About Josh Fields Expertise I can answer questions related to the BMW e30. These are the cars produced from 1984-1991 (1992 for convertable) in the United states. I am more fluent with the six cylinder models, although few things changed for the 4 cylinder cars. I know most of the problematic areas of these cars, and have found ways to fix them.
Experience I have owned six different E30's over the last 10 years. I do all my own work, and know about ever nut and bolt on these cars.
Question HI,WHEN TRYING TO START MY E30 YESTERDAY THERE WAS NO IGNITION LIGHTS ON THE DASH AT ALL SO I CHARGED THE BATTERY. WHEN I PUT IR BACK ON THERE WAS SPARKS AT THE TERMINALS AND STILL NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH,ENGINE WOULDNT TURN AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM ALTERNATOR.ANY IDEAS?? CHEERS,
DONALD MARTIN
Answer Donald,
Something is shorting out. If your alternator is smoking that's a bad sign. I've only seen that happen when someone hooks the battery up wrong. Recheck the battery to see that it's hooked up correctly.
When you look at the battery the red wire should go to the "+" terminal, and black should go to the "-" terminal. Double check the wires as well. Follow the black wire, and make sure it connects to the body of the vehicle (its a ground wire). The red cable should run uninterupted to the starter and other electronics.
