OK, SO HERE IT GOES. i have the 2000 bmw x5 4.4 liter with 211K miles. All of a sudden recently, this is what is happening electrically to my car:

1. at radom times, not all the time not everyday, but here and there with no specific routine the controls on the steering wheel, the radio/cd player, the heated seats, brake lights and horn all stop working.
2. When one does not work, none of the above work.
3. then, one day i start the car up and they all work fine. as if there has never been an issue.

4. i realize it sounds like a short. but if i have checked the fuses and they are ok, then hunting down the actual short location is going to be hard, yes? also, is there a direct correlation between the things not working as in they are all linked somehow.
5. i pulled the wiring diagram and its too complicated for me to find what i am looking for secondary to the many sheets and looking at it online.

does anyone have anything that can help me get resolution to this matter quick and cheaply? please. thank you.