2010-2015 BMW 320i Horn Replacement Guide
If your BMW's horn sounds weak or doesn't work at all, this guide will help you diagnose the problem and choose the right replacement.
- The most common cause of horn failure is a blown fuse or water intrusion into the horn itself.
- Your 320i has two horns (high and low tone); a weak sound usually means one has failed.
- Replacement is a manageable DIY job, accessed by removing the front of the wheel well liner.
- Check fuses before ordering parts. E90 (2010-11) and F30 (2012-15) models have different fuse locations.
Horn Failure Symptoms in the 2010-2015 BMW 320i
A failing horn on your BMW 320i can show a few different signs. The most obvious is that it doesn't work at all when you press the horn button. You might hear a clicking sound from the passenger footwell or glove box area, which is often the relay trying to activate, but no sound comes from the horns themselves. Another common symptom is a change in the horn's sound. Since your car has two horns (high and low tone), one might fail before the other. This results in a weak, high-pitched, or "sick" sounding horn. In many cases, especially on the F30 models (2012-2015), this failure is due to water getting inside the horn assembly and causing it to short out.
A Note on Vehicle Generations
The 2010-2015 year range for the 320i covers two different BMW generations. Models from 2010-2011 are part of the E90 platform, while models from 2012-2015 are the newer F30 platform. While the horn function is similar, part numbers and fuse locations can differ. Always verify the part's fitment for your specific year before purchasing.
Diagnosing the Problem
Before buying a new horn, it's wise to check a few things. The most common cause of a completely dead horn is a blown fuse. For E90 models, check fuses F16 (15A) and F59 (5A) behind the glove compartment. 🎬 Watch: How to find and check E90 horn fuses. For F30 models, the key fuse is F14 (15A), located in the Front Electronic Module (FEM) in the passenger footwell. 🎬 See this guide for replacing the F30 FEM horn fuse. If the fuse is good and you hear a clicking relay, the problem is likely the horn itself or the wiring. If the horn works only when the steering wheel is turned to a certain angle, the problem could be the clock spring in the steering column, which is a more complex repair.
Choosing a New Aftermarket Horn
When your original BMW horn fails, you have a choice between another OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part or an aftermarket one. Aftermarket horns can offer excellent value and sometimes improved performance.
Hella is a well-respected German brand that is often an OEM supplier for many European car manufacturers, including BMW. Their aftermarket horns are known for quality that is very close to the original parts. They offer direct-fit replacements that produce a similar tone to the factory horns. Upgrading to a set of Hella Supertones or Twin Trumpet horns can provide a louder, more attention-grabbing sound if you find the stock horn inadequate.
Pro Tip: When replacing one horn, it's a good practice to replace both at the same time. The other original horn has been exposed to the same conditions and may fail soon after. This also ensures a consistent and correct tone.
Replacement Cost
The cost of replacing your BMW 320i horn can vary. The parts themselves are relatively inexpensive, but labor can add up if you have a shop do the work, as they often need to remove the front wheel and fender liner to access the horns.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Horn (Single) | $80 - $95 |
| New Aftermarket Horn (Hella) | $33 - $105 |
| Shop Labor | $61 - $90 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Aftermarket) | $94 - $195 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are the horns located on my 2010-2015 BMW 320i?
Your BMW 320i has two horns. They are located behind the front bumper, in front of the wheel wells. There is one on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side, typically accessible by removing the front portion of the fender liner.
Can I replace the horn myself?
Yes, this is a feasible DIY job for someone with basic mechanical skills. You will need to safely lift the front of the car, remove the wheel, and then remove several screws to pull back the fender liner. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step horn replacement walkthrough for F-chassis BMWs. The horn itself is usually held by a single nut. The most difficult part is accessing the area.
Was there a recall for the horn on these cars?
There have been no specific recalls for the horn on the 2010-2015 BMW 320i. However, BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), like SI B61 26 14, for the F30 models, acknowledging that horns can fail due to water intrusion and providing diagnostic procedures for technicians.
Do I need to disconnect the battery to replace the horn?
It is always a recommended safety precaution to disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on any part of your vehicle's electrical system. This prevents accidental shorts that could blow fuses or damage sensitive electronic modules.
My new horn doesn't work after installation. What's wrong?
For F30 models, if a horn shorts out, the Front Electronic Module (FEM) can activate a circuit protection feature that cuts power to the horn circuit. After replacing the horn and fuse, this protection may need to be reset. This can be done with a diagnostic tool or sometimes by letting the vehicle go into "sleep mode" (leaving it locked and undisturbed for over 16 minutes).
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 61337300975
System Type: Dual-tone (High and Low Frequency). Voltage: 12V.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- BMW 320i: