Questions about my new project 525i 10 pics included

[estrada42]

So I just scored a free 525i since it has a few problems. So first of all hoo-ray for me!

It's a 1989 525i M20 5-speed in black and tan. 130k miles.


Now. After a look around a bit, I see some things that don't look right. Now, the auto door locks and windows don't work. Someone spilled a soda on the window control box, so I think that explains that. What I'm concerned about is these random wires hanging around. Any thoughts on what these are and where they plug into?

This is on the drivers side just past the small fuse box. Where does this orange plug go? Also, any idea about the relay box that might be missing?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0591.jpg

How about this orange plug next to the battery?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0588.jpg

Wire harness hanging from the underdash area?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0595.jpg

Notice any missing fuses? My fuse panel cover is faded and I can't read what goes where. Or that relay.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0589.jpg

I've tried searching, but I think my questions are a bit too specific. Any thoughts on where I can find the info I'm missing? I can only post four pic's so I'll post pic's of my new beast later.

[Fetch]

Orange plugs are for SRS sensors/airbag sensors
Looks like the one near the batt is broken

[gmannino]

wiring under dash is for you door chime.

[Mendozart]

I would suggest trying to pick up a Bentley manual and owner's manual, try e-bay. Get acquainted with www.realoem.com. The wires hanging down are definately not airbag, I don't think it was offered till a few years later.

[Yiorgos]

I would suggest trying to pick up a Bentley manual and owner's manual, try e-bay. Get acquainted with www.realoem.com. The wires hanging down are definately not airbag, I don't think it was offered till a few years later.

I can't agree more. Don't bother with any Hayes manuals, they are not worth the paper they're printed on.

A brand new Bentley manual is fairly expensive (here in Australia at least), but you can pick up a second hand one for loose change. Keep an eye on eBay.

If you want to buy brand new, I believe this site has a deal, click on the link labelled "Books" at the top near the forum logo.

The Bentley manual has comprehensive electrical diagrams, which should help you a lot with your wiring. Also, it's normal to have one or two fuses missing from the fuse box (at least in my box there are a couple missing, for features that aren't in my car anyway).

[Omega]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0588.jpg

I hope that this is a lash-up to test the electrics and the battery won't remain looking like this. It's a fire waiting to happen. :(

3rd photo looks like the chime wires.

[BillionPa]

that missing relay is for the headlight washer system.... if you dont have that, you dont have a relay. the 2 fuses there are for the ABS system i think, and the other 2 relays im not 100% sure, since i removed mine and my car still works fine, although it could have disabled the ABS and traction control.

i do think one of those relays is supposed to be a diode relay though.

[Espen]

omg! that battery setup is not good at all! Get a battery in the right size and with the poles facing up.

[estrada42]

I hope that this is a lash-up to test the electrics and the battery won't remain looking like this. It's a fire waiting to happen. :(

3rd photo looks like the chime wires.

That's exactly what it's for. A new battery is in order asap.

[BillionPa]

get an optima blue top 7 cell and relocate it to the trunk. you will never need another battery.

[estrada42]

So, after some omore looking around I found this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0598.jpg

I decided I better check the other one under the rear seat and I find this.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0600.jpg
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. I just don't get it.

So does this look right? It looks like there somethings missing on the other side of the two o-ring connectors.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0602.jpg

Also, any thoughts on these two plugs? They don't connect to each other.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0601.jpg
It's a good thing this car was free.

[Bill R.]

compartment are definitely the impact sensor wires for the airbag, and the harness hanging down under the dash is for the chimes that alert you to headlights on, and other faults. Airbags were offered in the very first e34's, mine is a sept 88 production with SRS. The fusible link that you have pictured is most likely cracked based on your pic. That will affect the windows,radio ,obc etc..




I would suggest trying to pick up a Bentley manual and owner's manual, try e-bay. Get acquainted with www.realoem.com (http://www.realoem.com). The wires hanging down are definately not airbag, I don't think it was offered till a few years later.

[estrada42]

compartment are definitely the impact sensor wires for the airbag, and the harness hanging down under the dash is for the chimes that alert you to headlights on, and other faults. Airbags were offered in the very first e34's, mine is a sept 88 production with SRS. The fusible link that you have pictured is most likely cracked based on your pic. That will affect the windows,radio ,obc etc..


This one?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0602.jpg

When I go treplace these, do you just soder in new fusible link type wire, or are these a different type of links?

[Mendozart]

Sorry about that Bill. I just assumed they didn't have airbags on the early models because my brothers 89' doesn't have one.

[estrada42]

Any thoughts on this fancy yellow wire?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v72/estrada42/Car%20for%20sale/DSCF0598.jpg

[estrada42]

Replaced the fusible link inder the hood, now everything works! Now I just have to figure out why the battery drains itself. I wonder if I just have a bad battery.