These BMW’s from the 80’s and back have two CR123 batteries in the speedometer cluster that go bad …. They can stop the alternator from charging and numerous other things…. Change them out or get delete board for your cluster
Most electrical problems in a car come from after-the-fact tinkering with things like the radio, speakers, amplifier, or alarm system. Everyone really dares to do this and then does it. If the radio is connected to fuse 21, then that is 95% the cause of the problem. In second place are simple ground errors, because ground straps and their screw connections are rotten. Kind regards, Ralph
Love your video, you are skillful and good at your craft. Just inherited an E24 1989 BMW 635csi that I have to sell. It has lots of electrical issues, but I am 75 and not mechanically / electrically inclined any more; especially with European cars. Don't have the equipment either. It would be fantastic if you or some other Bimmer enthusiast would want to buy this and give it a good home and an enthusiastic capable owner/driver.
Absolutely love your videos! I have a 83, 633CSi and can definitely feel your pain when chasing the “electrical gremlins”. I also found that a chunk of the issues are either ground related or connection (corrosion on the leads) related.
Great series. Learned a lot about E24 electrical issues. Fortunately my 89 Shark, bought 5 years ago didn’t have any of those problems. Your next projects will be very familiar as I had the entire front and rear suspension, brake system, cooling, steering, differential, and driveshaft rebuilt. These are beautiful cars that are fun to drive but they’re BMW’s and there’s always something expensive to fix. One correction. My 89, like the 88, had the “world” bumpers and the m30b35 engine used in the five and seven series rated at 208hp. Looking forward to future episodes. BTW, in California you’re allowed to use hand signals to indicate the direction you wish to turn. Left arm straight out for left turn, left arm at 45 degree angle upwards for right turn, and 45 degree angle downwards to signal stopping!
Great video! I was referred here by another Bimmerforums E24 member. I'm chasing a similar new electrical issue on my '84 Euro with lights on the right side of the car not working (tail light, trunk light, glove box light, hood light, right corner lights, right City Light). Will try the main relay as the fuses were just matched up and tested similar to your approach.
well ty for this video! im going to checkout all the things that you have covered. my car is exactly the same as yours, other than the added federalized fender marker lights. you will most likely have to check the battery in the dash cluster, and the gear that drives the odometer. my odometer just died, so, word to the wise, replace all of that stuff whilst you are in there because dropping the steering column and lower dash is a hassle. TY again!
I'm working on something very similar to yours I got all the mechanical done and now I'm about ready to do the Cosmetics.. 1985 BMW 635csi us spec manual transmission.. amazing how the same Gremlins are consistent in these cars
this is the first time watching your video and i am very impressed. i have a 1984 bmw 635 euro with a parasitic draw from fuse #21, so i will definitely begin to watch more of your videos. liked and subscribed.
I’m actually filming as we speak 😊 Been tied up with back to back track weekends and holiday prep. But thankfully I have lots of E24 time on my hands today and tomorrow. Should hopefully have another video ready in a few days.
Well, let me share this one... '85 E24 US spec I bought in '95. was having mixed elec gremlins affecting cruise control, lightts and wipers (would activate themselves). Checked voltage during problems and would only get 9.5 vdc max. I took cover off of fuse box and noticed that a number of relays had severe thermal damage. Removing top half of fuse box revealed that the main buss had loosened causiing a low volt/high temp connection. I needed to rerun the primary wire which solved the problem until I replaced the entire fuse box last winter. Note: new fuse box does not contain the proper connection for fog lights to operate but all other connex match.
Thanks! I was leaning toward 16” for the wheels to keep it looking classic. However I did just run across a lovely set of 17s that are making me second guess everything. But 17 is the max for me.
Cool stuff! I feel like CA glue would have been a stronger fix with bond along the entire fracture but haven't used one of those welders. Am I missing out?
" Overly optimistic" and "Got Damn" is the mantra of anyone that owns a 80's BMW 🤣Check out Joying if you want to change your head unit to single DIN touchscreen. All the best, my door chime is also dead on my E28 M5.
These BMW’s from the 80’s and back have two CR123 batteries in the speedometer cluster that go bad …. They can stop the alternator from charging and numerous other things…. Change them out or get delete board for your cluster
Most electrical problems in a car come from after-the-fact tinkering with things like the radio, speakers, amplifier, or alarm system. Everyone really dares to do this and then does it. If the radio is connected to fuse 21, then that is 95% the cause of the problem. In second place are simple ground errors, because ground straps and their screw connections are rotten. Kind regards, Ralph
I can’t believe I’m just finding this! This is a great series, thank you for taking the time to do this!
Well done restoring the original finish and not having them refurbished. They still have a very slight patina which looks great. 👍
Good job on your fault tracing 👍🏻
Love your video, you are skillful and good at your craft. Just inherited an E24 1989 BMW 635csi that I have to sell. It has lots of electrical issues, but I am 75 and not mechanically / electrically inclined any more; especially with European cars. Don't have the equipment either. It would be fantastic if you or some other Bimmer enthusiast would want to buy this and give it a good home and an enthusiastic capable owner/driver.
Hello Christine, is your 635CSi still for Sale because i would be really interested to get it back to life. If so it would be nice to male it happen
@@hanskeller1102 Already sold to another 635 enthusiast.
Really, really cool!! I have a draw as well on my 635CSi and I suspect it's that main relay. Thanks, Marie!!
Super cool that it has the flashlight!
Absolutely love your videos! I have a 83, 633CSi and can definitely feel your pain when chasing the “electrical gremlins”. I also found that a chunk of the issues are either ground related or connection (corrosion on the leads) related.
Bro do u have Instagram??wanna see ur 633csi
Hello Marie...nice car
Great series. Learned a lot about E24 electrical issues. Fortunately my 89 Shark, bought 5 years ago didn’t have any of those problems. Your next projects will be very familiar as I had the entire front and rear suspension, brake system, cooling, steering, differential, and driveshaft rebuilt. These are beautiful cars that are fun to drive but they’re BMW’s and there’s always something expensive to fix. One correction. My 89, like the 88, had the “world” bumpers and the m30b35 engine used in the five and seven series rated at 208hp. Looking forward to future episodes. BTW, in California you’re allowed to use hand signals to indicate the direction you wish to turn. Left arm straight out for left turn, left arm at 45 degree angle upwards for right turn, and 45 degree angle downwards to signal stopping!
Nice work finding the duff relay.
Thanks!
Great video! I was referred here by another Bimmerforums E24 member. I'm chasing a similar new electrical issue on my '84 Euro with lights on the right side of the car not working (tail light, trunk light, glove box light, hood light, right corner lights, right City Light). Will try the main relay as the fuses were just matched up and tested similar to your approach.
Awesome! Hope this helps solve your issues.
I wonder how this project turns out. Can’t wait.
well ty for this video! im going to checkout all the things that you have covered. my car is exactly the same as yours, other than the added federalized fender marker lights. you will most likely have to check the battery in the dash cluster, and the gear that drives the odometer. my odometer just died, so, word to the wise, replace all of that stuff whilst you are in there because dropping the steering column and lower dash is a hassle. TY again!
You are smart and great to watch!
I'm working on something very similar to yours I got all the mechanical done and now I'm about ready to do the Cosmetics.. 1985 BMW 635csi us spec manual transmission.. amazing how the same Gremlins are consistent in these cars
this is the first time watching your video and i am very impressed. i have a 1984 bmw 635 euro with a parasitic draw from fuse #21, so i will definitely begin to watch more of your videos. liked and subscribed.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing!
Great electrical sleuthing!
again, a lot of detailed explanations, thank you for sharing. Impressive progress with the electricals
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying these.
Great work! Please continue bringing us new content on this awesome project. I'm loving it so far 👌😉
this helps with my bmw e28 :) good work !
we watched all the videos, great work! I purchased an e24for my son in the future
Another great video! Well-presented, informative content
Make sure and send us some more I do miss them on the 85 635
I’m actually filming as we speak 😊
Been tied up with back to back track weekends and holiday prep. But thankfully I have lots of E24 time on my hands today and tomorrow. Should hopefully have another video ready in a few days.
Great stuff! thanks a lot I am learning a lot about mine one. You give me confidence.
Well, let me share this one... '85 E24 US spec I bought in '95. was having mixed elec gremlins affecting cruise control, lightts and wipers (would activate themselves). Checked voltage during problems and would only get 9.5 vdc max. I took cover off of fuse box and noticed that a number of relays had severe thermal damage. Removing top half of fuse box revealed that the main buss had loosened causiing a low volt/high temp connection. I needed to rerun the primary wire which solved the problem until I replaced the entire fuse box last winter. Note: new fuse box does not contain the proper connection for fog lights to operate but all other connex match.
Where did you find all your manuals to print out and put in binders? Great idea!
Looking forward to the suspension work and new wheels. What size wheels are you thinking?
Thanks! I was leaning toward 16” for the wheels to keep it looking classic. However I did just run across a lovely set of 17s that are making me second guess everything. But 17 is the max for me.
Cool stuff! I feel like CA glue would have been a stronger fix with bond along the entire fracture but haven't used one of those welders. Am I missing out?
Good job, 😀👍🏻
❤
Keep up the great work. Would look great with some larger period correct BBS wheels and lowered a bit.
Where did you get an OEM shop manual?
" Overly optimistic" and "Got Damn" is the mantra of anyone that owns a 80's BMW 🤣Check out Joying if you want to change your head unit to single DIN touchscreen. All the best, my door chime is also dead on my E28 M5.
Excellent video. Sell it to me when you are finished
lol, deal
You intend to inform the general public when you're turning left... are you sure you are a BMW driver?
;)
I'd like to take off the sidemarker
4:14 the leads on the multimeter are not connected correctly to measure current. Neither connector was in the ground socket.
Good eye. I realized that when I was editing the video and went back out to retest, still was not working.