1986 535i Problem

[Narbeh07]

I got my car from my uncle recently as a gift and the first two days was working fine and then the 3rd day it wont start and nothing else works... a mechanic said ur battery died so i got a new one.. tried it worked good.. 3 days later again i go to turn it on and everything is dead again..? Then the mechanic said something is either draining it , or u have a shortage or its not charging.. what do i do? where do i start? This is pretty long but would appreciate it if got some help

[bimmer dot info]

Get yourself a multimeter that can read amperage. Connect it inline with the battery while the car is off. I think 300ma or less should be about right for your car while it is off. If it is higher start pulling fuses and or relays out till you see a large drop in the draw. This will narrow down where you need to look. A Bentley or similar manual will make your life easier if you are a DIYer.

[Narbeh07]

thanks alot. is their a easier way or where do i get the multimeter.. also another problem i have is that when i am driving.. either accelerating or coming to a stop on the street , the rpm guage goes up and and back down low and then turns off.. doesint happen at every stop or acceleration but happens very often... thanks for all your help.. also i want to change my front headlights and rear taillights and make it look smting new and stronger..
any suggestions? also rims?

[bimmer dot info]

Not sure but your car might have a similar problem to this :
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/electrical/capacitors.htm
It could also be a bad sensor or wiring.

Dont go too big with the rims. They just look strange on your car.

[Narbeh07]

yea.. how bout any front or rear lights for my car.. i am going to check everything u listed this weekend and see whatsup.. thank you..

[Narbeh07]

front and rear lights?

[jimoreno]

I think you might be suffering from bad ECU solder joints. Use this trouble shooting first:

http://www.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=160912&ck=

and then if the ECU sloder joints is your problem go here to fix them:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2432914

Good Luck!