M42 engine harness replacement

[cracker red]

I've got most of the old burnt harness out, but can't seem to get the starter connections off. Can't really see how to get to it and be able to re-connect the new harness.

Must I take off the intake manifold (lower)?

[cracker red]

Not being 95% pissed off at the car has it's way of showing you the "way".

Got the starter/alt wiring off.

Old harness is all the way out now

Still waiting on the bently manual.... Can someone direct me to a picture with labels/info on which relay is what? I have a feeling the O2 circuit that was shorted/melted the old harness, so I'd like to leave that one unplugged/unpowered when I first connect the battery.

[1996 328ti]

You might want to look at one of these.
http://www.318ti.org/files/showentry.php?e=10&catid=1

[cracker red]

Awesome, thanks!

Down to the last plug....it's on the top of the trans about halfway back. doesn't look like I can get to it from underneath..

Any chance I can get to it from inside the car?

Soo darn close....

[1996 328ti]

Any chance of seeing it if you remove the shift lever boot?

[cracker red]

I searched for a bit, said screw it I'll figure it out on my own

As you guessed, removed the shifter, whala.

Got it all swapped out. My first guess about why the thing melted in the first place seems to be right. There were 4 crimps on the old O2 sensor pigtail. All 4 were melted together solid.

Either the PO or mechanic repaired the o2 pigtail incorrectly (shorted + to -) or it was on the exhaust and melted. Thats my best guess, as the wires to the DME were melted near the plug on both wires of the 02 circuit and a comman ground (many other places as well).

Anyway, put it all back together, left the 02 disconnected and waited to see smoke or burning wires. Nothing after 5 minutes.

Car started up after a few tries (4+ month old gas), and then....IDLED.

I need a front knock/ping sensor, and an 02 sensor so far, but otherwise it seems fine for now. Drive it until I can figure out if I want M50 + boost or just a s50/52 and be done.

AC seems to blow fairly cold, drives ok. Going to get the insurance cards printed and go for a short drive/put in fresh premium.

WOOT

[cracker red]

Drives good. It liked the premium.

It's GOT to be in limp mode/retarded timing because of the knock sensor.....it's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO slow lol.

Coolant gauge doesn't work, nor does the fan come on. I bet I swapped the 2 front plugs (oil pressure/water temp) when I was putting the harness in/on.

AC doesn't blow as cool as it should at idle as the fan isn't on. I'm hoping the fan and temp gauge are on the same circuit so that will be an easy fix (swap plugs once it cools down).

[Xenocide]

Glad the harness is working for you. I have all of the stuff off my old m42, i stripped it down yesterday. Send me a PM and a reasonable offer on what you need and I'll make sure it gets to you.

As for an 02 sensor, I might have one, but buy a generic one at autozone and splice it into the bmw pigtail, all o2 sensors are the same its just the pig tails, you got unlucky and had a ****ty mechanic i guess.

[cracker red]

PM sent.

[E36BeeminZ]

Are the wires that go to the starter the ones on the bottom of the engine harness? I have the whole harness disconnected besides maybe 3 wiring holding it on the bottom... i cant really see them well but i know one is a ground. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!