Welcome to our tutorial on BMW E30 fuses and relays. In this guide, we will try to figure out where the fuses and relays are located on BMW 3 series E30 generation cars (1982 – 1994).
The BMW E30 is a classic car that was produced from 1982 to 1994, and it is known for its sleek design and reliable performance. However, like any car, the E30 may experience electrical issues from time to time. In this tutorial, we will be discussing the various fuses and relays found in the E30, as well as their functions and how to troubleshoot and replace them. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, this tutorial will provide you with the information you need to keep your E30 running smoothly. By understanding the fuses and relays in your BMW E30, you’ll be able to troubleshoot and fix any electrical issues that may arise. Let’s get started!
Fuse Box in the Engine Compartment
The engine compartment fuse box is one of the most important components of the electrical system in your BMW E30. It is located in the engine compartment, usually on the driver’s side, and it is responsible for protecting the electrical system from damage caused by overloading or short-circuiting. The fuse box contains fuses, relays and circuit breakers that help to distribute the electrical power throughout the car.
The engine compartment fuse box on the BMW E30 has several fuses that control different electrical systems in the car. For example, the main fuse provides power to the engine control module, the fuel pump, and the fuel injectors. The auxiliary fan fuse controls the radiator fan, the headlight fuse controls the headlights, and the horn fuse controls the horn. Each fuse is labeled with the function it controls, making it easy to identify and replace a faulty fuse.
The engine compartment fuse box also contains several relays, which are responsible for controlling the electrical power to different systems in the car. For example, the main relay controls the power to the fuel pump and the fuel injectors, the starter relay controls the power to the starter motor, and the A/C relay controls the power to the A/C compressor.
It’s important to check the fuses and relays in the engine compartment fuse box regularly, to ensure that they are working correctly. If you notice any electrical issues in your E30, such as headlights that won’t turn on, or the engine not starting, it’s likely that a fuse or relay in the engine compartment fuse box is faulty. In such cases, you should replace the faulty fuse or relay to resolve the issue.
In conclusion, the engine compartment fuse box is an essential component of the electrical system in your BMW E30. It contains fuses and relays that help to distribute the electrical power throughout the car, and it is responsible for protecting the electrical system from damage caused by overloading or short-circuiting. If you notice any electrical issues in your E30, be sure to check the fuses and relays in the engine compartment fuse box before taking your car to a mechanic.
Relays List
| Relay Number | Protected Circuits |
| 1 | Normal speed relay / standby; |
| 2 | Sound signal; |
| 3 | High beam relay; |
| 4 | Low beam relay; |
| 5 | Unused; |
| 6 | High speed relay / standby; |
| 7 | Reserve; |
| 8 | Fog lamp relay; |
| 9 | Reserve; |
| 10 | Wiper; |
Fuses List
| Fuse Number | Amperage | Protected Circuits |
| 1 | 7.5 | Left high beam headlamp |
| 2 | 7.5 | Right high beam headlamp |
| 3 | 15 | Additional fan motor for the engine cooling system (at low speed) |
| 4 | 15 | Direction indicators |
| 5 | 25 (30) | Wiper, washer and headlamp wiper motors |
| 6 | 7.5 | Brake light bulbs. Programmable speed controller (cruise control) |
| 7 | 15 | Sound signals |
| 8 | 25 | Rear window heating element |
| 9 | 7.5 | Electric equipment of carburetor engines. or Reversing lamps. (Electrical equipment of carburetor engines. Reverse light lamps. Indicator of the engaged gear of an automatic transmission) |
| 10 | 7.5 | Control devices. On-board computer or Control devices. On-board computer. Reversing lamps |
| 11 | 15 | Electric fuel pump. Electric motor fuel injection pump |
| 12 | 15 | Radio. Onboard control system. Control devices |
| 13 | 7.5 | Left dipped beam |
| 14 | 7.5 | Right dipped headlight |
| 15 | 7.5 | Rear lights (fog lamps) |
| 16 | 15 | Driver’s seat heating element |
| 17 | 25 | Electric sunroof |
| 18 | 30 | Electric motor of the additional fan of the engine cooling system (at operating speed) |
| 19 | 15 (30) | Electric motor and heating element for the outside rear-view mirror |
| 20 | 30 | Heater fan electric motor. Air conditioning system |
| 21 | 7.5 | Interior lighting lamps. Glove box lighting lamp. Portable lamp. Clock. Radio receiver (station memory device). On-board computer |
| 22 | 7.5 | Side light bulbs in the left headlight, left rear light |
| 23 | 7.5 | Side light bulbs in the right headlight, right tail light. Instrument lighting lamps. License plate lights |
| 24 | 15 | Direction indicators in alarm mode |
| 25 | – | Reserved |
| 26 | – | Reserved |
| 27 | 25 (30) | Locking system. Heating elements for door locks. Anti-theft system Door lock system. Heating elements for door locks. Anti-theft system. On-board computer buzzer |
| 28 | 25 (30) | Cigarette lighter. Antenna electric drive. Additional heater motor |
| 29 | 7.5 | Left fog lamp |
| 30 | 7.5 | Right fog lamp |
