Broken Wires - Z3 Boot Wiring Loom

[David Carter]

Apologies if this one has been asked before (and I suspect it has), but is there a fix for the boot loom on the Z3, where the wires keep breaking in the section between boot lid and body, due to the repeated movement when the boot is opened? According to BMW there is no factory part that replaces this section, only a large chunk of the loom at predictably astronomical cost.

 

[Low Rider]

I'm guessing the only route is to solder the wires together and use heat shrink.

 

[GazHyde]

The boot loom of doom! If you have any wiring skills it's not the worst of jobs to strip the cables back and repair them. All depends on how far back in to the boot lid they are damaged. I'm sure a local auto electrician would be able to sort relatively easily if you can't!

 

[Faheem]

Be careful though, if the wires are broken at the moment, when you solder them and establish a connection again the boot light - which may currently not work due to broken wiring - the boot light will start working again, however, these have a tendency to stay on and drain your battery, so it's worth checking whether or not the boot light will turn off when you close the boot.

 

[jonco]

It's a common problem which goes under the `loom of doom' nickname.
Part loom OEM replacement is expensive. So you either repair broken cables by solder and sheath as previously suggested or insert a new DIY section (either soldered or cable connected). I did the latter 5 years ago and (cross fingers) still ok. Fairly straightforward repair - bear in mind original lasted ~15+ years so you should be ok for awhile.

 

[David Carter]

Thanks all. Much appreciated.

 

[t-tony]

Where are you located @David Carter ? if you're anywhere near me I can repair that for you.

Tony.

 

[David Carter]

Thanks for the offer, but Hereford is a bit of a commute!

 

[t-tony]

Yes, sadly it is David, but if for any reason you head this way the offer stands.

Tony.