BMW E30 Wiring Loom Restoration | BMW E30 325i Sport Restoration E9 S1

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This week I focus on the mess that is the E30's wiring loom. It was taken from the car a long time ago and has sat in a box ever since. It was really overwhelming at first. But once I had it all laid out everything became clear. Enjoy!
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If you would like to send me something to restore, tools to use or anything to support Restore It, please email:
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Tools & equpitment used:
Quartz Lacquer - goo.gl/8PTVKM
Base Coat Paint - goo.gl/mWhufG
Rust Remover - goo.gl/13gopW
Moldex Full Face Mask - goo.gl/NNYGrv
FGL 5 Spray gun - goo.gl/Acg5rd
A.N.I. R150-T Mini Spray gun - goo.gl/cHTJS2
Colad Washable Overalls - goo.gl/3Css9E
Colad Mixing Cups - goo.gl/8DYmE8
Colad TurboMix Sticks - goo.gl/cYZfks
Colad Synthetic Paint Strainers - goo.gl/H79ZgL
Steel wire bits - geni.us/keyaD
Rotary Tool - geni.us/HGed
Concentrate Degreaser - geni.us/yUn9
Mannesmann Socket Set - geni.us/HCDZ
PROCESS:
Firstly, I unraveled the loom. It had been sat in a box for about a year. After it was laid out, I could make more sense of it. I started by stripping everything and anything off the loom. All of the old loom and electrical tape came off. Whilst I was stripping the loom, I used cable ties to keep groups of wires together and to make sure junctions were obvious.
Once all the old stuff was off, I cleaned up the wired, clean a few peripherals with the rotary tool and degreaser. I also re-labeled the entire loom as the old labels were getting hard to understand.
Once all that was done, it was time to rewrap the loom. This took the best part of three days and hurt like hell after a while. My legs and hands were aching at the end of each day like crazy.
Once every single wire was wrapped and the loomed had been sorted, I found the lid for the fuse box, cleaned it up and the restoration was complete. Not a crazy one, just something to keep me going whilst I'm inbetween workshops.
Thanks for watching.
- Disclaimer: I am no professional. Especially when it comes to electrics. It's certainly an area I am looking to improve in. I am completely self-taught and have no previous trade experience. I would appreciate any feedback, advice or constructive criticism.
I don't add music to these videos so that you can choose to listen to what you like if you would like to.
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[@StudiousAsp7200]

Mad respect for you being able to do that. Have nightmares over wiring looms, in my opinion it’s one of the hardest things to fix/replace/understand in a car. Especially if more than 1 person has worked on it like this one. Great video👍🏻

[@RestoreIt]

It was a nightmare haha. Very glad its done.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Restore It Hope you put back all the official wire numbers to match the repair handbooks and Bosch standards for the next guy... Btw. I guess those 4 wires to doors are for central locking or motorized windows. Looks like the right thickness.

[@georgehuser4711]

Wow! So much respect for this! Wiring is the worst thing about 80's and 90's cars. Was repairing wiring loom on my frontera and it took ages and a lot of swearing! Big thumbs UP from me!

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Jiri!! It was hard work to say the least!

[@bigvegass]

It's cool when you're young but holy hell, my knees would be garbage after a few hours of this. 😁

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Wes Use an upright board with some hooks to hang everything at convenient height for standing or sitting. The perforated boards for hanging tools would do nicely. But a chain link fence is also an option.

[@RestoreIt]

My knee hated me and still do.

[@commuterdude8491]

Wes

[@Kavster92]

@@RestoreIt Man for the love of god, don't treat your knees like shit when you're young. You'll just hate yourself for not looking after them when you're older. Invest in a decent set of gel kneepads for underneath your work trousers. It was killing me to watch you work like that! Listen to your body.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Gel knee pads make a huge difference.

[@RB87NL]

My worst nightmares are made out of wiring loom. Mad respect for your dedication.

[@RestoreIt]

I sort of started and then quickly realised. This is going to take days. Kill me. Well worth it in the end though. I can finally just sit down!

[@NomadOfNorad]

In the mountains of automotive madness, dead Cthulhu waits sleeping...

[@CTmoog]

WOW!!! Nice job! That was a serious mess!!! Great video man!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Moog!

[@jordankahele14]

A good way to find the short you were looking 4... If that's melted from top to bottom, then imagine how a new set of harness wires would look right about now.. That was from purchasing a 91 CRX it would stumble, have intermittent starting problems, but from further investigation the wires were all melted.. That's what I get for buying a used and abused car lol.. But there's always a fix for your build for quite less by other helpful tips by other die hard mechanics YESS.. I give them all the CREDIT to being dedicated TECHNICIANS nice job guys..

[@GSMSfromFV]

Tackling any large time-consuming project, as you have done here, is always best by breaking it down into its various components/tasks. It's not a race. Patience is the key. Well done!

[@RestoreIt]

Very true dude. Took me four days at a just slightly uncomfortable rate. Glad its over :)

[@86abaile]

Bloody hell, you must be wrapping cables in your dreams by now.

[@RestoreIt]

In my nightmare's! Haha

[@sharonbelisle550]

I marvel at your ability to understand and comprehend every level of restoration of so many things. Young man God has certainly blessed you.

[@2003garyb]

Steve! I'm glad you're back. I hope you used an amp meter or some sort of circuit meter to check each wire before wrapping the harness to make sure each wire is making a good connection. It'll save you big headaches later. Great video. Take care, my friend.

[@ianallen2]

I was thinking this while watching. Couldnt see a multimeter / continuity meter / checker. I know some old copper wires go green and dont have good flow and cant be soldered.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

Ian Allen Plus wires that gets bent a lot like between door and frame may break inside the isolating plastic due to the inner strands suffering metal fatigue one by one. Same thing that happens to headphone cables. On a wiring loom with such specific lengths, it may be necessary to completely replace the broken wire end to end. Fortunately this loom seems to consist almost entirely of single standard size wires in various colors that should be available pretty much everywhere.

[@orlanmedina3693]

Thought the same

[@aqib2000]

Gary B he only knows how to clean

[@2003garyb]

@@aqib2000 He does a great job using the supplies, tools, space, and experience that he has. He tackles challenges that many people would avoid. He shows great patience and determination. When this BMW is finished he'll have a great showpiece.

[@AA-lo1bn]

I must say as an aircraft electrician who deals with looms on a daily basis I am impressed at how the loom has survived a life of storage and repairs like that. I am pleased that you soldered the damaged cables back together instead of splicing them as that will make them a lot more durable. Good work!

[@marvinschrader4234]

Fantastic job and patience man, just something I'd like to point from someone who works in the automotive industry, keep in mind that usually cloth tape is used in dry areas to lessen the noise of the harness rubbing in the panels and usualy pvc tape is prefered for wet areas such as the engine bay and outside corners. Great video👍🏻

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Marvin. I didn't know for sure. But i was thinking this. I left a fair amount of the thick plastic but had to remove some. I'll keep my eye out for something to wrap the outside areas with. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated. Steve.

[@marvinschrader4234]

@@RestoreIt no problem, every video I lern something new from you, now it's my time to reciprocate :)

[@twobyfour]

Hats off on this one fella, nice finish. I once stripped and restored the loom from my RD125LC the day before my bike test (1990), shorts and corrosion all over, Yamaha looms were terrible back then, possibly the sweariest day of my life, never again!

[@MrRedcelica]

the passion of getting the project done and finished is what gives you that push no matter the pain and tiredness, i've done similar things!!

[@carputtgaming2088]

I did this one on just an engine loom and holy crap. Mad respect!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks dude!

[@aero5937]

Imagine doing this work on a modern BMW... must be impossible. Great work btw, your channel is awesome

[@kevinkurz4749]

I love watching this restoration. It is something I’d like to do one day. Restoring parts and components bit by bit make it seem less daunting.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Kevin, it does make it seem less daunting, until to start doing something like wrapping the loom and realizing how much work there is. Greatly satisfying none the less.

[@goncalodumas]

I did this once on a Ford Fiesta mk2 loom back in 2001 - it was waaaay simpler. The smartest component might have been the turn signal relay.. I just bough another mk2 just for enjoying a simple restoration project like the one you have here. Keep up the good work!

[@Justin_80]

Props on having the patience to do that. I'd have bought a new wiring harness.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Justin, i'm not sure where you'd find one of those.

[@Justin_80]

@@RestoreIt I was going to do a engine swap on a 1987 Honda CRX I had several years ago and I found the wiring harness online somewhere but it was almost $1000.

[@rnelson1415]

Wow. Wiring is a hell of a job to tackle just in removal/installation. Keeping track of all the small bits during the restoration must have been a real project.

[@andymitchell368]

The cut wires are from central locking module behind drivers side footwell speaker

[@unkjason]

Not that I'm doubting you, but how do you know for certain?

[@johndehoog5567]

Unbelievable!!!!! I would never attempted to unravel that mess. And yet you did and did it successfully. Great that you have the floor space at your new location in order to spread the loom out. That was a brilliant move in order to understand the thing. Can wait to see next installment.

[@jaekaelae]

You are such a resilient guy. You should consider to store pieces of foam mattress around your shop. My father is a farmer and I've learned from him that work can be comfortable if you have some cushion on hand. When ever he had to work in awkward positions my dad used some foam pieces to make his life less painful. From my expereince this is something plumbers happen to do as well. Nice job you did there and the final result looks professional.

[@johndoe-lr9qc]

I’m working on restoring my wire harness as well. I’m using a layer of tape, then over that braided loom and heat shrink on all the ends for a super clean look

[@TerrificFlow]

The 4 doors wires that were cut could be speakers for the door ( both speaker and tweeter next to the side mirror), or the side mirror motor to move the actual glass of the mirror. All e30 ph2 at least came pre-wired for tweeter even if it wasn't chose to have the option by the original owner.

[@stevenvee11]

Absolutely agree. Speaker wire for speakers not installed.

[@TheFilmMixer101]

Next Video! Restoring the Floor!

[@McFunnyBone]

Highly impressed my friend. That took some serious patience and skill. Like you just laid out the nervous system of your car. It was ana amazing thing you did. Gonna be worth it.

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Joshua, cool way of describing it!

[@boskocrnobrnja6659]

Nut and bolt restoration and recording every step of it, and doing it nicely, so satisfying to watch. I became tired of 20 minutes slideshows of restorations with dumb music. Keep it up man, you're doing a great job!

[@sweenep86]

i’ve built several looms from scratch and i’ll never wrap a loom ever again. I find wrapping it makes it harder to fault find colour coded wires and makes the loom stiff and difficult to route. I loosely cable tie sections and use a plastic overbraid and either heat shrink or tape the ends. Works great for my racecar’s, i can trace wires, and splice into the loom easily.

[@Djwally13]

It's very tedious work when dealing with a wiring harness. Replacing brittle conduit, as well as testing wiring and connections, a great deal of patience and attention to detail is paramount. Spreading the harness out on an open space is very helpful. Good job and good luck. 😁

[@justinmackay09]

The work ethic and attention to detail with everything-much respect ✊

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Justin!

[@mickcoomer9714]

The first kit car I bought had a bundle of wire held down by the battery. I’ll soon sort that I thought. I removed the battery and the bundle of wire went “SPRONG”. There were chard wires, there were bare wires and there were chard, bare wires. Wires that changed colour and wires that changed colours and then went back to the original colour, sometimes just the trace colours changed. Traced one wire at a time and got it sorted, good job I like puzzles.

[@FritsBlaasbaard]

I have so much respect for this! Great job, looks really clean when done.

[@Vaabuss]

You can „rebuild“ the abs pump. Only involves cleaning out the sludge and maybe replacing the o-rings with brake fluid rated ones. Just telling you because most people dont know that.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks for the info Warmhole. I think i might be able to do a video on it by the sounds of it. I also need to zinc plate it gold.

[@Vaabuss]

@@RestoreIt No problem, love the content. Here is a page of a thread that details the process. www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?p=4945880&highlight=ABS#post4945880

[@jamesconner8275]

Four days, it would have taken me four months. Huge job well done.

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers James, i really pushed through this one.

[@Ramvilles316]

I see why most people say wiring is the devil, lol. Hope the move was good and glad to see you back!

[@shedman7306]

For someone who had to work on a an old wire harness this is so satisfying

[@KrisVilliger]

Have you explained why you are restoring this car? I am interested in why the E30. Why did you choose this car? First one you owned? Rare? I'd be interested in a video where you tel us what makes this car so special to you that you want to restore it.

[@briantristan5634]

It's a nice car

[@juliandrennan4115]

Because e30s are lovely classic cars and a fully restored example is something that will be very hard to come by

[@RestoreIt]

It's just one, if not my favourite car. The price also went up recently for mint version, it was falling apart in more ways than one, and i had bought a bmw e46 touring to get me through the winter and though, screw it, full restoration time.

[@mike.135i]

i have a e46 323i 5spMT

[@aqib2000]

Kris Villiger he needed some junk to restore and make KZbin £

[@JeriDro]

I really love your videos, please don't change anything. no music and limited talking is perfect, I can saturate myself in the experience fully

[@fdk6966]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Omg this job is..... ESPECTACULAR PLEASE CONTINUE WHITH THE PROYECT. Memories from Spain

[@renatoescarreola9787]

The best video on CarRestoration , the Electric Loom is the most important and nobody care of it

[@sarkiqrwa]

If you are using the same (seems felt tape) in engine area as well, it is not so good. Mostly tubes and PVC is used in engine area to eliminate water corrosin. The felt tape sucks the water in. Mostly the felt tape has no abrasion resistance. It is hard to belive but it is like that. It is better to use abrasion resistance tapes in engine area, you have many motions there and even by the sharp edges. it is just an advice.

[@FloLeb72]

You are so crazy.... I don't even try to do it on my bike. Good job, you deserve a medal for that!

[@protodad1]

Wow. Just wow. A couple comments. First. Thank you for using the zip ties only temporarily. I’ve seen too many people try to use them as a permanent solution only to have them destroy a loom later. Second. This is a pretty impressive budget loom rebuild. You likely saved hundreds of not over a thousand to do a full rebuild with new connectors and heat shrink. Old BMWs are crazier than late 90s Honda’s. It’s a really cool way to do it. Considering the mysteries, how do you think it will hold up?

[@radudumitru8924]

Wow! This is passion and dedication. It was a very hard work, probabily the most hard. Congratulation!

[@RestoreIt]

Very hard work, thank you Radu!

[@malcolmporter4771]

I think I'm not the only person waiting to see the finished product. Patience, time and TLC.

[@ananthakrishnanm8506]

Amazing work, needs lots and lots of patience and finesse. Hats off to you dude.

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Leno! I didn't think it would, but damn it did.

[@lucasaldrich5949]

I restored the wiring loom in 89 Chevy and I thought mine was bad. Once I saw u put all that on that table....... Mine was no where near as bad as yours. The only thing I had to do that u didn't do was rewire the reverse lights. U sure did a way better job than I did

[@farouq1983]

You deserve a brand new BMW for the efforts you are putting through for this car. I salute you!

[@ShotgunRumble]

The way you rolled that audible add into your video was wonderful XD. I had a good laugh, it's like that "I don't always drink, but when I do, I drink Dos Equis" ad.

[@evilkhan7956]

This Took Time And Dedication. Total Respect For You Man

[@YomanitsG]

Can't wait to see the whole car restored! E30 is one of the most iconic series of the BMW.

[@stevecruz3724]

It lives lol. That must take sooo much patience, and nerve control, and I am a mechanic who loves working on electrical systems. You should do a wire tuck.

[@RestoreIt]

Cheers SR, i'll do some when i add some exterior tape.

[@sheep1ewe]

Electric things, prefearbly old ones, are actually my personal favorite to work with on vehicles for some reason. :) (I love all Your videos!) Awsome work as always!

[@harryireland1935]

Good to have you back, man...hope you and the E30 are both in Spain...

[@RestoreIt]

I am but the E30 is not. She'll soon be here though.

[@brianpedersen3439]

Nice done.. I love wiring looms, so satisfying to repair, and add wires, and make it look good, I have added a lot of extras to my car, new fuse and relay panel, and everything is tied to the original wiring loom, taped with loom tape, but iam also a bit crazy with wiring...

[@Trinitrotoluol37]

Класс!!! Я тоже люблю так работать с проводкой. Вытащить её полностью из машины и расплести на столе. Отличная работа!

[@tarbyonlineful]

It’s amazing how much wiring there is in a car, even an older model such as this!

[@irishwristwatch2487]

I do this at work! Damnit RestoreIt, I come here to escape! Ending was quite satisfying though, I'll grant you that....

[@RestoreIt]

Haha! I wont be doing another one any time soon i can assure you!

[@gb8014]

I think I couldn’t take doing that day in and day out. I would strangle myself with the wires on day 2.

[@irishwristwatch2487]

@@gb8014 fortunately its only about 2 metres worth once a week!

[@rille47]

Holy crap, I get tired just by watching, Kudos man! Great job.

[@Ivan_Liverpool]

I am an electrician and I think that the work is done very well. But this insulation tape is not designed for the engine compartment, and for wiring inside the cabin

[@markinhosmrk]

I don't know why but those videos are pretty relaxing to me

[@ntssus]

Hats off to your dedication, patience and passion for doing such a master quality work while keeping attention to every detail. Well done

[@alohxandre]

I own an e30 in France and watch all your videos! Awesome work dude!

[@mlodziutki6253]

Mad respect for doing this ! I love that project and can't wait for the finish :)

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks! Me either.

[@albatronix-9439]

Man.... I felt you. Had to do this for my BMW and Golf. Who did it once correctly, will hardly ever do it twice 😂 Mad respect to your project mate!

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

I NEED to see this wired up in the car. I'm impressed with how much time and dedication you've put into this project.

[@boggsty]

And I thought the wiring mess in My Summer Car was irritating. And I guess everyone has this totally greasy bottle saying "Degreaser" in his workshop.

[@lucianoaviles351]

Oh deamd my satsuma is on fire

[@mr.slaphappy3794]

Hello fellow My Summer Car player lol ;p

[@roycole4619]

It is the most irritating think ever In my summer car I tried 3 times and gave up on the game

[@mr.slaphappy3794]

@@roycole4619 There are a few tutorials on KZbin that explain how to do it, although it does require a superior level of patience.

[@222zzsklse]

Dude ur patience is on another level

[@DvisionScorpio]

You definitely need an new floor, maybe paint it. If you drop something it's hard to find it again

[@kjamison5951]

That is a labour of love. What do you use on your hands to protect them from the dirt and degreaser? Most of your work was done without gloves on. Thanks for the video!

[@graf___2320]

Досмотрел до конца Это полный писец Завидую его кропотливости

[@hamadaalamin4849]

!!! LIKE the insistence, and courage to play those wires

[@kunlegrant369]

excellent such patience.....

[@RestoreIt]

Thank you Kunle!

[@leedress2187]

any reason you didn't use split loom tubing? it would be so much easier to trace down a problem in the future. Beautiful job though,,

[@dhc4ever]

Well that was impressive. 12 + hours work condensed into 14 minutes. I hope the bad dreams regarding electrical tape stop shortly. You did take plenty of photos and notes for the loom refit didnt you? The only thing I have to add is closely inspect each plug and the contacts they contain for damage and corrosion. Nice job.

[@zachogdahl210]

Im in the process of building a m62 swapped e30 and im just going to be making my own minus a few small parts. Crazy amount of wires involved. I may end up doing this kind of restoration on my 325ix though as their values are going way up.

[@makwafa]

Awesome work man, old bmw wires are a nightmare to deal with and to look at in the first place

[@ThmsPtrsn]

I loved the power of now! excellent self-improvement read

[@hlmartelli]

Man, I'm looking forward to see your car ready to drive! It'll be just like a new one. Love your videos and the care you have with every single part.

[@joaquinarreola7258]

this car's going to be so beautiful, can't wait

[@abdulazeez.98]

This is deadly 😆😆 I can't believe someone can have the patience to do such a huge job. Impressive!

[@erj1993]

Recommendation: paint the floor of the workshop with a powerful water-based paint (designed for workshop floors). Light Grey works great. It'll cover up those hideous tiles, look clean and "motivate" you to keep it clean. :) Tried and tested, very satisfied. Keep up the good work, mate!

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks for the idea Andres. I'm renting but i could ask the owner. I think i will. Thanks mate!

[@vmoutsop]

OMG, what a tedious job, good that you took your time and kept your paitence. Great work. I would be the same way. Hopefully the wiring is in good shape because it would be horrible to have to go back in and strip a bunch of that tape just to replace something.

[@RobertBosworth]

What an amazing job! Car electrics completely baffle me. Just thinking, though, if I ever need a heart transplant I’ll come to you. 😀 Keep the videos coming. Can’t wait to see the completed car!

[@user-st3mf7sl7k]

This is a lot of work man, you have nerves of steel. Very good job!!👍👍👍

[@whomst7125]

bro like for real i would have bought a new one, but massive props to you for taking the time to do this!

[@malvasia17]

you have just achieved a new Labour of Hercules.congrats!

[@keremardcl6759]

Holy fuck. I hardly endured watching it. How could you do all of it? RESPECT.....

[@RestoreIt]

Haha! I appreciate you sticking it out man. It was torture!

[@ianallen2]

I thought a wireing loom restoration would entail all new connectors, making sure there is good continuity as well as retaping. Looked well neat after the mess on the floor when first laid out. I hate wiring. :) Well done

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks Ian!

[@spartan13014]

The most difficult part is really this one, did you have electrical problem or not? If it's just to refresh it's perfectly done!

[@kristianreader4812]

I done this job on a show car I had its a lot of hard work good job 🖒

[@RestoreIt]

Thanks man!

[@bostedtap8399]

Truly exceptional, you have a very rare gift, and with the help of hard work. Great job. Best regards from cold UK😎

[@Tzok008]

All car enthusiast / and bikes have the same nightmare (the electric part). For this video, you have my sub

[@kavanmooney6218]

The wiring that is cut for the doors is more than likely speakers

[@davidcarr4991]

Nicely done. I've been dreading doing the wiring loom on my bike, but I think it might be a piece of cake after watching that! :) Couple of thoughts - maybe get a roller stool. I used one for the first time recently when working on my bike (I don't have a lift or anything like that) and it made so much difference. My legs and back didn't ache for a week afterwards like they usually do. Also, and I know it's a bit late now, but I thought it would have helped to support the section of the loom being worked on between two workmate benches, or two sawhorses, as you were re-wrapping them. Then you could have unwound the tape all the way around the wires, and you would have had both hands free.

[@jl-honda8418]

Al parecer es el único cableado de todo el carro.. increíble...nice work

[@gforcekaras]

You should be sponsored by Tesa after this video!

[@RestoreIt]

I would love an endless supply of tesa tape. I'd wrap everything!

[@user-xs9vp1rv8i]

凄い忍耐力ですね。感心しました。いつも楽しみにしてます。

[@suziemack7269]

Untangling Christmas lights x100!! Awesome job

[@amanwithhiscigaretteandcof3474]

THANK YOU very much !!!!!!! Hug from Indonesia !!!