E46 325i Touring fuse blown

[325iTouring]

HELP PLEASE!!! My 325i Touring sadly died on me tonight. After checking several options I found five fuses tucked away in the ECU compartment together with some relays. Fuse number 3 (Centre) was blown. This is the only 20Amp fuse amongst the other 30A fuses. After replacing this fuse the car started but blown the fuse again after idling for about 5 seconds.(done this twice). Can anyone tell me what circuit is protected by this fuse? What can I look at that can cause the fault current? The manual only refers to the fuse box in the glove compartment.

 

[zaleonardz]

If you take a look at the fuse box cover, on the inside, there should be a diagram indicating what it is for.

If not, if you take a look in the owners manual, it should be in there.

A constant blow is actually good news, that means overload, which will be easily traced.

Just be sure that you do not put a stronger then 20A fuse in there, as you can cause a fire.

Good luck man

 

[325iTouring]

Thanks for the reply. No mention of these fuses in the manual and no pic in the compartment or lid of the compartment. This is not in the common fuse box. I assume that BMW dont want owners to fiddle with these since they are in the engine compartment at the ECU.

 

[zaleonardz]

Perhaps disconnect the battery until you can have this looked at,

I have no idea what could be causing that, but what I do know is you dont want to pop your ECU, that would be painful....

 

[325iTouring]

Good idea. Thanks, will do.

 

[e46_325i]

Damn that is a strange problem that you have there! what mileage is yours on?

And you right just had a look at my manual and cover and no sign of an explanation anywhere for these fuses, touch wood :hammerhead: i have not had a problem like that...

Hope you manage to sort out soon, not an expert, but maybe have the faults read, as the fault might have been logged?! Not sure if this is how it works but i would be trying anything at this stage if i was you!

Pls post your findings so that i can keep it in the back of my mind incase i have a similar problem.... GOOD LUCK!