Intermittent Stuttering & Dash Lights – Possible Ground Strap Issue?

jasecasecarr

jasecasecarr

Member
 Gloucester
I’ve got a 2004 BMW Z4 3.0L (E85) and I’m dealing with some intermittent electrical issues:

Symptoms:
  • Dash lights flicker randomly, but when they come on, the Engine, ABS, tyre pressure, and handbrake (amber) lights stay on
  • EML and battery lights flash intermittently when it acts up
  • Car sometimes runs okay for a bit, then flickers or stutters, and I’ve even had it cut out at low revs
What I’ve done so far:
  • Replaced the alternator about a month ago, seemed fine initially
  • Battery is fairly new
Observations:

Issue happens randomly, not necessarily worse when warm

Questions:
  • Is the logical next step to check/replace the earth strap grounds?
  • Do I just need to change one ground, or all three?
  • I’m guessing you have to get under the car or use a ramp.
  • I can’t really find links for the ground straps, any suggestions on where to source them?
Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. It just a it stressful as is… 😬

Cheers Jason
 
Are you sure the battery terminals are on tightly?
Is the alternator charging properly. Check at the battery for around 14.2v when running.
Have you put a code reader on it?
 
Pretty sure battery connected tightly, when first attached battery was checked and output was fine… the ironic thing is I have found a C310+ code reader was going to collect today but didn’t want to make journey.. but know having the codes will help thx
 
jasecasecarr said:
Pretty sure battery connected tightly, when first attached battery was checked and output was fine… the ironic thing is I have found a C310+ code reader was going to collect today but didn’t want to make journey.. but know having the codes will help thx
Click to expand...
Codes may well help
 
As others say- get your codes or you get lots of pointers that will be expensive but may not solve your issue

Here’s one for you- I had the same symptoms when I had a failing DME

So deffo use the 310 to get codes
 
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