Holy Grail Labs - Blade Fuse Upgrade Kits

Ju@n · Post by **Ju@n** » Dec 13, 2022 11:01 AM

Question, super anal mode: Where do you source the fuses from? I'd like to get a 10A for fuse 8 and replace the 2 7.5 I burnt. And I'd like them to match (the ones I can get locally are the "translucent" type

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Dec 13, 2022 4:31 PM

Ju@n wrote: Dec 13, 2022 11:01 AM Question, super anal mode: Where do you source the fuses from? I'd like to get a 10A for fuse 8 and replace the 2 7.5 I burnt. And I'd like them to match (the ones I can get locally are the "translucent" type

I include Littelfuse brand fuses, I buy them from Mouser / DigiKey but they are available other places as well.

BRRV · Post by **BRRV** » Dec 13, 2022 4:50 PM

E28 mini box: yes.

I installed my blade box months ago, never posted.. works just great. I swear the car runs better, at least it seems to be less finicky electrically. I upped the fuses for the radio, the keyless entry.. I think that was it. No issues at all, likely the best overall 'upgrade' I've ever done to the car, except for maybe the full R134a retrofit on the AC. (The gauges, along with a cluster rebuild from Palo Alto, work better, although I think I have a bad water temp gauge itself, as it 'hangs' above mid section [12] if it get's that far.. the only fix is to shut the car off and restart it, and it drops back to it's usual place. Well, I've been chasing this issue for almost a decade now, at least I now know what it is!)

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Dec 16, 2022 5:50 PM

I've finally finished for the fall semester - I got my grading for the cryptography final done today. The kids this year came up with new and interesting ways to do math wrong as they usually do. I should be able to get to fixing the robot over break

Ju@n · Post by **Ju@n** » Dec 16, 2022 6:19 PM

Galahad wrote: Dec 13, 2022 4:31 PM
Ju@n wrote: Dec 13, 2022 11:01 AM Question, super anal mode: Where do you source the fuses from? I'd like to get a 10A for fuse 8 and replace the 2 7.5 I burnt. And I'd like them to match (the ones I can get locally are the "translucent" type
I include Littelfuse brand fuses, I buy them from Mouser / DigiKey but they are available other places as well.

thx!!!

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Dec 19, 2022 10:20 PM

I got my robot through the homing process, everything is working again! I'll see how many boards I can get built tomorrow.
It's a temporary fix but it should hold until the summer when I can finish the repair project.

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Dec 22, 2022 6:04 PM

Good news! I finished QCing nearly 20 boards today, they'll go out with tomorrow's mail which almost catches up on existing orders.
I ran out of parts so a few orders will have to wait until the new boards arrive, but the big manufacturing delay is over!

Foonfer · Post by **Foonfer** » Jan 08, 2023 11:36 PM

Galahad wrote: Nov 11, 2022 10:23 PM Open question: Who would want a Mini-Box Upgrade Kit?
No LEDs, just two blade fuse holders. Pic of the prototype:
Mini box by Holy Grail Labs, on Flickr

is this a replacement for Part No. 61131373433??

(#10 on https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=61_0594) ???

I AM SO DOWN FOR IT

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Jan 08, 2023 11:51 PM

Foonfer wrote: Jan 08, 2023 11:36 PM
Galahad wrote: Nov 11, 2022 10:23 PM Open question: Who would want a Mini-Box Upgrade Kit?
No LEDs, just two blade fuse holders. Pic of the prototype:
Mini box by Holy Grail Labs, on Flickr
is this a replacement for Part No. 61131373433??

(#10 on https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=61_0594) ???

I AM SO DOWN FOR IT

Similar to the regular fuse boards, this would be a replacement assembly for the fuse holders in a reused housing, but yes it's for #10 in that image.

I'm playing a bit of catch up at the moment (school, finishing building backorders today and tomorrow, life otherwise happening), this is still on my list of things to get done. IIRC I was having issues with the fuses being too tall for the cover when I checked, I'll need to think a bit and see what percolates.

Cannabis9478 · Post by **Cannabis9478** » Jan 10, 2023 9:36 PM

Hi, would someone please educate me what's the mini fusebox for? My car wans't quite factory, non cat and RHD and I don't see a mini fuse box next to the factory fuse box. Thanks

Ordnator · Post by **Ordnator** » Jan 10, 2023 10:48 PM

Hi Cannabis9478,

My RHD 525e (UK version) does not have a mini fuse box fitted. When I check RealOEM using my VIN it shows item 10 as greyed out.

Maybe check Real OEM using your VIN to see if it is greyed out which would indicate that you also do not have a mini fuse box. If item 10 is not greyed out then it was likely originally fitted to your car.

Best regards,

Mick

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Jan 11, 2023 1:26 AM

Cannabis9478 wrote: Jan 10, 2023 9:36 PM Hi, would someone please educate me what's the mini fusebox for? My car wans't quite factory, non cat and RHD and I don't see a mini fuse box next to the factory fuse box. Thanks

Not every car has one. My understanding is they were used to make adding aftermarket stuff possible without hacking into your harness or fuse box. I've only had one car with one that was used and it was for an alarm system.

Cannabis9478 · Post by **Cannabis9478** » Jan 11, 2023 4:34 PM

Ordnator wrote: Jan 10, 2023 10:48 PM Hi Cannabis9478,

My RHD 525e (UK version) does not have a mini fuse box fitted. When I check RealOEM using my VIN it shows item 10 as greyed out.

Maybe check Real OEM using your VIN to see if it is greyed out which would indicate that you also do not have a mini fuse box. If item 10 is not greyed out then it was likely originally fitted to your car.

Best regards,

Mick

Thanks Mick I have checked my chassis number against realoem and bmwfans and both seem to have the mini fusebox greyed out.

Galahad wrote: Jan 11, 2023 1:26 AM Not every car has one. My understanding is they were used to make adding aftermarket stuff possible without hacking into your harness or fuse box. I've only had one car with one that was used and it was for an alarm system.

Ahh cool thanks for your reply, Galahad. By far this fusebox retrofit kit is still the best mod I have done for my car so far. Thank you again.

beast02er · Post by **beast02er** » Jan 18, 2023 2:35 PM

Just installed this kit in my 535is and am glad I finally committed to the process!

I have 2 questions:

1. My idle air valve now sounds like it is on or powered when the key is in the accessory program (can hear it when I put my ear up to it). I am guessing there is a wire in the wrong spot.......I have no idea which one it might be!

2. The LED's which are on when the car is off, key is out.....I assume these won't drain the battery.... Just checking if I should flick the switch to turn the LED's off.

Thanks,

Bryan
'87 535is

Foonfer · Post by **Foonfer** » Jan 18, 2023 9:12 PM

beast02er wrote: Jan 18, 2023 2:35 PM Just installed this kit in my 535is and am glad I finally committed to the process!

I have 2 questions:

1. My idle air valve now sounds like it is on or powered when the key is in the accessory program (can hear it when I put my ear up to it). I am guessing there is a wire in the wrong spot.......I have no idea which one it might be!

2. The LED's which are on when the car is off, key is out.....I assume these won't drain the battery.... Just checking if I should flick the switch to turn the LED's off.

Thanks,

Bryan
'87 535is

hey Bryan- to your questions,

1) Almost sure the ICV (Idle Control Valve) should be "humming" the moment the key is turned to "acc" (cluster lights test on, last step before turning the engine on)

2) LED's draw current. Very little, but they do. They are there for you to easily check which fuses are active and whether there's any burned ones. I prefer to keep my LEDs off if I'm not using them.

beast02er · Post by **beast02er** » Jan 18, 2023 11:13 PM

Fooner - well if that's the case, WIN! Looks like doing this upgrade fixed what I didn't know needed fixing!!

@galahad - I can't thank you enough for putting the time and effort in to develop and sell something like this for the community, especially one of such low numbers compared to the 'popular' BMW's.

-Bryan

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Jan 19, 2023 11:54 AM

@beast02er thank you for the kind words! I really enjoy seeing successful installs, funny to think this all started when I was trying to avoid some homework.

The LEDs pull about 15mA each. If you drive the car regularly leaving them on should be fine, most people leave them off.

kodachrome · Post by **kodachrome** » Feb 05, 2023 3:17 AM

I followed the video guide, which was really quite good. However I only have 2 LEDs lit when car is off. Video says there should be 3 but no suggestion as to why.. Can we get clarification on what 3 and what they do? I took it apart again and cannot see a problem. I'm running a different engine (M54b30) which might be a factor but without knowing why or what these 3 LEDs represent impossible to say.

I tried to test if anything *isn't* working.. Everything seemed to be OK but I needed to charge my battery as it drained. I locked the car with bonnet hood popped slightly, came back 2hrs later to find my door central locks no longer work (only manual) and radio is dead! I'm hoping it just blew a fuse as the bonnet was open and it did that freaked out open close rapidly thing.

That or something is connected incorrectly.

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Feb 05, 2023 9:04 PM

kodachrome wrote: Feb 05, 2023 3:17 AM I followed the video guide, which was really quite good. However I only have 2 LEDs lit when car is off. Video says there should be 3 but no suggestion as to why.. Can we get clarification on what 3 and what they do? I took it apart again and cannot see a problem. I'm running a different engine (M54b30) which might be a factor but without knowing why or what these 3 LEDs represent impossible to say.

I tried to test if anything *isn't* working.. Everything seemed to be OK but I needed to charge my battery as it drained. I locked the car with bonnet hood popped slightly, came back 2hrs later to find my door central locks no longer work (only manual) and radio is dead! I'm hoping it just blew a fuse as the bonnet was open and it did that freaked out open close rapidly thing.

That or something is connected incorrectly.

The always hot fuses should be 4, 5, and 17. How did you wire the swap in, converter harness?
If you're blowing fuse 5 try putting in a bigger fuse, see the bigger discussion about the issue here: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=158369

kodachrome · Post by **kodachrome** » Feb 07, 2023 2:43 AM

Thanks, found that thread and for now it's all good with a 15amp fuse. I'll put a 10amp later.

On the swap, I had a new harness specifically for the e28 to m54 made by Redline Performance. I don't have fuse 17 lit up... But everything seems fine?

Also in my install there were 5 soldered wires in the fuse box (not 1 or 2 as per guide) seemingly from factory!

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Feb 07, 2023 11:34 AM

kodachrome wrote: Feb 07, 2023 2:43 AM Thanks, found that thread and for now it's all good with a 15amp fuse. I'll put a 10amp later.

On the swap, I had a new harness specifically for the e28 to m54 made by Redline Performance. I don't have fuse 17 lit up... But everything seems fine?

Also in my install there were 5 soldered wires in the fuse box (not 1 or 2 as per guide) seemingly from factory!

Fuse 17 is the aux fan fuse, it'll power the high speed if your car is overheated when it's off. [edit: not technically correct, see below]
What year is your car? I still don't know the pattern for which are soldered and which aren't.

Post by **Shawn D.** » Feb 07, 2023 2:11 PM

Galahad wrote: Feb 07, 2023 11:34 AM Fuse 17 is the aux fan fuse, it'll power the high speed if your car is overheated when it's off.

Is that stock, or a feature of your kit?

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Feb 07, 2023 2:59 PM

Shawn D. wrote: Feb 07, 2023 2:11 PM
Galahad wrote: Feb 07, 2023 11:34 AM Fuse 17 is the aux fan fuse, it'll power the high speed if your car is overheated when it's off.
Is that stock, or a feature of your kit?

I double checked the 1986 ETM, I got the details slightly wrong. See pages 0670-5, 0670-7 and 6454-0.
F17 is always hot and powers the high current side of the high and normal speed aux fan relays. You can't trip either relay unless F14 is powered, which is on in run from the unloader relay. So in effect the aux fan will only be on in run.
I don't know why F17 is always hot.

Ju@n · Post by **Ju@n** » Feb 07, 2023 3:03 PM

Galahad wrote: Feb 07, 2023 2:59 PM
Shawn D. wrote: Feb 07, 2023 2:11 PM
Is that stock, or a feature of your kit?
I double checked the 1986 ETM, I got the details slightly wrong. See pages 0670-5, 0670-7 and 6454-0.
F17 is always hot and powers the high current side of the high and normal speed aux fan relays. You can't trip either relay unless F14 is powered, which is on in run from the unloader relay. So in effect the aux fan will only be on in run.
I don't know why F17 is always hot.

It makes sense it's always hot, if not you would need 2 fuses (one for high and one for low aux fan speeds), which would be after the relays.

kodachrome · Post by **kodachrome** » Feb 08, 2023 2:55 AM

Galahad wrote: Feb 07, 2023 11:34 AM
kodachrome wrote: Feb 07, 2023 2:43 AM Thanks, found that thread and for now it's all good with a 15amp fuse. I'll put a 10amp later.

On the swap, I had a new harness specifically for the e28 to m54 made by Redline Performance. I don't have fuse 17 lit up... But everything seems fine?

Also in my install there were 5 soldered wires in the fuse box (not 1 or 2 as per guide) seemingly from factory!
Fuse 17 is the aux fan fuse, it'll power the high speed if your car is overheated when it's off. [edit: not technically correct, see below]
What year is your car? I still don't know the pattern for which are soldered and which aren't.

Its a 1983 and didnt come with AC as standard, not sure if that matters or not. I wasnt aware the E28 had that functionality, though I cant imagine ever needing it as I have a low temp "race" thermostat and the car never reaches even the middle point now (also running an M54 engine). Im planning on removing the Mechanical fan and putting in an aftermarket electrical too, which makes this even more redundant.

No idea if it was working before installing the Blade Fuse kit!?

Ju@n · Post by **Ju@n** » Feb 08, 2023 8:36 AM

kodachrome wrote: Feb 08, 2023 2:55 AM
Galahad wrote: Feb 07, 2023 11:34 AM

Fuse 17 is the aux fan fuse, it'll power the high speed if your car is overheated when it's off. [edit: not technically correct, see below]
What year is your car? I still don't know the pattern for which are soldered and which aren't.
Its a 1983 and didnt come with AC as standard, not sure if that matters or not. I wasnt aware the E28 had that functionality, though I cant imagine ever needing it as I have a low temp "race" thermostat and the car never reaches even the middle point now (also running an M54 engine). Im planning on removing the Mechanical fan and putting in an aftermarket electrical too, which makes this even more redundant.

No idea if it was working before installing the Blade Fuse kit!?

Actually I used the aux fan the other day, without AC, my fan clutch broke and that saved me from overheating

svveetmikko · Post by **svveetmikko** » Mar 14, 2023 11:27 PM

Amazing product! Thank you for this. Took me about 3.5 hours because knowing me, I had to be really careful and not forget anything so my approach was to label EVERYTHING

As usual, cleaned as much I can get access to while I take things apart. Things I’ve learned:

The YouTube tutorial helped a lot. The twisting technique showed in using the screw driver is great to remove the metal parts. I did it on both sides of the metal blade and it comes out so much easier rather than pulling with pliers on one side.

Not all the wires in the back are plugged to the outlet coming from the front so make sure you label or take pictures on which one you’re taking it off from. Drawing a diagram was my approach that worked for me.

If interested: IG @svveetlu_e28 for more car project updates.

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Mar 14, 2023 11:33 PM

svveetmikko wrote: Mar 14, 2023 11:27 PM
Amazing product! Thank you for this. Took me about 3.5 hours because knowing me, I had to be really careful and not forget anything so my approach was to label EVERYTHING As usual, cleaned as much I can get access to while I take things apart. Things I’ve learned:

The YouTube tutorial helped a lot. The twisting technique showed in using the screw driver is great to remove the metal parts. I did it on both sides of the metal blade and it comes out so much easier rather than pulling with pliers on one side.

Not all the wires in the back are plugged to the outlet coming from the front so make sure you label or take pictures on which one you’re taking it off from. Drawing a diagram was my approach that worked for me.

If interested: IG @svveetlu_e28 for more car project updates.

Thanks for posting, glad it works for you!
Labeling and diagrams is a good idea - not every harness is the same so you don't always know what you're gonna get.

svveetmikko · Post by **svveetmikko** » Mar 14, 2023 11:59 PM

I also did have to swap my 7.5 on 8a fuse to 10amp for the locking system per other people’s comments here since mine blew twice as well.

PhilC · Post by **PhilC** » Mar 25, 2023 11:57 AM

I have been searching for a way to do something like this to my ‘02. This is a great solution and so I registered just so I could ask the question @Galahad are you/have you/would you consider creating the same for the ‘02? There would be a significant market for sure.

thugginrobby · Post by **thugginrobby** » Mar 26, 2023 1:46 AM

I did mine a while ago, it took me about 3.5 hours and was pretty straight forward. I ended up using a different ground for the led light switch since it kept making my fuse pop. Relocated it and no issues. Good upgrade and really happy I did it since my car did have lots of fuse box connector issues.

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Mar 26, 2023 12:50 PM

thugginrobby wrote: Mar 26, 2023 1:46 AM I did mine a while ago, it took me about 3.5 hours and was pretty straight forward. I ended up using a different ground for the led light switch since it kept making my fuse pop. Relocated it and no issues. Good upgrade and really happy I did it since my car did have lots of fuse box connector issues.

Can you expand on this a bit? Which fuse was blowing, where is the new ground point? Glad you're happy with it!

PhilC wrote: Mar 25, 2023 11:57 AM I have been searching for a way to do something like this to my ‘02. This is a great solution and so I registered just so I could ask the question @Galahad are you/have you/would you consider creating the same for the ‘02? There would be a significant market for sure.

Yeah 02s are on the list, can you reach out to the support email and send a picture of your fuse box?

PhilC · Post by **PhilC** » Mar 27, 2023 4:01 PM

[/quote]
Yeah 02s are on the list, can you reach out to the support email and send a picture of your fuse box?
[/quote]

That’s excellent, I will do.

thugginrobby · Post by **thugginrobby** » Mar 27, 2023 6:02 PM

Galahad wrote: Mar 26, 2023 12:50 PM
thugginrobby wrote: Mar 26, 2023 1:46 AM I did mine a while ago, it took me about 3.5 hours and was pretty straight forward. I ended up using a different ground for the led light switch since it kept making my fuse pop. Relocated it and no issues. Good upgrade and really happy I did it since my car did have lots of fuse box connector issues.
Can you expand on this a bit? Which fuse was blowing, where is the new ground point? Glad you're happy with it!

The fuse that is for the Hazard switch, obc, etc. I made a new ground on the bracket that holds the coolant reservoir but I made the ground on the flat surface near the threaded hole.

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Mar 27, 2023 8:54 PM

thugginrobby wrote: Mar 27, 2023 6:02 PM
Galahad wrote: Mar 26, 2023 12:50 PM
Can you expand on this a bit? Which fuse was blowing, where is the new ground point? Glad you're happy with it!
The fuse that is for the Hazard switch, obc, etc. I made a new ground on the bracket that holds the coolant reservoir but I made the ground on the flat surface near the threaded hole.

Fuse 5? Central locking blowing 7.5A fuses in F5 is a somewhat common issue

Ju@n · Post by **Ju@n** » Mar 27, 2023 10:20 PM

Galahad wrote: Mar 27, 2023 8:54 PM
thugginrobby wrote: Mar 27, 2023 6:02 PM

The fuse that is for the Hazard switch, obc, etc. I made a new ground on the bracket that holds the coolant reservoir but I made the ground on the flat surface near the threaded hole.
Fuse 5? Central locking blowing 7.5A fuses in F5 is a somewhat common issue

I'd add that as a warning in the initial post, so people stop blowing fuses unnecessarily

Or just install a 10A fuse when you ship it haha

PhilC · Post by **PhilC** » Mar 28, 2023 2:26 PM

[/quote]
Yeah 02s are on the list, can you reach out to the support email and send a picture of your fuse box?
[/quote]
I don’t seem to be able locate the e-Mail address anywhere? I’m sure I’m missing it somewhere but could you point me in the right direction please.
Thank you

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Mar 28, 2023 2:58 PM

PhilC wrote: Mar 28, 2023 2:26 PM I don’t seem to be able locate the e-Mail address anywhere? I’m sure I’m missing it somewhere but could you point me in the right direction please.
Thank you

sorry, it's support at holy grail labs dot com - trying to keep the amount of spam crap to a minimum

MisterFixit · Post by **MisterFixit** » Mar 30, 2023 11:30 AM

I applaud your efforts on the E28 and 2002 fuse boxes, Galahad! I drove a '72 for decades... and loved it to death!

'02 on the list- question:
For the 02 fuse box, I know there were two- 6 fuses and 12 fuses. Has PhilC indicated which one he is sending pics of???
I can send pictures of the 12 fuse version, I have a full wire harness from a later car. I am glad to send you a picture if that would be helpful.

Andy

Galahad · Post by **Galahad** » Mar 30, 2023 1:53 PM

MisterFixit wrote: Mar 30, 2023 11:30 AM I applaud your efforts on the E28 and 2002 fuse boxes, Galahad! I drove a '72 for decades... and loved it to death!

'02 on the list- question:
For the 02 fuse box, I know there were two- 6 fuses and 12 fuses. Has PhilC indicated which one he is sending pics of???
I can send pictures of the 12 fuse version, I have a full wire harness from a later car. I am glad to send you a picture if that would be helpful.

Andy

He sent pics of a 12 fuse box - I've got a pretty good idea how to move forward, just need to figure out how many different 12 fuse boxes were used and what the changes are.