S38B36: Warning for ignition wiring-loom. - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

raymondw · 3rd July 2008, 00:39

Gentlemen,

My recent experiences with my E28S M5 do affect the E34S M5 HD91, HD92. HD93 and HD98 models as well.

As some of you already know, I killed the engine of my E28S M5 in Germany now about a month ago. I just received the proof that resulted in this engine failure, a broken connector of the HV-wiring loom between the ignition coil and the distributer cap. For a more detailed description, I refer to my writeup in the E28 M5 section with pictures shown on page 9 of my write up.

I did check the wiring and its connectors not that long ago and they measured OK. But this time, the wire disconnected from the connector whilst driving on the autobahn. This caused a spark bridge in the lead with disastrous concequences. This is a risk that can affect the S38B36 engine as well. Even though a new HV-wiring loom is not cheap, this part should be part of your preventive maintenance programm.

Sebring NL · 3rd July 2008, 00:55

thanks Ray

just replaced it on an M30..

Was planning on doing so on my S38, but as you know..plan # 450, allocation september 2034

inertia8 · 3rd July 2008, 00:55

Much appreciated.

Given my current spark issues I have driven the car once since I heard of this failure on your E28.

I've opted to replace leads, dizzy cap, rotor, coil and the bottom plastic cover.

Cost was only $564 delivered, so it's not a bank breaker... the leads were $320usd and are BERU brand.