E30 Zone

I've noticed that the brown wire which runs from the bottom of the passenger side of the engine and attaches to the passenger side of the engine bay has lost it's sheath and the wire is exposed.

What effects can this have on the car? Could it possible have an effect on idle?

Should not matter that the insulating sheath is tattered as it is a ground wire only.

The main thing is to check that both end lugs are crimped tightly and the contact surfaces are clean and the bolts are tight.

+1. As long as it's firmly attached and in reasonable condition, it will earth the engine just fine.

Billwill wrote:
The main thing is to check that both end lugs are crimped tightly and the contact surfaces are clean and the bolts are tight.

VERY important on a six pot, with an oil level warning LED. If the earth strap connection is bad, the starter motor current will follow an alternative path through the brown/orange wire that connects to the oil level sensor, which will become red hot and destroy the engine wiring loom.

I can 100% confirm this, nearly happened to me once.

Thanks guys.

What is the part number for this wire? Can't seem to find it on RealOEM

Go to your local auto electrcian and ask them to make up an earth lead 12'' long.

Full info on all ground cables is on " rtsauto.com" ( scroll down to Dec 2010)

As long as it's not frayed, you can make your existing one look like new by sliding a length of heat shrink sleeving over it and heating it.