Engine Ground - 1974 530i

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rishabhb
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2020 3:01 am

Engine Ground - 1974 530i

Post by rishabhb »

My temp needle will behave like an ammeter when i have the turn signals on. It dances around and i also have alternator whine coming from the radio when on AM.

The battery is grounded above the oil filter, there's another ground from battery to hood. I cannot find the engine ground, where is that supposed to be? On my e30 i have a ground from above the oil pan to the frame.

Also, would the above issue be caused by a bad ground?
onovakind67
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Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:45 am
Location: Fairfield, CA

Re: Engine Ground - 1974 530i

Post by onovakind67 »

If your only ground to the frame/sheet metal is to the hood, that's not good. Get a ground strap and attach it between the block and the frame. Too many grounds isn't a thing.
'72 3.5L 5-spd Bavarious - E3 with E12 front struts/brakes, E28 3.25 LSD rear axle, E39 wheels, Webers, etc, etc, etc...
rishabhb
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2020 3:01 am

Re: Engine Ground - 1974 530i

Post by rishabhb »

Where on the block would you attach a ground strap on?
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528i-1981
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Location: Franklin, TN

Re: Engine Ground - 1974 530i

Post by 528i-1981 »

There are probably lots of options, but I attached mine to one of the bolts holding the bracket for the throttle bellcrank on the block . It's easy to access. The other end I connected to the wheel house bracket that holds the coolant overflow tank (and the combo relay on my 81). Check for a good ground electrically to the chassis before connecting to the block. Also, if you choose this location, be sure the ground strap doesn't get tangled into the throttle linkage.
(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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keehn
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Location: Clear Spring, MD

Re: Engine Ground - 1974 530i

Post by keehn »

On my 1976, the ground strap is right behind the alternator.

Image

It is the black cable in the middle of the photo that is disconnected from the block.

Mike
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