BMW E36 Forum

99 323is with M52 motor

Electrical system begins shutting down after operating for relatively short period of time while driving. Has but isnt currently occurring while idling in driveway.

First to turn off is stereo amp then dash cluster then turn signals & lights. Finally car goes into 'limp mode'. If I park and turn off it, starter solenoid will 'click' but not turn over. If I leave it and come back 30 min later, it fires up like no problem.

Alternator is good, battery is good. Assuming is bad ground somewhere right now but maybe someone has more insight.

I've pulled codes and faults are centered around air system and EVAP but also says VANOS is bad (that's another topic).

Any help is appreciated.

S2

Definitely sounds like something that breaks down when it gets hop..a sensor of some sort...my first guess would be CPS. That would stop signaling it is time to fire, but makes no sense on the stereo or instrument cluster. I am sure the staged shut down indicated something common to the whole elctriical system. In the old days I would say fusible link is breaking down, but don't know what would be in common. I would start trying to isolate it by first discionnecting the stereo. Hopefully someone more familiar will chime in.