BMW 3 Series E46 (1998-2006) uses a main fuse panel in the passenger-side glove compartment, supplementary fuses and relays behind the same dashboard area, and a rear high-current battery distribution block. The saloon, Touring estate, Coupe, Convertible and Compact, as well as 316i, 318i, 320i, 320d, 325i, 330d and M3 engine electronics, can have different installed options and fuse ratings. Production date is often more useful than registration year.
This English reference preserves every one of the 284 original Polish table rows, including all multi-line equipment alternatives: 255 rows of main F1-F73 assignments, 21 supplementary F101-F107 rows, five K-number relay definitions and three rear distribution entries. Long source cells have been divided into independent lines retaining the same fuse designation, but no dated variant, unoccupied slot or model-specific branch has been removed.
How to access the BMW E46 fuse panels
Main dashboard panel: switch off the ignition and consumers, open the passenger glove compartment and release the two white locking knobs near the top of the compartment by turning them. Let the fuse holder and printed assignment card swing down carefully. The main numbered positions F1-F73 are here, not in the engine compartment. The card often has its own model-specific amp values; compare it with this reference before changing a fuse.
Supplementary fuses and relays: access behind the glovebox may require removing its lower trim and retaining fasteners. F101-F107 and relay sockets K2, K4, K19, K47 and K96 are separate from the primary blade-fuse rows. Observe caution near airbag and control-module wiring.
Rear battery distribution: remove the appropriate trim panel above or beside the battery in the boot or luggage compartment; its position varies between body styles. The high-current prefuse block includes a 200 A distribution link and a 100 A diesel branch in the documented equipment. Follow BMW battery isolation precautions before disturbing bolted main links.
Main passenger fuse box F1-F73 – all 255 equipment and production rows
Fuse F47 is the front cigarette lighter: before March 1999 it is rated 15 A, and from March 1999 the documented version has a 20 A lighter and accessory socket supply. F54 protects the fuel pump circuit but changes between petrol, DDE4.0, DDE5.0 and MS45 engine controls. F55 (15 A) is the horn feed, F59 (30 A) supplies the wipers, and F50 changes from an early ignition circuit to later blower supply. Optional airbag, DSC, xDrive, SMG, xenon, heated seats and convertible functions account for the multi-row alternatives.
The table repeats a position number wherever the Polish original showed several protected consumers or a build-period alternative. This does not imply that several different blade fuses occupy the same numbered socket. Unused positions F1-F4, F16-F21 and F72-F73 are retained.
| Pozycja | Amperaż [A] | Chroniony obwód / funkcja |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 2 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 3 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 4 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 5 | 5 | Horn relay control feed |
| 6 | 5 | Driver-side vanity mirror illumination |
| 6 | 5 | Passenger-side vanity mirror illumination |
| 6 | 5 | Convertible soft-top control unit |
| 7 | 5 | Radio control unit |
| 7 | 5 | AM/FM antenna diversity amplifier with remote central locking |
| 7 | 5 | On-board monitor controller |
| 7 | 5 | Surround sound control switch |
| 7 | 5 | Audio or telephone interface module |
| 7 | 5 | Navigation computer |
| 7 | 5 | GPS receiver |
| 7 | 5 | Telephone transceiver and charging electronics |
| 7 | 5 | Convertible roof closed confirmation switch |
| 7 | 5 | Telephone basic-interface electronics |
| 7 | 5 | Voice recognition input |
| 7 | 5 | Antenna diversity control system |
| 7 | 5 | Telephone eject box |
| 7 | 5 | Telematics control unit TCU-Everest |
| 7 | 5 | Universal electronic charging and hands-free module ULF |
| 8 | 5 | Sequential manual gearbox SMG |
| 9 | 5 | Before March 2001, BMS46 engine system: |
| 9 | 5 | Body general module controller |
| 9 | 5 | Light switch centre controller |
| 9 | 5 | Cruise control electronics |
| 9 | 5 | Brake light switch |
| 9 | 5 | Steering-wheel slip ring / clock spring |
| 9 | 5 | March 1998 to September 1999, MS42 or DDE3.0: |
| 9 | 5 | Steering-wheel clock spring |
| 9 | 5 | General module controller |
| 9 | 5 | Brake light switch |
| 9 | 5 | Light switching centre controller |
| 9 | 5 | September 1999 to March 2001, MS42/MS43/MSS54/DDE3.0/DDE4.0: |
| 9 | 5 | Steering-wheel clock spring |
| 9 | 5 | Body general module controller |
| 9 | 5 | Brake light switch |
| 9 | 5 | Light switching centre controller |
| 9 | 5 | Clutch pedal switch |
| 9 | 5 | From March 2001: |
| 9 | 5 | Steering wheel clock spring |
| 9 | 5 | Body general module controller |
| 9 | 5 | Brake light switch |
| 9 | 5 | Light switching centre controller |
| 9 | 5 | Clutch pedal switch module |
| 10 | 5 | Instrument cluster control unit |
| 11 | 5 | Multiple restraint system II: |
| 11 | 5 | Left side airbag impact sensor satellite |
| 11 | 5 | Right side airbag impact sensor satellite |
| 11 | 5 | Multiple restraint system control unit |
| 11 | 5 | Driver seat belt buckle Hall sensor |
| 11 | 5 | Passenger buckle Hall sensor, US models |
| 11 | 5 | Electronic seat occupancy monitoring |
| 11 | 5 | Multiple restraint system III/IV: |
| 11 | 5 | Multiple restraint system control unit |
| 11 | 5 | Driver seat belt buckle Hall sensor |
| 11 | 5 | Electronic seat occupancy control |
| 11 | 5 | Passenger seat belt buckle Hall sensor, US models |
| 12 | 7.5 | March 1998 to September 1999: sun visor switch |
| 12 | 7.5 | From September 1999: switching centre |
| 13 | 7.5 | From March 2000: rollover sensor, convertible |
| 14 | 5 | Electronic immobiliser EWS controller |
| 14 | 5 | Automatic gearshift interlock |
| 15 | 5 | Rain sensor |
| 15 | 5 | Rear intermittent wipe/wash controller, Touring |
| 16 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 17 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 18 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 19 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 20 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 21 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 22 | 5 | S54 engine: sequential manual gearbox SMG |
| 22 | 5 | M47TU and M57TU diesel: DDE engine electronics |
| 23 | 5 | Auxiliary coolant water pump |
| 24 | 5 | Automatic-dimming interior rear-view mirror |
| 24 | 5 | Parking Distance Control PDC unit |
| 25 | 5 | Passenger side door mirror control |
| 25 | 5 | Heated washer nozzles thermal switch |
| 26 | 5 | Garage door opener |
| 27 | 10 | Reversing light relay |
| 27 | 10 | Automatic transmission selector switch, BMS46 with EGS8.34 |
| 27 | 10 | Transmission ECU, BMS46 with GM5 |
| 28 | 5 | Heating and air-conditioning control module |
| 28 | 5 | Heater blower relay |
| 28 | 5 | Air-conditioning compressor relay |
| 28 | 5 | Dual function recirculation / rear window demister switch |
| 28 | 5 | Temperature switch |
| 28 | 5 | Convertible rear window demister relay |
| 29 | 5 | DME petrol engine electronics controller, BMS46/MS42/MS43/MSS54 |
| 29 | 5 | Terminal 15 load-shedding relay, BMS46 and ME9 |
| 29 | 5 | Diesel engine electronics DDE3.0/DDE5 controller |
| 29 | 5 | Transmission controller, ME9 with automatic gearbox |
| 30 | 7.5 | Engine oil level sensor |
| 30 | 7.5 | Alternator electrical supply |
| 30 | 7.5 | Temperature switch, until September 1998 with MS42 |
| 30 | 7.5 | Transmission control unit |
| 30 | 7.5 | Data Link Connector diagnostic interface |
| 30 | 7.5 | Diesel version: |
| 30 | 7.5 | Engine oil level sensor |
| 30 | 7.5 | Diagnostic Data Link Connector |
| 30 | 7.5 | Transmission ECU, from June 2000 with DDE3.0 |
| 31 | 5 | March to September 1998: mirror adjustment switch |
| 31 | 5 | September 1998 to September 2001: tyre pressure monitoring ECU |
| 31 | 5 | From September 2001: |
| 31 | 5 | Mirror adjustment switch |
| 31 | 5 | Flat-tyre warning RPA module, all-wheel drive with DDS |
| 31 | 5 | Tyre pressure monitoring unit, without AWD DDS |
| 32 | 5 | Without xenon headlights: light switch centre controller |
| 32 | 5 | With xenon headlamps: |
| 32 | 5 | Light control electronics module |
| 32 | 5 | Left xenon headlamp unit |
| 32 | 5 | Right xenon headlamp unit |
| 32 | 5 | Adaptive headlamp controller, March-September 2003 coupe/convertible |
| 32 | 5 | Xenon equipment from September 2003: |
| 32 | 5 | Light electronics controller |
| 32 | 5 | Adaptive headlamp control, convertible |
| 33 | 5 | March 1998 to September 1999: |
| 33 | 5 | ASC/DSC control pushbutton |
| 33 | 5 | ABS/DSC system control module |
| 33 | 5 | Rear-wheel-drive version: |
| 33 | 5 | Switch centre |
| 33 | 5 | Steering-angle sensor with DSC |
| 33 | 5 | ABS/DSC controller |
| 33 | 5 | All-wheel-drive version until March 2001: |
| 33 | 5 | Switch centre |
| 33 | 5 | DSC steering angle sensor |
| 33 | 5 | ABS/DSC control module |
| 33 | 5 | All-wheel drive from March 2001: switch centre |
| 34 | 5 | Instrument cluster control unit |
| 34 | 5 | Electronically controlled fuel pump EKPS, MS45 only |
| 35 | 50 | All-wheel drive: ABS/DSC control unit |
| 35 | 50 | Convertible: power roof drive relay |
| 36 | 50 | Secondary air injection pump relay |
| 37 | 50 | March to September 1998: heating blower relay |
| 37 | 50 | September 1998 to September 1999: |
| 37 | 50 | Blower speed selector with IHS heating |
| 37 | 50 | Final blower stage with IHKA automatic climate control |
| 37 | 50 | From September 1999: electric blower motor |
| 38 | 10 | Front fog lamp relay |
| 39 | 5 | Telephone transceiver and charging electronics |
| 39 | 5 | Motorola telephone system, March 1998-September 1999: telephone transceiver |
| 39 | 5 | Nokia telephone equipment: |
| 39 | 5 | Telephone transceiver, until September 1999 |
| 39 | 5 | Aerial signal compensator |
| 39 | 5 | Basic-interface phone, from September 1999 |
| 39 | 5 | Voice input interface, from September 1999 |
| 39 | 5 | Telephone preparation option: |
| 39 | 5 | Telephone transceiver |
| 39 | 5 | Aerial signal compensator |
| 39 | 5 | JBIT interface: basic-interface telephone |
| 39 | 10 | Siemens telephone type 10: |
| 39 | 10 | Voice input electronics |
| 39 | 10 | Basic-interface telephone |
| 39 | 10 | Telephone eject box |
| 39 | 10 | Motorola equipment from June 2000: |
| 39 | 10 | Voice input system |
| 39 | 10 | Aerial signal compensator |
| 39 | 10 | Telephone transceiver and charging electronics |
| 39 | 10 | Interface module |
| 39 | 10 | Telematics control system: |
| 39 | 10 | Voice input |
| 39 | 10 | Telematics controller TCU-Everest |
| 39 | 10 | Telephone eject box |
| 39 | 10 | Antenna splitter for coupe/convertible from September 2004 |
| 39 | 10 | ULF telephone equipment: |
| 39 | 10 | Aerial compensator |
| 39 | 10 | Universal charging and hands-free module ULF |
| 40 | 5 | Rear-wheel drive up to September 2001: gear position warning light |
| 40 | 5 | Rear-wheel drive from September 2001: |
| 40 | 5 | Steering angle sensor for DSC |
| 40 | 5 | Gear position warning lamp, US only |
| 40 | 5 | All-wheel-drive version: steering-angle DSC sensor |
| 41 | 30 | On-board monitor control |
| 41 | 30 | Audio amplifier |
| 41 | 30 | Radio controller |
| 41 | 30 | CD changer |
| 41 | 30 | Subwoofer speaker box |
| 41 | 30 | Navigation computer |
| 41 | 30 | Video module controller |
| 41 | 30 | Switch centre |
| 42 | 30 | Switch centre controller |
| 43 | 5 | Instrument cluster control unit |
| 43 | 5 | OBD/DLC connector, US specification |
| 44 | 20 | Trailer electrical socket |
| 45 | 20 | Touring estate: rear intermittent washer/wiper controller |
| 46 | 20 | Convertible power top control module |
| 46 | 20 | Sunroof control module |
| 46 | 20 | Convertible roof operation relay number 1 |
| 47 | 15 | Up to March 1999: front cigarette lighter, 15 A |
| 47 | 20 | From March 1999: 20 A power supply |
| 47 | 20 | Front cigarette lighter |
| 47 | 20 | Left storage compartment lamp/outlet, except Touring |
| 47 | 20 | Right storage compartment, except Touring |
| 47 | 20 | 12 V accessory socket |
| 48 | 30 | Body general module control unit |
| 49 | 5 | General module control unit |
| 49 | 5 | AM/FM antenna amplifier with remote central locking |
| 50 | 25 | Before September 1999: ignition switch, 25 A |
| 50 | 40 | From September 1999: 40 A supply |
| 50 | 40 | Heater blower speed switch |
| 50 | 40 | Blower final-stage resistor/control module |
| 51 | 30 | Headlamp cleaning washer control module |
| 52 | 30 | Body general module control unit |
| 53 | 30 | ABS/ASC electronic unit |
| 54 | 15 | Fuel pump relay number 1, petrol |
| 54 | 25 | DDE4.0 diesel: fuel pump relay, 25 A |
| 54 | 20 | DDE5.0 diesel: fuel pump relay, 20 A |
| 54 | 20 | MS45: electronically controlled fuel pump EKPS |
| 55 | 15 | Horn relay power supply |
| 56 | 30 | ABS/ASC brake control electronics |
| 57 | 5 | Door mirror folding control module |
| 57 | 5 | Driver mirror memory controller until March 2003 |
| 57 | 5 | Passenger mirror memory controller until March 2003 |
| 57 | 5 | Driver memory mirror from March 2003 |
| 57 | 5 | Passenger memory mirror from March 2003 |
| 57 | 5 | Mirror memory controller driver side, coupe/convertible from March 2003 |
| 57 | 5 | Mirror memory controller passenger side, coupe/convertible from March 2003 |
| 57 | 5 | Driver power-window motor with anti-trap protection, Compact/convertible |
| 57 | 5 | Passenger power-window anti-trap motor, Compact/convertible |
| 58 | 7.5 | Touring: rear tailgate window actuator relay |
| 58 | 7.5 | From March 2003, coupe/convertible: adaptive headlamp ECU |
| 59 | 30 | Windscreen wiper motor relay |
| 60 | 25 | Body general module controller |
| 61 | 30 | ABS/DSC brake controller |
| 62 | 7.5 | Heater coolant control valves |
| 63 | 7.5 | Air-conditioning compressor relay |
| 64 | 20 | Auxiliary independent parking heater controller |
| 64 | 5 | DDE5 diesel: transmission controller, 5 A alternative |
| 65 | 30 | March 1998 to September 1999: |
| 65 | 30 | Driver seat memory control unit |
| 65 | 30 | Driver lumbar support switch |
| 65 | 30 | From September 1999: |
| 65 | 30 | Driver seat adjustment switch |
| 65 | 30 | Driver lumbar support switch, reversible |
| 66 | 5 | MS43 with SMG: ignition switch |
| 67 | 5 | Electronic immobiliser control |
| 67 | 5 | Auto dimming interior rear view mirror |
| 67 | 5 | Interior anti-theft sensor module I |
| 67 | 5 | Interior anti-theft sensor module II, convertible |
| 67 | 5 | Vehicle tilt monitoring |
| 67 | 5 | Anti-theft alarm horn |
| 68 | 30 | Rear window demister relay |
| 69 | 5 | Tyre pressure monitoring controller |
| 70 | 30 | With seat-memory feature, saloon/Touring: passenger seat adjustment switch |
| 70 | 30 | Without seat memory, saloon/Touring: passenger lumbar support |
| 70 | 30 | Compact/coupe: passenger seat memory control unit |
| 70 | 30 | Alternative configuration: |
| 70 | 30 | Passenger seat memory unit |
| 70 | 30 | Passenger lumbar support switch |
| 71 | 30 | Four-door version: body general module, 30 A |
| 71 | 10 | Two-door version: body general module, 10 A |
| 72 | – | Unused fuse position |
| 73 | – | Unused fuse position |
Supplementary glove compartment fuses F101-F107
These higher-current protection points control the early electric cooling fan, main engine and SMG electronics, diesel heater, ignition switch, diagnostic circuit and trailer module. F102 (80 A) includes different MSS54, MS43, BMS46, MS42 and ME9 branches; these are alternative control-system configurations, not a universal 80 A accessory feed.
| Pozycja | Amperaż [A] | Chroniony obwód / funkcja |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | 50 | March-September 1998: electric cooling fan |
| 102 | 80 | MSS54 M3 engine: |
| 102 | 80 | Engine electronics fuse holder, fuse 5 30 A |
| 102 | 80 | DME main relay |
| 102 | 80 | Digital motor electronic engine control unit |
| 102 | 80 | SMG transmission controller |
| 102 | 80 | MS43 engine: |
| 102 | 80 | Engine electronics fuse holder, fuse 5 30 A |
| 102 | 80 | DME main relay |
| 102 | 80 | Digital motor electronics ECU |
| 102 | 80 | Automatic transmission controller |
| 102 | 80 | BMS46 or MS42: battery positive terminal B+ |
| 102 | 80 | ME9: B+ power distribution block |
| 103 | – | Unused position 103 |
| 104 | 100 | Diesel or auxiliary preheater relay |
| 105 | 50 | Ignition switch main power supply |
| 105 | 50 | Diagnostic connector power supply |
| 106 | 50 | Ignition switch main power supply |
| 106 | 50 | Light switching centre supply |
| 107 | 50 | Trailer electrical module power |
| 107 | 50 | Light switching centre controller supply |
Relay holder behind the glove compartment – K2 to K96
The five listed relay references cover horn, early blower (K4), air conditioning compressor (K19), front fog lamps (K47) and fuel pump (K96). BMW relay codes identify functions and must be matched with their physical holders rather than treated as sequential fuse numbers.
| Pozycja | Amperaż [A] | Chroniony obwód / funkcja |
|---|---|---|
| K2 | – | Horn relay |
| K4 | – | March-September 1998: heater blower IHS relay |
| K19 | – | Since September 1998: air-conditioning compressor relay |
| K47 | – | Front fog lamp relay |
| K96 | – | Fuel pump relay number 1 |
Rear battery high-current fuse block
F108 (200 A) supplies fuse groups F35-F71 and F101-F107. F203 (100 A) applies to the diesel DDE and/or engine electronics and automatic gearbox equipment documented in the original. The source has three separate descriptions, retained here, but the vehicle’s own rear pre-fuse carrier should be checked before removing any cable.
| Pozycja | Amperaż [A] | Chroniony obwód / funkcja |
|---|---|---|
| 108 | 200 | Main 200 A rear power distribution link feeding fuses 35-71 and 101-107 |
| 203 | 100 | DDE diesel engine relay main circuit, 100 A |
| 203 | 100 | Engine electronics fuse carrier, fuse 4 30 A on DDE4.0 or GM5 automatic transmission EGS control |
Production dates and model variants that matter
The E46 range changed electrical systems repeatedly: MS42/MS43 and BMS46 engine management, DDE3/DDE4/DDE5 diesels, M3 MSS54 and SMG, and later MS45 fuel pump control. The source explicitly separates March 1998, September 1998, September 1999, March 2001 and March 2003 equipment revisions. Convertible roof and rollover modules, Touring rear wash/wipe, coupe adaptive xenon and AWD DSC are not present on every E46.
Never substitute a fuse from a later BMW E90 merely because it is another 3 Series. For a previous model see BMW 3 Series E36 (1990-2000) after its model-specific article is available. The BMW 5 Series E39 (1996-2003) has related engine families but different fuse-panel assignments.
BMW E46 common electrical fault examples
Cigarette lighter not working: check F47 and its build-date-specific 15/20 A rating; inspect the socket for debris. Fuel pump silent: compare F54 and relay K96 against the petrol or diesel engine electronics, then test voltage and immobiliser status instead of assuming a common fuel-pump fault.
Heater fan runs at one speed or stops: F28 and F50 supply different control branches, and the blower final-stage controller can fail while both fuses remain intact. No windscreen wipers: check F59 (30 A), the wiper relay and motor park function.
Central locking and courtesy lights stop together: inspect F49, F52 and F60, general module and door wiring. ABS/DSC warning: the correct F53/F56/F61 grouping depends on the fitted ASC, DSC and all-wheel-drive equipment, and fault codes should be read before replacing the control module.
Convertible top will not open: compare F46 and the power-roof relay with the convertible controller and safety switches. Single xenon headlamp fault: use the F32 light switching and adaptive headlamp variant specified for the vehicle; inspect ballast and module wiring rather than fitting a larger fuse.