BMW Z3 Boot Loom of Doom

GazHyde

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Probably something I should have known, and I'm not sure how I didn't but for those who suffer from the dreaded BMW Z3 Boot Loom of Doom there is a repair kit available. Looked in to it as @pgunter has just found the problem on his 3.0.

After a few minutes on realoem.com I found PN 61108385924. Item 1 on the diagram
upload_2017-4-26_18-37-0.png


I don't know if it's still available from BMW, but searching eBay for that PN gave a few European sellers who make alternative kits which will work just as well, but may need some extra fiddling and splicing in.

upload_2017-4-26_18-38-9.png
 

pgunter

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Yes. Interestingly. Boot open lights off. Boot closed lights on :mad:.

And that's even with the doors locked too. The lights stay on. Managed to wriggle the loom and get the lights to stay off. So I will be checking with BMW tomorrow and then report back. If not it's an order going to eBay in Germany. I know I could replace each wire cheaper but it would look a lot better with the harness above. Thank you @GazHyde fir the quick response too.

@Brian H did a post on the site we shall not name a few years ago listing all the wiring colours too. It's a dreaded annoying thing.
 

pgunter

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EnthuZiaZT

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Is this problem specific to any year of manufacture? Or is it likely to happen on any Zed?

Mike
 

pgunter

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Mike. Any Z3 Hence why someone made a repair loom.

Common issue as it even has a name. 'Loom of doom'.
 

GazHyde

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Is this problem specific to any year of manufacture? Or is it likely to happen on any Zed?
Any Z3, not heard of it on the Z4. Affects all model years.
 

mwpe

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That's a great find, almost worth getting one as insurance.
 

Dino D

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Yes. Interestingly. Boot open lights off. Boot closed lights on :mad:.

And that's even with the doors locked too. The lights stay on. Managed to wriggle the loom and get the lights to stay off. So I will be checking with BMW tomorrow and then report back. If not it's an order going to eBay in Germany. I know I could replace each wire cheaper but it would look a lot better with the harness above. Thank you @GazHyde fir the quick response too.

@Brian H did a post on the site we shall not name a few years ago listing all the wiring colours too. It's a dreaded annoying thing.
Pull the bulb out asap untilnit properly sorted.
That light staying on too long can lead to melted wiring all the way to the fuse box along with a little fire if it's feeling feisty..
 

t-tony

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If the photo that Gaz posted is an actual picture of the item itself, in that form it's next to useless because all the wires appear to be the same length and also fitted with "crimp" type connectors. The wire joins need to be staggered or you will be left with a huge unsightly bulge in the loom if they're all done to the same length.
Do NOT use those crimps, solder the joints. If you can't, find someone who can, and use shrink tubing to insulate the joints.

Tony.
 

GazHyde

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Will probably wait until we see what arrives before making a judgement on fitting. Most things rarely turn up like the ad photos, and there is likely movement within the sheathing. As Paul said, he'll post up pictures when it actually arrives to save on guesswork.
 

Ianmc

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Is this problem specific to any year of manufacture? Or is it likely to happen on any Zed?

Common on the MC also, don't use those crimp joins, they will likely cause more problems than it solves. I understand that BMW item is still available, would go for that.
 

Cooper

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This thread is awesome and timely too. I have an intermittent issue with the boot not locking / unlocking so I have to check manually each time. Sometimes it works well then it won't. If I use the manual key back and forth it works for a short time then fails again. I put it down to bad wiring somewhere but didn't get around to asking the forum. Cheers.
 

pgunter

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Ok. So a quick look revealed the fact that the black clip had actually cut into the wire protection. So a little strip back for a temp fix. Waiting for the replacement to refit the joint. See the white wire and the blue / brown. Both damaged. When touched the lights come on at the rear.

IMG_2948.PNG


IMG_2952.JPG


Plastic clip that did the damage over time.

Will update more later.
 

Brian H

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The first issue I can remember in a facelift Zed.
 

smiffy

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If the photo that Gaz posted is an actual picture of the item itself, in that form it's next to useless because all the wires appear to be the same length and also fitted with "crimp" type connectors. The wire joins need to be staggered or you will be left with a huge unsightly bulge in the loom if they're all done to the same length.
Do NOT use those crimps, solder the joints. If you can't, find someone who can, and use shrink tubing to insulate the joints.

Tony.
I'm going to have to challenge you on that Tony, i've used thousands of those crimps over the years. I've sealed them with tape and sent them 500mtrs underwater, I've used them on our aeroplanes and flown them to 4000ft and I've used them everywhere inbetween.
It is the rubbish, universal, non-ratcheting crimp tool found in cheap Halfrauds style crimp sets that are the problem. I've also removed hundreds of bad joints made by amateurs using rubbish tools.

Staggered joints, yes, you are spot on there, but the crimps, they are designed to join wires together and have been sold by the million for decades! The world would stop without them!
 

t-tony

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Each to their own bud, I'll stick to my thoughts even so.;) Halfords fitting centre do not allow their technicians to use crimps when fitting dash cams, Satnavs etc. they insist on soldered joints.

Tony.
 

smiffy

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Each to their own bud, I'll stick to my thoughts even so.;) Halfords fitting centre do not allow their technicians to use crimps when fitting dash cams, Satnavs etc. they insist on soldered joints.

Tony.
blimey, i'm amazed at halfords, i've not met anyone in there in recent years that I'd trust with a soldering iron, but then again I'd probably not let them near my cars at all!
 
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