In our article you can familiarize yourself with the locations of the relay and fuse boxes of the BMW E46 3 series with a designation of the circuits and their location. The BMW E46 Sedan is the fourth generation of BMW’s third series and was produced in the years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The assignment of fuses and relays may differ from that shown, depending on the year of manufacture and the level of electrical equipment.
Contents
Locations
Diagram
Designation
| 1 | A / C compressor electromagnetic clutch relay – behind the dash, right |
| 2 | Air conditioner electronic control unit |
| 3 | Sunlight sensor (air conditioning system) |
| 4 | Antenna Signal Booster – Rear Pillar |
| 5 | Aerial amplifier – Luggage compartment LH – Convertible |
| 6 | Antenna signal amplifier – under the rear spoiler – station wagon |
| 7 | Side impact sensor – from the driver’s side, under the seat (under the mat) |
| 8 | Side impact sensor – on the passenger side, under the seat (under the mat) |
| 9 | Vehicle tilt sensor (anti-theft system) – right side of the luggage compartment |
| 10 | Anti-theft alarm horn – intake system resonator |
| 11 | Anti-theft control unit (with volume control) – ceiling panel |
| 12 | Anti-theft system switch, bonnet – engine compartment, right rear part – in the mounting block |
| 13 | Audio Output Amplifier – Behind Rear Left Trim Panel – Convertible |
| 14 | Audio Output Amplifier – Luggage Compartment Left |
| 15 | Additional heater control unit |
| 16 | Battery – engine compartment, rear right side – 4 cyl. engines |
| 17 | Accumulator battery – the right side of the luggage compartment -6cyl. engines / Diesel |
| 18 | Tailgate / Tailgate Opener Switch – Lower LH Protection Panel |
| 19 | Convertible roof cover motor relay – behind dashboard, right |
| 20 | Folding roof control unit – behind the rear left trim panel |
| 21 | Convertible Roof Actuator Relay – Luggage Compartment LH |
| 22 | Diagnostic connector (DLC) |
| 23 | Diagnostic connector (DLC) – behind the dashboard, near the steering column (05/00 ^) |
| 24 | Rearview mirror control unit, driver’s side |
| 25 | Rearview mirror control unit, passenger side |
| 26 | Control unit for folding mirrors – behind the glove compartment |
| 27 | Fuse / relay box, engine compartment – in mounting block |
| 28 | Fuse / relay box, instrument panel 1 – in glove compartment |
| 29 | Fuse / relay box, instrument panel 2-behind glove compartment |
| 30 | Fuse / relay box, instrument panel 3 behind glove compartment |
| 31 | Headlight washer control unit – behind the dashboard, right |
| 32 | Heated Rear Window Relay – Luggage Compartment Right, Front |
| 33 | Heated Rear Window Relay 1 – Behind Right Rear Trim Panel – Convertible |
| 34 | Heated Rear Window Relay 2 – Behind Rear Right Trim Panel – Convertible |
| 35 | Heater Fan Relay – Behind Center Console |
| 36 | Beep 1 |
| 37 | Beep 2 |
| 38 | Electronic immobilizer control unit – near the steering column |
| 39 | Immobilizer ring antenna – near the ignition switch |
| 40 | Instrument cluster control unit – behind the dash |
| 41 | Lighting control unit – functions: Alarm relay, light switch, indicator relay, instrument cluster illumination rheostat |
| 42 | Multifunction switch assembly |
| 43 | Multifunctional control unit – behind the glove compartment – functions: Anti-theft system, rearview mirror with auto-dimming, audio system, central locking, power windows, warning lamps, interior lighting lamps, electronic control unit SRS, rear dimensions, sequential manual transmission, wiper / washer windshield |
| 44 | Navigation control unit – luggage compartment left |
| 45 | Navigation aerial – behind the instrument cluster |
| 46 | Parking system control unit – right side of luggage compartment |
| 47 | Parking Assist Buzzer – Front Left Legroom |
| 48 | Rain sensor |
| 49 | Additional fuses – luggage compartment – on the suspension cup |
| 50 | Power seat control unit – under the seat, driver’s side |
| 51 | Power Seat Control Unit – Underseat, Passenger Side |
| 52 | Exhaust air pump relay – behind the right side of the dashboard |
| 53 | Control unit for electric sunroof-roof panel |
| 54 | SRS control unit – under the carpet |
| 55 | Body height sensor (front), front right wheel arch corrector |
| 56 | Body height sensor (rear), corrected rfar – rear right wheel arch |
| 57 | Phone interface control unit – under center console, rear |
| 58 | Trailer control unit – right side of luggage compartment |
| 59 | Transmission electronic control unit – engine compartment – in the mounting block |
| 60 | Tire pressure monitor control unit – behind the glove compartment |
| 61 | Vehicle speed sensor – right rear wheel speed sensor |
| 62 | Windshield washer nozzle temperature sensor – under the bottom (front) |
Passenger compartment
Fuse box
It is located in the glove box (glove compartment) in front of the front passenger. Unscrew the corresponding screws to access.
Below you should find documentation with an accurate description of the location of your fuses. Something like this:
Scheme
Assignment
| 1 | – |
| 2 | – |
| 3 | – |
| 4 | – |
| 5 | (5A) Horn relay |
| 6 | (5A) Vanity mirror lamps, convertible roof control module |
| 7 | (5A) Convertible roof switch, navigation control unit, audio output amplifier, multifunction display, telephone, audio system |
| 8 | (5A) Sequential manual gearbox – M3 |
| 9 | (5A) Steering wheel controls – cruise control, brake light switch (brake pedal position sensor), multifunction control module, light switch, clutch pedal position sensor |
| 10 | (5A) Instrument panel |
| 11 | (5A) SRS electronic control module, power seat, seat belt warning system security |
| 12 | (7.5A) Multifunction switch assembly |
| 13 | (7.5A) Roll arc control module |
| 14 | (5A) Immobilizer control module, automatic transmission shift lock switch |
| 15 | Rain sensor, rear window wiper / washer |
| 16 | – |
| 17 | – |
| 18 | – |
| 19 | – |
| 20 | – |
| 21 | – |
| 22 | (5A) Sequential manual gearbox – M3 |
| 23 | (5A) Coolant pump motor – Diesel |
| 24 | (5A) Auto dimming interior rearview mirror, parking aid control module |
| 25 | (5A) Power door mirror (passenger side), temperature switch (heated windscreen washer nozzles) |
| 26 | (5A) Garage door remote control system |
| 27 | (10A) Reverse lamp (s) relay, gearshift sensor |
| 28 | (5A) A / C control module, A / C compressor electromagnetic clutch relay |
| 29 | (5A) ECM, ignition coil relay |
| 30 | (7.5A) Alternator, engine oil level sensor, diagnostic connector -16-pin |
| 31 | (5A) Tire pressure monitor control module |
| 32 | (5A) Light switch, headlamp control unit – left (xenon headlights), headlamp control unit – right (xenon headlights) |
| 33 | (5A) Multifunction switch, ABS-with ASC electronic control unit, steering wheel position sensor |
| 34 | (5A) Instrument panel |
| 35 | (50A) Retractable roof motor relay |
| 36 | (50A) Exhaust air pump relay |
| 37 | (50A) Cooling fan motor |
| 38 | (10A / 15A) Fog lamp relay |
| 39 | (5A) Telephone, voice synthesizer |
| 40 | (5A) Selector lever lamp, steering wheel position sensor – DSC |
| 41 | (30A) Multifunction display, audio output amplifier, CD changer, audio system, navigation system control unit |
| 42 | (30A) Multifunction switch assembly |
| 43 | (5A) Instrument cluster |
| 44 | (20A) Trailer electrical connector |
| 45 | (20A) Rear window wiper / washer |
| 46 | (20A / 30A) Convertible roof control unit, sunroof control unit, convertible roof compartment lid motor relay |
| 47 | (20A) BMW 3 e46 cigarette lighter fuse – front, bodywork connector |
| 48 | (30A) Multifunction control module |
| 49 | (5A) Multifunction control module, audio output amplifier |
| 50 | (40A) A / C / heater blower motor switch |
| 51 | (30A) Headlamp washer control module |
| 52 | (30A) Multifunction control module |
| 53 | (30A) ABS control module |
| 54 | (15A / 20A) Fuel pump relay |
| 55 | (15A) Horn relay |
| 56 | (30A) ABS control module |
| 57 | (5A) Control unit for folding mirrors, door mirror control unit (driver’s side), door mirror control unit (passenger side) |
| 58 | (7.5A) Rear door actuator relay |
| 59 | (30A) Windshield wiper motor relay |
| 60 | (25A) Multifunction control module |
| 61 | (30A) Electronic control unit DBS-DSC system |
| 62 | (7.5A) Heater coolant regulator valve |
| 63 | (7.5A) A / C compressor electromagnetic clutch relay |
| 64 | (20A) Auxiliary heater control unit |
| 65 | (30A) Driver’s seat adjustment switch block |
| 66 | – |
| 67 | (5A) Electronic immobilizer control unit, interior rearview mirror with auto-dimming, anti-theft control unit (with volume control), vehicle tilt sensor (anti-theft system), anti-theft alarm horn |
| 68 | (30A) Heated rear window relay |
| 69 | (5A) Tire pressure monitor control module |
| 70 | (30A) Passenger seat adjustment switch block |
| 71 | (10A / 30A) Multifunction control module |
The fuse number 47, 20A, is responsible for the cigarette lighter.
The following relays are also located behind the glove box:
1 – fuel pump relay, 2 – backup, 3 – fog lamp relay, 4 – horn relay.
Additional fuse
Behind Glovebox.
Circuits protected
| 101 | 50 | 03.1998-09.1998: Electric fan |
| 102 | 80 | MSS54: Fuse carrier, engine electronics (fuse No.5 (30A)) DME relay Digital motor electronics control unit SMG control unit MS43: Fuse carrier, engine electronics (fuse No.5 (30A)) DME relay Digital motor electronics control unit Transmission control unit BMS46, MS42: B+ terminal ME9: B+ potential distributor |
| 103 | – | Not used |
| 104 | 100 | Preheater relay |
| 105 | 50 | Ignition switch Diagnosis plug |
| 106 | 50 | Ignition switch Light switching centre control unit |
| 107 | 50 | Trailer module Light switching centre control unit |
Engine compartment fuse box
This box is located in the rear of the engine compartment, near the wipers.
image
Diagram
Designation
| 1 | Electronic engine control unit |
| 2 | Electronic gearbox control unit |
| 3 | Windshield wiper motor relay |
| 4 | Engine management system relay – petrol |
| 5 | Engine Control Relay – Diesel |
| 6 | Reversing light relay |
| F1 | (30A) Ignition coils – 320iс MS43 / 325i / 330i |
| F2 | (30A) Electronic engine control unit, reverse lamp (s) relay, gearbox electronic control unit – 316i / 318i |
| F3 | (20A) Mass air flow sensor, crankshaft position sensor, reverse lamp (s) relay, coolant thermostat, camshaft position sensor 1, camshaft position sensor 2 – 320i / 325i / 330i |
| F4 | (30A) Fuel pump relay, exhaust air pump relay, A / C compressor clutch relay – 316i / 318i / 330i |
| F5 | (30A) Ignition coil relay – 316i / 318i / 320i / 323i / 328i |
Additional relays can be installed outside these boxes
Additional Information
If you have a question about how to get to the fuse box in the passenger compartment, watch this video.
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And if you know how to make this post better – write in the comments.
My key won’t start my 2004 325xi
It just quit working. Key is recognized but no crank no start.
Is there relays I should replace or a way to check them?
most likely your EWS/DME. you should have it reprogrammed. usually comes about with a change of starter or some sensitive parts. have that checked.
Actually your problem is the actual black cable that runs to the back of the car underneath it. If you get under your car from the rear and look right on top of Diff Centre bolted to tye underside of the car . You should see the cable running from the front of car to the back and right in that position you will see either a black or a white plastic protective casing around the cable, right on top of the Diff Centre. That supposed to protect the cable feom environmental rain or water being splashed up on to it. This over time wears, and so water finds itself into the protective casing causing the No Crank No Start.
@Haitham, what would be the recommended fix for that problem? I’m experiencing the same on my E46 320d.
Hi my bmw e46 318i it’s not closing the window on passenger door , but the rest window closed , what can be the problem?
Küsimus selles et üks päev lakkas minu e46 320d 2000a mingil mõjuval põhjusel paagisisene kütusepump töö sai ostetud uus aga ikka ei midagi .. Milles võiks asi olla ?
Buna ziua,aș avea nevoie de schema de pin data Connect BMW e46 cabrio facelift 318 ci 2.0 valvetronic ,mufa de la calculator motor fiecare pin in parte,ma-ți putea ajuta?🤕
2001 bmw M3 won’t start…acted like it wasn’t getting any gas jus before it died…which n WHERE is the STARTER RELAY switch located???
My obd port under bonet have not power, under dashboard works good. Checked all fuses all good, any ideas what’s wrong. BMW318i 1999 e46. Please any help, my head twisted.
Hi I also have a no crank no start issue and the black box under the hood in the e box with the 5 fuses is give off abnormal voltage readings. Example:with ignition in position 2the first 30a fuse closest the the driver side panel shows a reading of 12v or what ever the battery voltage is at the time then the next 30a fuse fluctuates from 12v down to about 9v and back up constantly it does not stabilize then to 20a fuse in the middle shows a high reading. For instance if my battery voltage was to be at 11v that fuse would show 12v. Then the next 30a fuse shows a low reading. If battery at 12v this fues shows 10v and the last fuse closest to the passenger side shows a normal reading of what ever the battery level is at. Oh and the beamer I have is a 2004 bmw 330i E46 m54 auto gas. Before all of this I was trying to diagnose a oil leak so I took the air intake manifold off then after deciding I found where the leak was reinstalled everything the reverse of what I took off then tried to start and nothing. No crank no start code p2240 appeared. So took back apart thinking I maybe didn’t connect something. Put back together after finding no apparent problem. Then codes p1504 p1508 p1634. Replaced idle air control valve map sensor and intake manifold flap runner valve. Then tried and still no start no crank. Then learned had to do a relearn but car won’t start so how do I do that and which relearn do I d. Oh and also I have the big 50a fuse in the glove box fuse panel replaced because it had blown after the first initial tear down to find oil leak. So I cleared codes then p0123 p0222 p1625 p2127 p16A0 p1504 p01508 cleared codes now just p16A0 and p1634 are showing please help. My Launch crp123 check engine obd2 scanner abs srs code reader diagnostics scan tool should be in today so I can do proper relearn and better diag of codes .
Hi
I have a 320ci Jan 2001 build and the DSC light and handbrake light are on and I can’t get them off. Checked fuses and relays all okay. Found yaw sensor not sure how to test it. Changed wheel speed sensors front.
Any ideas please