PPPP code and ignition troubles

[josetakapele]

I drove my 95 540i to school last week and when I tried to get it started again it would not turn. Lights worked just fine and it didn't appear to be anything power related. I checked the fuses and found the one for the instrument cluster was burnt out. I changed that fuse and nothing really changed other than the cluster finally lit up. I changed the starter and valve cover gaskets while I was at it. When I tried to turn the car on, it once again didn't turn. I then noticed a pppp where the date and time are usually displayed. Once the key is in the on on position, no lights on the cluster turn on. We checked to see if the starter was getting power and it was. We got it to turn over but not to run when my friend got under the car and decided to mess with some of the wires. I've called a few shops and they all have told me the same thing; either my computer is no longer working, or the security system is acting up. I really, really need some help.

[shogun]

PPPP just means there is no communication between cluster chip and the OBC. As you probably did remove the battery when you installed the starter: did you reset time and date on the OBC again? Try that.
Here is the onwers handbook where you can see how to do that and also the OBC training reference handbook
http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showthread.php/44264-E32-owners-handbook-manual

In my opinion this however has no relation to the no start of the engine.
The OBC drive away protection is a very simple thing, it would call for a 4 digit code, but you get PPPP which means no data transfer.

Wiring diagrams are here by built year http://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e34/

AND, you have to find out why the fuse was burnt, that maybe has some relation to your problem. What fuse # was it? Why was it melted? What else is covered by that fuse? See above link to wiring diagrams, from around page 14 all items are listed by fuse #.

Did you check the fuses under rear seat already?
And the fusable links? http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Electrical/Fusible_link.htm

[632 Regal]

Security on that car just cuts the fuel and spark, the engine will still crank over. Do you have the remote unit to disable the system?

Figure out what the deal is with the cluster blowing fuses, check ALL the fuses carefully is my only hint at this point.

[632 Regal]

Also check what else uses the fuse that is blowing, might have nothing to do with the cluster.