Subject: Curious, what are your symptoms? Author: mwong as M.Wong (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 4119 posts Posted on: 2005-01-18 02:47:41

Engine compartment? I was under the impression it's in the corner by the back seat. I'll try to locate more info.

Here is the problem I've heard of before related to that relay:

Symptom: The rear brake lights check function comes on intermittantly. Start the car up and press the brake, and the light goes out as normal. Randomly, the light comes back on when hitting the brake. e brake lights work fine and the bulbs have been checked.

I never had a convertible, but after checking bulbs and corrosion in the bulb contacts, here are some possible solutions:

Brake light switch at top of pedal.
Center brake light on a convertible trunk lid damaged.
Check control panel itself bad.
Ground issue.
Brake check relay.

The ground and brake check relay should be in the same area:
Remove the back seat (bottom and back).
Remove the trim around the soft top release latch by sliding it towards the rear.
Pop out the panel that covers the drivers side (left) speaker (pull from the top side).
Undo the two larger black phillips screws that hold the panel.
Open the drivers door and pull away the black weather strip.
SLOWLY pull the side panel out. The speaker wire will be connected still. When you get enough clearance, disconnect the speaker.

The ground will be the bolt at the bottom center with a bunch of wires attached. The Brake Check Relay will be visible through the hole above the ground connection. It's a larger relay (about 4") with 2 large plugs. It's attached with two screws.

Again, I never owned or worked on an iC, so this is not certain...

M.Wong
E38 2000 740iL Orient Blue
E39 2003 540i/6 Sterling Gray (European Delivery)
E30 1987 325i Royal Blue (Passed on to a new family.)

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