Ghost In The Machine

[Door1]

The last week of ownership has been a strange trip. Confusing series indentity(ok, i get it, I own an e28, l but to clarify, the title says m5) super high prices ($50 oil change anyone?), misleading mechanics, and one !!!weird!!! electrical problem.

First, regarding a previous post. A simple oil, spark plug, and fuel filter change seems to have solved the rough start/low top speed problem. The car still tops out at about 75 and stalls if I leave it idling for to long, but it has a smooth, low engine sound.

Now, here is my story of the week. Since day one of ownership, I've noticed several electrical problems: the stereo doesn't work, same for the power locks, dome lights, hazard flashers, tachometer/fuel econo gauge, and the trip/clock/computer thingy (is that the technical term?). Most of the problems I assumed would require replacing the actual part associated... for example replace the tach relay or the actual dome light....

Today, I discovered the culprit for ALL the above..... the stereo was wired wrong!!!! As soon as I re-wired the stereo following a guide found on another forum, EVERYTHING WORKS!!!!!! Talk about a ghost in the machine!! Any idea on what could have caused this?

[hpacc]

Any idea on what could have caused this?

if someone wired the stereo wrong, ie hot to ground, etc. you could have all kinds of electrical problems. electricity needs to travel through those wires to run your equipment. if the wires go to the wrong place, stuff wont work (to put it simply).

nothin magical about it... good job finding the problem

[sp0rky]

tops aroud 75?

is your e28 an 'e' car or an 'i' car ?

533i, 528e, etc etc - theres a bunch.
With that info, maybe I could help you out there.