89 525i massive problems

[jbinsure]

Hi,

I have an 89 525i E34 that has been a perfect car. However, driving home last night it just totally went dead while driving. It wasn't a sputter or anything, it was like someone pulled the plug and all power went out, engine stopped, will not even attempt to turn over. I thought the battery, but when attempted to jump, sparks went flying everywhere when I put the negative cable to the frame.

Someone suggested a fusible link, another suggested the negative cable has come loose somewhere....any ideas??

Thanks in advance!
Jeff

[ShadeTreeBill]

My 89 525i did something similar a couple years ago. It didn't die while driving, but I came out to start it and it was dead as a doornail. No dash lights, so sign of life at all. It was the fusible link, located on the fender wall under the hood near the battery. It is covered by a rubber boot that lifts up to reveal the link. I am not sure why this would cause sparks to fly when you connect the jumper....

I think it is an 80Amp link, but I could not find that value at any of the auto parts stores that night, I put two 45Amp links in parallel and have been driving it like that since.

The negative cable from the battery bolts to the frame straight down below the battery. It is held on by a nut and washer, I would think that this would not have come off all at once, but would have loosened up gradually. This would have caused you other problems as it loosened up, like starting problems.....

Hope this helps.

I really enjoy driving my 89 E34. Is yours auto or manual? My is cirrus blue, automatic, and has the sunroof....

I'd love to get a 5 spd 535 in this body style....

[jbinsure]

Great info...thank you! I love the car, it's automatic, leather, sunroof in Dephine Metallic ( dk grey ). I also wish it were a 5 spd. It's not all that strong from the start, but when it's cruising at 75 and you step on the gas, look out. It is an RPM eating machine! This sounds like a pretty easy fix, even for the mechanically challenged. Would you agree?

Originally Posted by ShadeTreeBill

My 89 525i did something similar a couple years ago. It didn't die while driving, but I came out to start it and it was dead as a doornail. No dash lights, so sign of life at all. It was the fusible link, located on the fender wall under the hood near the battery. It is covered by a rubber boot that lifts up to reveal the link. I am not sure why this would cause sparks to fly when you connect the jumper....

I think it is an 80Amp link, but I could not find that value at any of the auto parts stores that night, I put two 45Amp links in parallel and have been driving it like that since.

The negative cable from the battery bolts to the frame straight down below the battery. It is held on by a nut and washer, I would think that this would not have come off all at once, but would have loosened up gradually. This would have caused you other problems as it loosened up, like starting problems.....

Hope this helps.

I really enjoy driving my 89 E34. Is yours auto or manual? My is cirrus blue, automatic, and has the sunroof....

I'd love to get a 5 spd 535 in this body style....

[ShadeTreeBill]

Replacing the fuse link is very easy. Checking or tightening the battery cable is a little more challenging, but neither if these hard to do. Let me know what happens!

[jbinsure]

Originally Posted by ShadeTreeBill

Replacing the fuse link is very easy. Checking or tightening the battery cable is a little more challenging, but neither if these hard to do. Let me know what happens!

It was the fusible link. Got a new one from BMW ( $1.85 ), new conduit and replaced in 10 mintues. Great advice and a very easy fix!! Thanks!