Difference between salmon color relay and other relay

[Zvizeman]

Dear gurus!
Forgive me ignorance, but what is the difference between the salmon color relay for the hydraulic pump and any ordinary relay. All along I used to think relays are relays!
Cheers,
Zvizeman

[jclausen]

No there not on the side of the relay is how the relay is wire with a resistor ect, if you go reloem enter the last seven of the vin go to either group 34, brakes or section 61 electrics you can find the part number for the correct relay

[Zvizeman]

No there not on the side of the relay is how the relay is wire with a resistor ect, if you go reloem enter the last seven of the vin go to either group 34, brakes or section 61 electrics you can find the part number for the correct relay

Many thanks for the clarification Jbird!

[Surfwooder]

Every relay has a specific purpose. In the case of the salmon relays, they are actuated by the convertible top module in the trunk, by a 7.5 vdc voltage. But, if you look at the trunk wiring you'll see the full battery voltage, and amperage is switched to the hydraulic motor, and polarity drives the motors direction, either up or down. So, the driving contacts must be heavier than a normal relay since the load may vary by the load of the motor. If you take the relay apart after years of use, you'll see some pitting in the 12vdc high amp contact to even a large pointed spear, and possible hole. This is proof of arcing in the relay due to heavy load. If you see this it may be time for a motor rebuild, or both motor and hydraulic system rebuild. At any event, time to change the relay ASAP.

[shogun]

Understanding European wiring diagrams, terminal designations, wire color codes, DIN relays, http://www.e38.org/understanding%20e...20diagrams.pdf download it

[BimmerBreaker]

Many times, a relay is just a relay and they can be swapped between different applications willy nilly with no damage done. This is especially useful for diagnostic purposes

However there are also quite a few "special" relays, such as the EKP fuel pump relay, which is unique in it's own right. Later on, BMW moved away from "analog" relay based systems to containing everything within modules. ie. you won't check relays on a new BMW you'll be checking modules

[Surfwooder]

Hi All, This Spring I'll be changing the salmon relays on both my Z4, and my wifes 2008 328IC. Both cars have about the same top set-up, and share the same part # for the salmon relays. The E93 will get a through top lube, and seals with Gummi Pflege. We have had the E93 since delivery in Munich, in June of 2008. Since finding how important to keep up with the salmon relays in the Z4 E89, I've changed all 4 every 2 years, and full lube every Spring.