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?


How about this orange plug next to the battery?


Wire harness hanging from the underdash area?


Notice any missing fuses? My fuse panel cover is faded and I can't read what goes where. Or that relay.


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]

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.