thanks for the replies,but what is the ETM mean,also i did check the fuse,i followed the e38.org how to do it,but realized later that the relay i bought and procedure i followed belonged to a newer model 740.with that said even the mechanics at bmw could not help me with a part number for the fuse,im pretty sure the relay is located in the engine fuse compartment under the dme computer,but there are 3 relays down there,a light pinkish that says ABS,also a light purple and dark purple.which one is it or is it even located where im looking.as for the onboard computer,my dilemma is this.bmw has no idea where the obc is located on my 98 740il.also im not even sure that it is the problem.my onboard diagnostics does not have power,also the radio,tuner and display and the dsc button does not function due to power.everything else works on the dash,ac etc.so am i to believe that the computer is at fault.thanks a bunch for the help.i bought the car and the guy said the radio didnt work,i figured it would just be replaced and that was that.ebay car sellers are thieves,lots more stuff he did not mention either,karmas a bitch,i always say.