Have seen several folks looking for correct wiper relay location. There are two relays in the 98 740iL, both in the E-box under the DME cards. Not the most elegant installation.
The Bentley manual figures aren't specific to the 98 and may be misleading so I've uploaded figures from the BMW shop manual, and pictures from my install.
The relay from BAV auto (part no. 61 36 8 384 505) also does not appear to be correct as it was physically too large to fit into the relay contact base. Maybe it's common to several installs, but it's physically too big and pinout is different than K36 and K37.
I purchased both relays from local BMW (Part no. 12 63 1 742 690) - $15.98 each.
Steps I used (similar to Magnum's, but different relay due to different year):
1. Remove E-box cover (4 hex screws - loosen but do not remove).
2. Gently slide up DME card(s) and rest on top. I started from the firewall and slid the last card up and laid it across the top of the E-box assembly without removing any connectors except the single separate connector at the firewall since the wires impeded DME card removal. I also only slide the middle DME card up 2-3 inches since this allowed me enough access. If you have larger hands you many need to fully remove the middle card too, but the wiring harness is pretty stiff.
3. Remove and replace relays. I removed the ABS relay and worked across for easier access and removal of each relay. I installed K36 first, because it was the most difficult location, then worked across. Due to the tight access this is mostly done by feel. I placed the relays on top of the contact base, then visually verified correct placement, then reached back in and fully seated the relay.
4. Slide DME card(s) back into place (and reconnect connector)
5. Install cover and tighten hex screws.
Hope that helps!:thumbup:
The Bentley manual figures aren't specific to the 98 and may be misleading so I've uploaded figures from the BMW shop manual, and pictures from my install.
The relay from BAV auto (part no. 61 36 8 384 505) also does not appear to be correct as it was physically too large to fit into the relay contact base. Maybe it's common to several installs, but it's physically too big and pinout is different than K36 and K37.
I purchased both relays from local BMW (Part no. 12 63 1 742 690) - $15.98 each.
Steps I used (similar to Magnum's, but different relay due to different year):
1. Remove E-box cover (4 hex screws - loosen but do not remove).
2. Gently slide up DME card(s) and rest on top. I started from the firewall and slid the last card up and laid it across the top of the E-box assembly without removing any connectors except the single separate connector at the firewall since the wires impeded DME card removal. I also only slide the middle DME card up 2-3 inches since this allowed me enough access. If you have larger hands you many need to fully remove the middle card too, but the wiring harness is pretty stiff.
3. Remove and replace relays. I removed the ABS relay and worked across for easier access and removal of each relay. I installed K36 first, because it was the most difficult location, then worked across. Due to the tight access this is mostly done by feel. I placed the relays on top of the contact base, then visually verified correct placement, then reached back in and fully seated the relay.
4. Slide DME card(s) back into place (and reconnect connector)
5. Install cover and tighten hex screws.
Hope that helps!:thumbup: