BMW 3 (E46) | 1998-2005 | Fuse Box Diagrams and Locations
The fourth-generation BMW 3-Series (chassis code E46), a luxury compact car, was produced from 1998 to 2005. Celebrated for its refined design, exceptional handling, and advanced engineering, the E46 remains a beloved model among BMW enthusiasts and drivers worldwide.
In this article, you will find fuse box diagrams for BMW 3-Series models produced between 1998 and 2005, covering years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005. These diagrams provide essential insights into the fuse layout and relay assignments, making it easy to troubleshoot and maintain the vehicle’s electrical systems.
What’s Included:
Fuse Box Diagrams: Clear and detailed visuals for quick and accurate identification of fuses and relays.
Fuse Panel Locations: Step-by-step instructions on locating the fuse panels inside your BMW 3-Series.
Fuse Assignments: Comprehensive descriptions of each fuse and relay function to simplify diagnostics and repairs.
Whether you are addressing an electrical issue, replacing a blown fuse, or performing routine maintenance, this guide is an essential resource for BMW 3-Series (E46) owners and technicians. It ensures you have the information needed to keep your vehicle’s systems operating reliably.
Maintain the performance and reliability of your BMW 3-Series (E46) with this detailed fuse box guide!
Open the glove compartment, turn the two clamps, and pull the panel down for access the fuses.
Fuse box diagram
Assignment of the fuses in the glove compartment
№
A
Protected components
1
–
Not used
2
–
Not used
3
–
Not used
4
–
Not used
5
5
Horn relay
6
5
Make-up mirror light, driver’s side Make-up mirror light, passenger’s side Convertible soft top control unit
7
5
Radio control unit Aerial amplifier AM/FM (with remote control central locking) On-board monitor control unit Spatial sound switch Interface Navigation computer GPS receiver Transceiver/charging electronics Pushbutton, convertible soft top closed Basic interface telephone Voice input Diversity Eject box Telematics control unit (TCU-Everest) Universal electronic charging and hands-free module (ULF)
8
5
Sequential mechanical gear
9
5
up to 03.2001 (BMS46): General module control unit Light switching centre control unit Cruise control module Brake light switch Volute spring 03.1998-09.1999 (MS42 or DDE3.0): Volute spring General module control unit Brake light switch Light switching centre control unit 09.1999-03.2001 (MS42, MS43, MSS54, DDE3.0, DDE4.0): Volute spring General module control unit Brake light switch Light switching centre control unit Clutch switch as of 03.2001: Volute spring General module control unit Brake light switch Light switching centre control unit Clutch switch module
10
5
Instrument cluster control unit
11
5
Multiple Restraint System II: Sensor for LH side airbag (satellite) Sensor for RH side airbag (satellite) Multiple restraint system control unit Hall sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle Hall sensor, passenger’s seat belt buckle (USA) Electronic seat control Multiple Restraint System III/IV: Multiple restraint system control unit Hall sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle Electronic seat control Hall sensor, passenger’s seat belt buckle (USA)
12
7.5
03.1998-09.1999: Sun shade switch as of 09.1999: Switch center
13
7.5
as of 03.2000: Rollover sensor
14
5
Electronic immobiliser control unit Gearshift lock
15
5
Rain sensor Intermittent wipe/wash control unit, rear (Touring)
16
–
Not used
17
–
Not used
18
–
Not used
19
–
Not used
20
–
Not used
21
–
Not used
22
5
S54: Sequential mechanical gear box M47/TU and M57/TU: Digital diesel electronics control unit
23
5
Auxiliary water pump
24
5
Electrochromic interior rear-view mirror Park distance control unit (PDC)
25
5
Outside mirror, passenger’s side Thermal switch, heated spray nozzles
26
5
Garage door opener
27
10
Reversing light relay Gear position switch (BMS46 with EGS 8.34) Transmission control unit (BMS46 with GM5)
28
5
Heating and A/C control module Heating blower relay Relay, A/C compressor Dual-function switch recirculated air/rear window defogger Temperature switch Rear window defogger relay (convertible)
29
5
Digital motor electronics control unit (BMS46, MS42, MS43, MSS54) Unloader relay terminal 15 (BMS46, ME9) Digital diesel electronics control unit (DDE3.0, DDE5) Transmission control unit (ME9 with Automatic transmission)
30
7.5
Oil level sensor Alternator Temperature switch (up to 09.1998; MS42) Transmission control unit Data link connector Diesel: Oil level sensor Data link connector Transmission control unit (as of 06.2000; DDE3.0)
31
5
03.1998-09.1998: Mirror adjustment switch 09.1998-09.2001: Tyre pressure control system control unit as of 09.2001: Mirror adjustment switch Control unit, tyre defect indicator (RPA) (all-wheel drive with DDS) Tyre pressure control system control unit (without all-wheel drive with DDS)
32
5
without Xenon lights: Light switching centre control unit Xenon lights: Light switching centre control uni Xenon headlight, left Xenon headlight, right Control unit for adaptive headlight (03.2003-09.2003; Convertible and Coupe) Xenon lights (as of 09.2003): Light switching centre control uni Control unit for adaptive headlight (Convertible)
33
5
03.1998-09.1999: ASC/DSC button ABS/DSC unit (with DSC) without all-wheel: Switch center Steering angle sensor (with DSC) ABS/DSC unit up to 03.2001 (all-wheel drive): Switch center Steering angle sensor, DSC ABS/DSC unit as of 03.2001 (all-wheel drive): Switch center
34
5
Instrument cluster control unit Fuel pump control (EKPS) (only MS45)
35
50
all-wheel drive: ABS/DSC unit Convertible: Relay, convertible top drive
36
50
Secondary air pump relay
37
50
03.1998-09.1998: Heating blower relay 09.1998-09.1999: Blower switch (with IHS) Blower output stage (with IHKA) as of 09.1999: Electric fan
Siemens: Voice input Basic interface telephone Eject box Motorola (as of 06.2000): Voice input Compensator Transceiver/charging electronics Interface Telematics Control Unit: Voice input Telematics control unit (TCU-Everest) Eject box Aerial splitter (Coupe, Convertible as from 2004_09) ULF: Compensator Universal electronic charging and hands-free module (ULF)
40
5
without all-wheel (up to 09.2001): Gear indicator light without all-wheel (as of 09.2001): Steering angle sensor, DSC Gear indicator light (only USA) all-wheel drive: Steering angle sensor, DSC
41
30
On-board monitor control unit Amplifier Radio control unit CD changer Subwoofer box Navigation computer Video module control unit Switch center
42
30
Switch center
43
5
Instrument cluster control unit Data link connector (only USA)
44
20
Trailer socket
45
20
Touring: Intermittent wipe/wash control unit, rear
46
20
Convertible soft top control unit Sunroof module control unit Relay, convertible top 1
47
15
up to 03.1999: Cigarette lighter, front
47
20
as of 03.1999: Cigarette lighter, front Oddments compartment, left (except Touring) Oddments compartment, right (except Touring) 12 V socket
48
30
General module control unit
49
5
General module control unit Aerial amplifier AM/FM (with remote control central locking)
50
25
up to 09.1999: Ignition switch
50
40
as of 09.1999: Blower switch (with Heater control) Blower output stage (without Heater control)
51
30
Headlight washer module
52
30
General module control unit
53
30
ABS/ASC unit
54
15
Fuel pump relay 1
54
25
DDE4.0: Fuel pump relay 1
54
20
DDE5.0: Fuel pump relay 1 MS45: Fuel pump control (EKPS)
55
15
Horn relay
56
30
ABS/ASC unit
57
5
Outside mirror fold-in control unit Mirror memory control unit, driver’s side (up to 03.2003) Mirror memory control unit, front passenger’s side (up to 03.2003) Driver’s side outside mirror with memory (as of 03.2003) Passenger’s side out-side mirror with memory (as of 03.2003) Mirror memory control unit, driver’s side (as of 03.2003; Coupe, Convertible) Mirror memory control unit, front passenger’s side (as of 03.2003; Coupe, Convertible) Power window motor, driver’s door with anti-trap protection function (as of 03.2003; Compact, Convertible with SPMFT) Power window motor, passenger’s door with anti-trap protection function (as of 03.2003; Compact, Convertible with SPMFT)
58
7.5
Touring: Relay, rear window drive as of 03.2003; (Coupe, Convertible): Control unit for adaptive headlight
59
30
Wiper relay
60
25
General module control unit
61
30
ABS/DSC unit
62
7.5
Water valves
63
7.5
Relay, A/C compressor
64
20
Independent park heating control unit
64
5
DDE5: Transmission control unit
65
30
03.1998-09.1999: Driver’s seat memory control unit Driver’s lumbar support switch as of 09.1999: Driver’s seat adjustment switch Driver’s lumbar support switch (convertible)
66
5
MS43 with SMG: Ignition switch
67
5
Electronic immobiliser control unit Electrochromic interior rear-view mirror Control unit, interior protection I Control unit, interior protection II (convertible) Tilt monitoring Horn for antitheft alarm system
68
30
Rear window defogger relay
69
5
Tyre pressure control system control unit
70
30
with SMF (Saloon, Touring): Seat adjustment switch, front passenger’s seat without SMF (Saloon, Touring): Passenger’s lumbar support switch Compact, Coupe: Control unit, front passenger seat memory Convertible: Control unit, front passenger seat memory Passenger’s lumbar support switch
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
