:iagree:

An electrical joint like this should have near-zero resistance and therefore near-zero power dissipation, even carrying a heavy current.

A soon at the joint goes bad (loose nut, corrosion, etc.) then resistance climbs and so does the power dissipation. It will get hot, just as a result of normal current flow via the joint. And with the high currents this joint normally carries, it will get VERY hot.

Then the smoke gets out and electrics never work well when they get low on smoke.... ;)

^That's right... you never want to let the genie out of the bottle with electronics. Never ends well.

FIXED!!!! Installed the new cable and box today! Time to get back to enjoying this car!

Thanks for all the help!

Good to hear. Nice it was something simple.

As an aside, I see you have a 91 318is... Have any pictures of it? I just sold my turbo e30 318is after 9 years of ownership. Just couldn't justify holding on to it with a second child due in a month and only putting 300 miles on the 318is in the last 18 months. Just no time for the toys anymore. I'll miss her though.

I just sold mine too! It was all stock and original. Bought from the ordinal owner, an old lady. It was supposed to be a project car for my son and I but he lost interest. Oh well... I really enjoy those cars.