Vintage HELLA RWBG 96F Direction and Hazard Flasher Relay – 12V 2×18W + 3W

Original used HELLA direction-indicator and hazard-warning flasher relay for classic vehicles with a 12-volt electrical system.

The relay is marked RWBG, an abbreviation for the German term Richtungs-Warnblinkgeber. It controls the flashing cycle of the direction indicators and, depending on the vehicle’s wiring system, the hazard-warning lights.

The electrical rating is 2×18W + 3W – 12V, indicating a circuit with two 18-watt indicator bulbs and an additional 3-watt dashboard warning lamp.

The housing is marked HELLA, Made in Germany, RWBG 96F and Nicht werfen. A blue 2710 marking is also visible, but this has not been conclusively identified and may be a production, batch or inventory code.

No BMW logo or BMW catalogue number is visible. The exact BMW application could therefore not be confirmed.

Product details

• Product: Direction-indicator and hazard-warning flasher relay
• Alternative description: Turn-signal flasher unit
• German description: Richtungs-Warnblinkgeber
• Manufacturer: HELLA
• Manufacturer marking: RWBG 96F
• Electrical rating: 2×18W + 3W
• Operating voltage: 12V
• Electrical operation: Load-dependent flasher mechanism
• Connections: Two blade terminals visible
• Terminal designations: Not visible in the photographs
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Housing colour: Grey/cream
• Additional marking: 2710
• Condition: Used
• Testing status: Not function-tested
• Quantity: One

Vehicle compatibility

No reliable BMW catalogue cross-reference has been found for the exact HELLA RWBG 96F marking shown on this relay.

This component must therefore not be considered a confirmed direct-fit relay for a particular BMW model. It may have been used as an original or period replacement component in various European vehicles equipped with:

• A 12-volt electrical system
• Two 18-watt indicator bulbs per operating circuit
• A 3-watt dashboard warning lamp
• A matching two-terminal relay connection
• A compatible direction-indicator and hazard-warning circuit

BMW used several different flasher-relay designs during the 1960s and 1970s. Selected BMW Neue Klasse and early 02 Series models used a separate 12V turn-signal relay, but their catalogue-listed relay and known replacement versions differ from this HELLA unit.

Consequently, compatibility with the following BMW series is not confirmed:

• BMW Neue Klasse
• BMW 02 Series / Type 114 / E10
• BMW E3
• BMW E9
• BMW E12
• BMW classic motorcycles

Only purchase this relay for a BMW when the original component has the same HELLA RWBG 96F identification, the same 2×18W + 3W rating and an identical terminal arrangement.

This relay should not automatically be used with 21-watt indicator bulbs, LED indicators or a different terminal configuration. An incorrect electrical load may result in an incorrect flashing frequency or failure to operate.

BMW and casting numbers

• RWBG 96F – HELLA type marking visible on the housing
• 2×18W + 3W – 12V – Electrical specification
• 2710 – Blue production, batch or inventory marking; exact meaning unconfirmed
• 61311353779 – Early BMW 12V turn-signal relay used on selected Neue Klasse and 02 Series models; not confirmed as the BMW number for this component
• 61311351608 – Later BMW flasher relay used on various classic BMW models; not the same identifiable relay
• BMW catalogue number for the photographed relay: Not confirmed

No separate HELLA long-format article number or BMW part number is visible.

Condition

This is an original used HELLA electrical component with visible age- and use-related wear, including:

• Dirt and storage marks
• Discolouration of the housing
• Surface staining
• Scratches and general cosmetic wear
• Oxidation and discolouration on the blade terminals
• Wear consistent with an original vintage electrical component

The relay has not been electrically or function-tested. The internal flasher mechanism, switching frequency and reliability are therefore unknown.

Because this is an old load-dependent electrical component, inspection and bench testing are strongly recommended before installation.

Included

• One original HELLA RWBG 96F flasher relay
• Supplied exactly as shown in the photographs

No relay socket, wiring, mounting bracket, bulbs, switches or other electrical components are included.

Installation recommendation

Before installation:

• Confirm that the vehicle uses a 12-volt electrical system
• Check that the indicator circuit uses 18-watt bulbs
• Confirm the required 3-watt dashboard warning-lamp circuit
• Compare the number, position and orientation of the terminals
• Identify the terminal functions before connecting the relay
• Inspect and clean the blade terminals
• Bench-test the relay using a fused electrical supply and the correct load
• Check the flashing frequency before using the vehicle on public roads

Do not connect the relay based solely on its housing shape. Incorrect wiring or an unsuitable bulb load could damage the relay or vehicle wiring.

Installation and testing should preferably be carried out by someone familiar with classic automotive electrical systems.

Location: 201