problems with 325e

i have a 325e 1985 every once in a while the car will die and an electrical arc will shoot out of the ignition and hit my watch on my arm. i opened the hood and told a friend to turn over the ignition while i take a look. the coil wire had electrical tape wrapped all around it and it was also arcing on the engine cowl. when i repositioned the ghetto rigged electrical taped coil wire it seemed to run fine. a few days later it started doing it again. i once again looked under the hood thinking that maybe the coil wire had been bumped into a position where it was shorting out again but it wasn't. i purchased a new set of plug wires thinking maybe it was just the poor tape job from the previous owner. the spark STILL occationally comes out of the ignition. please note that when it does this the runs really bad (dies, stutters, no power) please lend a hand. THANK YOU.

You replaced the plug wires, I assume the coil wire as well? Sounds like the coil might be internally grounding out or maybe even full of moisture that allows the spark to jump to the engine and then through the chassis. Have you tried finding a used coil and trying that?

J Zanutto
Fresno, CA

I disagree: If the coil internally grounds out it simply won't work, cause it has no place to dump its stored charge. Now the moisture could be part of the problem...Also put on or make sure the ground strap from the engine to the frame is in good condition, and tight. This should stop the spark jump problem,unless your wearing high static sweater when your getting in your car. IF you are wearing something that builds a static charge, I recomend somebody other than you, fill the gas tank... Man, that could be real bad...Later, Mark.