
19. Convertible soft-top motor relay – behind dashboard, right side;
20. Convertible soft-top control module – behind left rear side panel;
21. Soft-top motor relay – left side of trunk;
22. Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC / OBD2);
23. OBD2 Diagnostic connector (DLC) – lower driver dash, near steering column (from 05/2000);
24. Driver door mirror memory module;
25. Passenger door mirror memory module;
26. Power folding mirror module – behind glove box;
27. Engine compartment fuse and relay box (E-Box);
28, 29, 30. Glove box fuse and relay panels;
31. Headlight washer control module – behind dashboard, right side;
32. Rear window defogger relay – front right side of trunk;
33. Rear window defogger relay 1 – behind right rear trim panel (Convertible);
34. Rear window defogger relay 2 – behind right rear trim panel (Convertible);
35. Heater blower relay – behind center console;
36. Horn (Low pitch);
37. Horn (High pitch);
38. EWS immobilizer control module – near steering column;
39. EWS immobilizer ring antenna – around ignition lock cylinder;
40. Instrument cluster – dashboard;
41. Light switch module (LCM) – functions: hazard flasher relay, light switch, turn signal relay, instrument cluster dimmer;
42. Multi-function steering column switch assembly;
43. General Module 5 (GM5) – behind glove box – functions: central locking, power windows, interior lighting, wiper/washer control, alarm integration;
44. Navigation system computer – left side of trunk;
45. GPS navigation antenna – behind instrument cluster;
46. Park Distance Control (PDC) module – right side of trunk;
47. Park Distance Control (PDC) chime – driver side footwell;
48. Rain/light sensor – upper windshield behind rearview mirror;
49. Auxiliary fuse holder – trunk (mounted on right strut tower);
50. Power seat memory control module – under driver seat;
51. Power seat memory control module – under passenger seat;
52. Secondary air injection (SAI) pump relay – behind right side of dashboard;
53. Power sunroof module – overhead console panel;
54. SRS/Airbag control module – under center console carpet;
55. Front ride height sensor (headlight leveling) – right front suspension control arm;
56. Rear ride height sensor (headlight leveling) – right rear suspension control arm;
57. Telephone interface control module – under rear center console;
58. Trailer module – right side of trunk;
59. Transmission Control Module (TCM/EGS) – engine compartment E-Box;
60. Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC) module – right rear trunk area;
61. Vehicle speed sensor – right rear wheel speed sensor;
62. Heated washer nozzle ambient temperature sensor – front underbody / brake duct.