2007-2015 BMW 328i Horn: A Guide to Replacement and Common Issues
If your BMW 328i's horn sounds weak or has stopped working, this guide explains the common causes and how to choose the right replacement part.
- Horn failure is a common issue, often caused by water getting into the horn unit and causing it to short out.
- A weak, high-pitched sound usually means one of the two horns has failed.
- Before replacing, always check the horn fuse first, especially if there is no sound at all.
- Accessing the horns requires removing screws in the front fender liner; the entire bumper does not need to be removed.
Is Your BMW 328i Horn Failing?
A common issue for the 2007-2015 BMW 328i is a change in the horn's sound or complete failure. Often, one of the two horns (high or low tone) will fail first, resulting in a weak or "clown-like" sound. This is a known problem, and for later models in this year range (F30 chassis), BMW has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) acknowledging that water can get inside the horn and cause it to short out.
Diagnosing the Problem
Before buying a new horn, it's wise to check a few simple things first. A horn that doesn't work at all could be caused by a blown fuse. For F30 models (2012-2015), this is often fuse F14 in the Front Electronic Module (FEM), located in the passenger footwell. 🎬 See this guide for replacing the F30 FEM horn fuse. For E90 models (2007-2011), the fuse is typically in the fuse box behind the glove compartment. 🎬 Watch: How to find and check the E90 horn fuse. If the fuse is good, the issue could be the horn relay, the clock spring in the steering wheel, or the horn unit itself.
A Note on F30/F31 Models (2012-2015)
A Technical Service Bulletin (SI B61 26 14) exists for these models due to horn failure from water intrusion. The primary cause is the horn itself shorting out. The bulletin advises replacing the faulty horn(s). Sometimes, even after replacement, the horn won't work because the Front Electronic Module (FEM) has activated a protection mode. This may require an ECU reset or letting the car go into sleep mode (about 16 minutes) to clear.
Choosing a New Aftermarket Horn
When replacing your horn, you have a choice between original BMW parts and aftermarket options. For many BMW owners, an aftermarket brand like Hella is a popular choice. Hella is a well-regarded manufacturer that often supplies parts directly to automakers, so their quality is considered comparable to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Many drivers upgrade to Hella horns not just for replacement but to get a louder, more attention-grabbing sound.
Hella Horns for Your 328i
Hella offers several horn types, including the popular Supertone models, which are known for their high decibel output. These can be a direct replacement, though some kits may require minor wiring modifications, such as using a relay to ensure they get enough power for maximum loudness. However, for a simple replacement, they can often be wired directly to the stock connectors.
Cost of Replacing a BMW 328i Horn
The cost can vary depending on the cause of the failure. A simple fuse is very inexpensive, while a full horn replacement will cost more. Below is a general cost estimate for the parts.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Horn | $52 - $95 |
| New Aftermarket Horn (Hella) | $33 - $105 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $120 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the horns located on my 2007-2015 BMW 328i?
Your BMW 328i has two horns. They are located behind the front bumper, typically in front of the wheel wells on both the driver and passenger sides. To access them, you usually need to remove the front portion of the fender liner. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step horn replacement for F-chassis BMW models. You do not typically need to remove the entire front bumper.
Why does my horn sound weak or high-pitched?
This is a classic symptom of one of the two horns failing. The 328i uses a high-tone and a low-tone horn together. When one fails, usually due to water damage or corrosion, the remaining horn sounds weak or pathetic. It's a very common issue on these models.
Is an aftermarket Hella horn a good choice?
Yes, Hella is a reputable brand that produces high-quality horns. Many owners choose them as an upgrade for a louder, more effective sound. Since Hella is an OEM supplier for many car brands, their quality is considered on par with factory parts.
Do I need to replace a fuse or the horn itself?
If your horn makes no sound at all, the first thing to check is the fuse. If the fuse is intact or if the horn sounds weak, the problem is likely one or both of the horn units. On F30 models, a blown fuse (F14) is a strong indicator that the horn has shorted out from water damage.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 61337300975 61337300976 61337159421
System Type: Dual-tone (High and Low Frequency). Fuse for F30 (2012-2015): 15A, typically Fuse F14 in the Front Electronic Module (FEM). Fuse for E90 (2007-2011): 15A, typically Fuse 16 or 57 in the glove box fuse panel.
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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.
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