Bosch relay 0332014406

[cory58]

I need to replace a relay on my E12 and my research shows it's also used on E30s. It's a 4 pin relay and the Bosch part number on the relay is 0332014406. On the E12, it's used for the aux cooling fan, but I'm not sure what it's used for on E30s.

I can't find the Bosch part number available new online.

I'm also wondering if the BMW OE part number for this relay is 61311373588, which superseded 61311373585. That's a 4 pin relay that seems to have the same pin orientation and is listed for E12 and E30 on RealOEM.

Does anyone know anything about this relay?

Thanks, Cory

[Vincenze]

You need to know several parameters for a relay.

The voltage of the coil - it's usually 12V for an automotive relay.
The number of the contacts - if it's a 4-pin, then there are 2 contacts.
The width and schema of the contacts (where are the pins 1, 2, 3, 4) - it should be available in the datasheet.
The operation mode - it's most likely SPST - normally, the contacts are disconnected, when you apply 12V to the coil, they are connected.

The amperage for the contacts.

[cory58]

You need to know several parameters for a relay.

The voltage of the coil - it's usually 12V for an automotive relay.
The number of the contacts - if it's a 4-pin, then there are 2 contacts.
The width and schema of the contacts (where are the pins 1, 2, 3, 4) - it should be available in the datasheet.
The operation mode - it's most likely SPST - normally, the contacts are disconnected, when you apply 12V to the coil, they are connected.

The amperage for the contacts.

Thank you Vincenze. I've had a crash course on relays in the past few days (the internet sure makes life easy!) and have a much better understanding of how they work. I've also found what I think are good replacements but they all have resistors. Per the diagram on the old relay, it does not have a resistor. Based on my research, I think it will be ok to use a relay with a resistor but I can't find a definite answer. Do you know?