Fusible link failure or "real deal"?

[Gene in NC]

A month ago I posted prev experience, and carring both spares in one car.

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/printthread.php?t=22471

Guess what? Didn't put spare in and had failure in the other '89 525. This time 95 deg f, with ac on and fan on full. Same conditions as prev experience.

Everything shut down except a Battery icon on the dash (change frm 12/88 to 4/'89 model). Don't undestand how the icon can be displayed if everything else is shut down.

Anyway, felt lucky to avoid wreck in getting from center lane of six lane freeway to exit lane and off. No turn signals, stop lights, nothing. The batt icon distracted me a bit and slowed reaction to get off at full speed. Traffic flying by on the inside lane nearly took me out.

But, I'm experienced, right?. Popped open the fusible link cover (front top of right strut tower) and there it was in all its oxidized, cracked glory. Holy feces, didn't move the spare to this car. Luckily wifey was available with the spare in her car so disaster was minimized. Note: couldn't get the link to fuse back by pressing it down. Multiple cracks and very fragile at 186k mi.

Take away:

Link will fail. Potential danger even to get off the road. Timing awful and dealer w/o spare.

There is a better way. Carrying spare minimum, replacing and carrying a spare better. If link appears to be oxidized and or is warped from heating cooling cycles, time to replace before it fails.

Here's my offer to make amends. Send me $1.00 and a SASE and I'll send you the most cost effective spare that you may ever own. My actual cost, exclusive of ordering, trip to dealer to pick up, etc is $0.86 each. Would give em away but then everyone would take one, especially if the SASE not required. Also, I'm so far behind on my "honey dos" that need to show that time and effort being minimized.

Take a tip from a two time loser. Lightning can strike twice in the same place.

[KenB]

Good to know what to look for when something off the wall like that happens.

I always carry a spare. That way I won't need it.

[angrypancake]

how the hell do you install a fusible link? i'm thinking it's leading to my non start issues, but i found the links and they're soldered in place? wtf?

[Gene in NC]

Factory setup is 1 5/8" long strip with slots from side, held in place with two bolts. Total tool req is one 10mm wrench. Loosen the bolts, slip in the 80a fuse link, tighten, good to go.

[KenB]

how the hell do you install a fusible link? i'm thinking it's leading to my non start issues, but i found the links and they're soldered in place? wtf?

Maybe PO soldered for a quick fix instead of spending the big bucks for a new one?

[Gene in NC]

Bump.