What is this in my car?

toyotacelicagt4 · 25 Feb 2011 at 17:40

Hi,

I was checking the fluid levels on my car and saw this. I've noticed it before but never really took much notice. So what exactly is it? The car is question is a 2002 BMW E46 325i auto...

Thanks

bmh.01 · 25 Feb 2011 at 17:53

Fuse/relay box of some sort judging by the look of it.

Gaygle · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:21

In my 330i that bit is just an empty space! I've always worried why they left a big open space in the engine bay, as it isn't exactly "spacious" in there. Perhaps something to do with yours being an automatic and mine being a manual?

rypt · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:23

bmh.01 said:
Fuse/relay box of some sort judging by the look of it.

with a screwed on lid?

denon · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:26

engine ecu and a few relays under the lid usually

wonder_lander · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:29

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BN32&mospid=47617&btnr=61_1102&hg=61&fg=25

mejinks · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:29

denon said:
engine ecu and a few relays under the lid usually

This. Do not open. Unless you are rechipping

denon · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:31

no harm in opening it and having a look if your curious

Gaygle · 25 Feb 2011 at 18:35

wonder_lander said:
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BN32&mospid=47617&btnr=61_1102&hg=61&fg=25

There you go, it's a relay for something to do with the automatic transmission.

denon · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:00

Gaygle said:
In my 330i that bit is just an empty space! I've always worried why they left a big open space in the engine bay, as it isn't exactly "spacious" in there. Perhaps something to do with yours being an automatic and mine being a manual?

i would be worried if you dont have that box in your car

Gaygle · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:06

denon said:
i would be worried if you dont have that box in your car

Really? Why? :/

jigger · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:06

Your car is bleeding.

mrk · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:34

Gaygle said:
There you go, it's a relay for something to do with the automatic transmission.

Negative.

I have it too and I drive a manual, unless somehow I've been stick shifting an auto for 2.5 years

denon · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:42

Gaygle said:
Really? Why? :/

well where is your engine ecu then?

Gaygle · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:46

denon said:
well where is your engine ecu then?

I dunno, but i think it's safe to say that my car hasn't been running flawlessly for the past 18 months with no ECU.

stulid · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:50

Strange shape to be an ECU?

Gaygle · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:51

Khaaan! said:
Negative.

I have it too and I drive a manual, unless somehow I've been stick shifting an auto for 2.5 years

Oh. Lol. Hmmmm.

OP please open it up! I must know now! I thought it was just a ghetto cubby hole

denon · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:53

stulid said:
Strange shape to be an ECU?

its a normal shape ecu that slots into part of the box

edit, heres a picture http://media.photobucket.com/image/e46 dme box/klim777/DMEFuses.jpg

jigger · 25 Feb 2011 at 19:55

Gaygle said:
Oh. Lol. Hmmmm.

OP please open it up! I must know now! I thought it was just a ghetto cubby hole

PMSL

For hiding class A's in your Beamama

Clarkey · 25 Feb 2011 at 20:20

Something to do with Xenon lights maybe?