after the car running great for a whopping 36 hours i encountered another problem. i was leaving a resteraunt this morning and all the sudden the car shut off. i tried to start it and it wouldnt start. i got out and opened the hood and the fuse panel was smoking. i tried to pull the cable off the battery but it was too tight. i began pulling all the fuses and relays out (which were promptly run over by a passing truck) but it didnt stop the smoke. i ran and got a screwdriver and popped the connections on the battery off.

the wire that caused it is the one that goes from the fuse box to the coil. it is being towed to my friends shop and he is going to look at it and tell me what i need. if it is too expensive i may part it and try to get ahold of a bug or something a little bit cheaper to get parts for that is a bit more simple. i hope it doesnt come to that, but i cant keep throwing money at a dying car.

after the car running great for a whopping 36 hours i encountered another problem. i was leaving a resteraunt this morning and all the sudden the car shut off. i tried to start it and it wouldnt start. i got out and opened the hood and the fuse panel was smoking. i tried to pull the cable off the battery but it was too tight. i began pulling all the fuses and relays out (which were promptly run over by a passing truck) but it didnt stop the smoke. i ran and got a screwdriver and popped the connections on the battery off.

the wire that caused it is the one that goes from the fuse box to the coil. it is being towed to my friends shop and he is going to look at it and tell me what i need. if it is too expensive i may part it and try to get ahold of a bug or something a little bit cheaper to get parts for that is a bit more simple. i hope it doesnt come to that, but i cant keep throwing money at a dying car.

Take it from me. I grew up in a VW family, my grandparents have owned around 15 VW bugs including a 2 new ones (at the time). If you think your E21 needs maintenance you have never owned an air cooled engine.

Dont be so pessimistic about your car, mine shorted out when I bought it. These things happen with 25 year old cars.

Cooincidence that your member name is 320ipyro??? Ha.

Keep your spirits up. It can get fixed.

Bugs are awesome. I grew up with friends who had bugs. We could drop and replace an engine in just about an hour. Ive tore down a few with them, and honestly they are way easier to work on then the E21. Diagnosing a problem is easy too.

The thing is, having a Bug for a DD is probably one of the worst candidates. No power, uncomfortable, no AC, no Power anything, and loud.

I want to get one one day to just have a little fun with. Currently my buddy is building a Dune Beetle using a 1600cc duel port bored to 2.2L and turbo'd, should make for an interesting little creature.

im not being pessimistic. i have had my lisence 3 days and every day since i have gotton my lisence i have had something go wrong. first the fitting on the fuel pump, than the connectors for my battery came loose while i was driving(quickly fixed that one) and now this. i kicked mycar and put a big dent in the door. now im kickin myself.

You kicked your car? No wonder its trying to murder you. Better where your seatbelt.

i kicked it after i got the battery unhooked... first and last time i will though.

i might have a fuse box laying around if you need one

northeast we have a tornado watch lol let it rain

it got the wiring too... a guy i know may have a spare harness and fuse box, so he is going to be looking at it for me.

northeast we have a tornado watch lol let it rain

Yeah, and take a guess who just discovered their sunroof leaks. grumble... grumble..

keep your spirit ups man, I sometimes feel the same way about my car. I was doing some suspension work on the rear and when I tried to remove the bolts for the subframe mount a chunk of quarter panel and the inner fender tore off due to rust.
I don't know if I can fix it or just look for another shell in good condition and put my motor in. But when I start the car and drive around I want to keep him forever, it is such a joy.

OT: VTGTI, any info how to change the sunroof? Mine leaks because the car got broken in thru the sunroof. I bought a complete sunroof assembly with cables and liner, but don't know how it comes out or goes in. Manual is not very helpfull.

i totally know how to change the sunroof... pm me


i just got back from my mmechanics and i found out that it was not as damaging as i thought and that it wont cost nearly as much.... yay for better luck...lol

sucks about the fire, dont give up tho.

yonkers, YGPM

luckily i will be able to repair it.

i am parting out one of my e21s. if you want the car wirirng harness, of fuse box, or just the engine bay wiring harness let me know. might beable to work something out.

i wont need it after all. only on on thing was damaged

The best advice I can give you, CJ gave me a while back...

"If you have a lot of problems with your car, push it off a cliff.... with you in it"

CJ scarred me for life.

keep your spirit ups man, I sometimes feel the same way about my car. I was doing some suspension work on the rear and when I tried to remove the bolts for the subframe mount a chunk of quarter panel and the inner fender tore off due to rust.
I don't know if I can fix it or just look for another shell in good condition and put my motor in. But when I start the car and drive around I want to keep him forever, it is such a joy.

OT: VTGTI, any info how to change the sunroof? Mine leaks because the car got broken in thru the sunroof. I bought a complete sunroof assembly with cables and liner, but don't know how it comes out or goes in. Manual is not very helpfull.
I HAVE AN 81 IS F/S GOOD BODY AND IM IN CONNECTICUT

i have looked at the car and i will be able to repair it for the cost of wire and fuses. the relays are fine. i will update asap

good to hear

The best advice I can give you, CJ gave me a while back...

"If you have a lot of problems with your car, push it off a cliff.... with you in it"

CJ scarred me for life.
I heard similar advice from Matt (Cerpin Taxt) when I wanted to get rid of my e21...
"If you don't get one later on, I'm going to fly out to FL to kick your ass"
e21ers are hardcore.
Jake

i recieved the same advice from my buddy at the shop its at right now today

went and cut the sheathing off of the wiring harness today to see the extent of the damage. it really isn't all that bad. there is 1 wire that is burned from the fuse panel to the coil, and a few that have scorch marks on them. other than that i am all good. heres the plan

splice in a new wire to replace the burned up wire
tape over any and all scorch and burn marks
cover the whole thing in flex tubing
get all new fuses

should be pretty simple. i will update with pics very soon