help 530i problems - BMW Forum

vincent12 · 01-25-2009, 11:36 AM

I am a new 530i owner and I had some questions about the 94 530i that I just recently bought. First question I have is the when going around corners sometimes it feels like the steering wheel binds and then lets go again and somebody told me that it could be the pitman arm bushing I think that thats what it was called does anybody have any suggestions the other problem is that the person who owned it before somehow cut like five wires that went to the ABS and the traction control computer I put the wires back together and took the negative battery terminal off to reset the codes and now when you first start the car no lights are on and as soon as you go down the road the ABS and traction control lights come on. Do I have to have them reset by the dealer or is there posible a problem with the computer now that wasen't there before. and my last problem is I had a loud thump under the shifter when I go on the car I replaced the flex disc and it was very worn and cracked but I am still getting that thumping sound it is just not as bad now, if any body has any advice I would really like some suggestions thanks

BimmerE39 · 01-25-2009, 12:46 PM

First off, the steering problem sounds like it could be a control arm problem but it also sounds like it could be a tie rod problem as well. Most of the time especially with front end suspension systems it's not as simple as one thing being the problem. It could be multiple parts but if you trust the mechanic you take it to they can usually find the problem(s).

Second, I don't know how the previous owner managed to cut wires but I'm not an expert on electrical systems on cars so I'm hoping someone else could chime in on this to answer your question.

vincent12 · 01-25-2009, 01:21 PM

thank you for the help I know that both outer tie rods have some play in them so I am going to replace them and I will check the control arm. and I don't know for sure how the wiring got cut but one of the wires that I reconnected was one of the double coated wires were under the first layer of skin is some copper wire and then there is another layer of skin and another copper wire but I only reconnected the inside wire and taped it up I didn't think the outside coating served a perpose but maybe I am wrong and I know that that type of wire has a sertaint name but I don't know what its called

BimmerE39 · 01-25-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincent12

I didn't think the outside coating served a perpose but maybe I am wrong and I know that that type of wire has a sertaint name but I don't know what its called

IDK about the purpose of the outside coating. My guess is it's for insulation. Pretty much anything electrical that doesn't involve stereo systems or anything like that I tend to stay away from.

vincent12 · 01-25-2009, 01:41 PM

ok thank you for your help

Mostanything · 01-25-2009, 06:54 PM

one of the wires that I reconnected was one of the double coated wires were under the first layer of skin is some copper wire and then there is another layer of skin and another copper wire but I only reconnected the inside wire and taped it up I didn't think the outside coating served a perpose but maybe I am wrong and I know that that type of wire has a sertaint name but I don't know what its called[/QUOTE]

If I remember right the outer conductor should be grounded at one end to keep the inside conductor from becoming an antenna and picking up other electrical noise (i.e., ignition spark) and feeding back through the radio or other electronics. Maybe someone else can confirm this.
mostanything