Positive Batery Cable-broken

papiti · 08-05-2016, 11:09 AM

So yesterday my car just wouldn't start. It was like the battery didn't have cranking power. Two things, the cars battery is 4 months old, so its new, and the starter is a month old, so its newer.

Took it to my trusted BMW shop(car has no warranty), and they discovered the positive battery cable, the one that runs from the starter to the positive connection, it was almost completely broken at the end that connects to the positive connection.

Anyone know about this issue or is this even a recall?? This is just very weird!!

Oh, and I was there with the mechanic found that cable almost broken. It was like when cables either get wet or get some acid on them, with white dust on it.

Anyone??

weehe126 · 08-05-2016, 12:39 PM

There is a recal on one of the battery cables. Not sure if it is positive or negative.

papiti · 08-05-2016, 02:18 PM

Yes, the recall is the cable that runs from the battery, which is on the back, to the engine bay. The cable I'm talking about goes from where that cable connects in the engine bay to the starter. and BTW, its an aluminum cable. Thats a first for me, aluminum for electricity in a car.....

Hacksaw · 08-05-2016, 11:33 PM

Its common in high tension and house wiring...now... so it finally made it's way to cars. It is cheaper. The down side is what we get here... failed cables. Copper is expensive.

chrisw27 · 08-06-2016, 02:31 AM

I had this same issue a couple weeks ago. First i thought starter, so go to work pulling intake manifold, dme etc off. After pulling the starter out, bench tested it and worked fine...turns out the b+ terminal cable to starter and alternator was completely eroded.

Replaced cable and no problems. Would definitely recommend checking this as a precaution. The red coating means you cant sight the actual wire stranding, but you should be able to feel any breakages or thinning between your fingers.

papiti · 08-15-2016, 08:11 AM

Yeah, I agree and will change the cable jus as a precautionary measure. I did a temporary fix until I get a new cable, which I already ordered. Thanks for the reply and picture!!

hi rpm · 11-07-2022, 10:01 PM

I'm having starting issues and inspected this cable end. I'd say 5-20% of the wires in the braid are broken. Would it be a good solution to torch and solder the s*** out of it, or should I chop it off and crimp a new connector on?

08-05-2016, 11:09 AM	#1
papiti Private First Class 17 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i Coupe M-Tech Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico iTrader: (1)	Positive Batery Cable-broken So yesterday my car just wouldn't start. It was like the battery didn't have cranking power. Two things, the cars battery is 4 months old, so its new, and the starter is a month old, so its newer. Took it to my trusted BMW shop(car has no warranty), and they discovered the positive battery cable, the one that runs from the starter to the positive connection, it was almost completely broken at the end that connects to the positive connection. Anyone know about this issue or is this even a recall?? This is just very weird!! Oh, and I was there with the mechanic found that cable almost broken. It was like when cables either get wet or get some acid on them, with white dust on it. Anyone?? __________________ Alpine White 2011 335i M-Tech Coupe, AR Downpipe, N55 JB4 Stage 2, ER Charge Pipe, BMS Intake, Front 10mm Spacers, Rear 12mm Spacers, Red Air-Scoops, Tee Mod, All Windows Tinted.
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08-05-2016, 12:39 PM	#2
weehe126 Brigadier General 1161 Rep 3,190 Posts Drives: 2017 340i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (2)	There is a recal on one of the battery cables. Not sure if it is positive or negative.
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08-05-2016, 02:18 PM	#3
papiti Private First Class 17 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i Coupe M-Tech Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico iTrader: (1)	Yes, the recall is the cable that runs from the battery, which is on the back, to the engine bay. The cable I'm talking about goes from where that cable connects in the engine bay to the starter. and BTW, its an aluminum cable. Thats a first for me, aluminum for electricity in a car..... __________________ Alpine White 2011 335i M-Tech Coupe, AR Downpipe, N55 JB4 Stage 2, ER Charge Pipe, BMS Intake, Front 10mm Spacers, Rear 12mm Spacers, Red Air-Scoops, Tee Mod, All Windows Tinted.
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08-05-2016, 11:33 PM	#4
Hacksaw Private First Class 25 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Join Date: May 2016 Location: SA TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	Its common in high tension and house wiring...now... so it finally made it's way to cars. It is cheaper. The down side is what we get here... failed cables. Copper is expensive. __________________ '11 BMW///335i Sedan Black Sapphire Metallic\|Dakota Blk Lthr\|Sport Seats\|M Sport Sus PKG\|Nav\| '02 BMW ///M3Imola Red\|Blk Cloth\|6M\|TFS CSL TUNE - MSS54HP\|CSL Rep Airbox\|Euro Headers\|StopTech ST-40 BBKs\|Kirk 4pt Bar\|CF CSL Trunk\|GC Race F/R Sways\|
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08-06-2016, 02:31 AM	#5
chrisw27 Private 7 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E82 135i N55 DCT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (1)	I had this same issue a couple weeks ago. First i thought starter, so go to work pulling intake manifold, dme etc off. After pulling the starter out, bench tested it and worked fine...turns out the b+ terminal cable to starter and alternator was completely eroded. Replaced cable and no problems. Would definitely recommend checking this as a precaution. The red coating means you cant sight the actual wire stranding, but you should be able to feel any breakages or thinning between your fingers. Attached Images
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08-15-2016, 08:11 AM	#6
papiti Private First Class 17 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335i Coupe M-Tech Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico iTrader: (1)	Yeah, I agree and will change the cable jus as a precautionary measure. I did a temporary fix until I get a new cable, which I already ordered. Thanks for the reply and picture!! __________________ Alpine White 2011 335i M-Tech Coupe, AR Downpipe, N55 JB4 Stage 2, ER Charge Pipe, BMS Intake, Front 10mm Spacers, Rear 12mm Spacers, Red Air-Scoops, Tee Mod, All Windows Tinted.
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11-07-2022, 10:01 PM	#7
hi rpm Enlisted Member 11 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Coupe Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I'm having starting issues and inspected this cable end. I'd say 5-20% of the wires in the braid are broken. Would it be a good solution to torch and solder the s*** out of it, or should I chop it off and crimp a new connector on?
	Appreciate 0 Quote