BMW Fuse Box Locations — Every Model

Why You Need to Know

When an electrical component fails, the first check should be the fuse. BMW hides fuse boxes in various locations depending on the model.

Fuse Box Locations by Model

E46 3 Series

• Glove box — main interior fuse box (behind glove box liner)
• Engine bay — power distribution box (near battery, right side)

E90/E91/E92 3 Series

• Glove box — main interior fuse box
• Trunk — rear power distribution box (right side, near battery)
• Engine bay — junction box (near strut tower)

F30/F31 3 Series

• Dashboard — fuse box behind panel on driver's side (left of steering column)
• Trunk — rear power distribution box (right side)
• Engine bay — junction box

G20 3 Series

• Dashboard — driver's side, behind panel
• Trunk — right side
• Engine bay — junction box

E39 5 Series

• Glove box — main fuse box
• Engine bay — E-box (near firewall)
• Trunk — power distribution (near battery)

E60 5 Series

• Glove box — main fuse box
• Trunk — rear junction box
• Engine bay — front power distribution

E53 X5

• Glove box — main fuse box
• Engine bay — E-box
• Rear — cargo area, right side

E70 X5

• Dashboard — driver's side panel
• Rear — cargo area, right side
• Engine bay — junction box

Fuse Types

Mini Blade Fuses

• Most common type in BMW
• Color-coded by amperage:
  • Brown: 5A
  • Red: 10A
  • Blue: 15A
  • Yellow: 20A
  • Clear/White: 25A
  • Green: 30A

Maxi Fuses

• Larger fuses for high-current circuits
• 40A-100A
• Located in power distribution boxes

Tips

• Always replace with the same amperage rating
• If a fuse blows repeatedly, there's an underlying short circuit — don't just keep replacing fuses
• Keep spare fuses in the car (BMW includes some in the fuse box cover)
• Use a fuse puller tool (included in BMW's fuse box)
• Check the fuse diagram on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual