Mysterious electrical problems!
 

So the other day I went to turn on my X5 and noticed that it started but it was a weak start as well as rumbling of the engine. I turned it off and tried to start again and no luck. Tried to jump and no go. Checked all the fuses and nothing.

I was going to jump it again when I noticed that the rubber/plastic surround on the positive terminal in the engine compartment was melting from so much heat. I moved it around a little bit and then started my car and it fired right up.

It is still doing the same thing and I am really concerned that there may be a short somewhere. Any ideas? also once in a while my audio cuts out on my right side. (dont know if that is related).

How much does it normally cost to diagnose electrical issues like the one I have? Has anyone experienced a similar problem? :dunno:

I have a 2002 X5 3.0 (e53) with 228,000 miles

If the positive terminal was loose or dirty, it would have a high resistance, which creates heat. That could be your problem. Oh that all X5 issues were things like that.

Clean it, tighten it, and see if that helps.

Hmm i have never cleaned it before, what is the best way you would recommend to clean it?

Loosen and remove it. Use either a contact cleaner, or emery cloth. Reinstall.

It it is getting hot, it has high resistance (a bad connection). Simple fix.

sounds great I will give that a try tomorrow. Should I disconnect the battery in the trunk area first or is it ok to just disconnect the positive terminal and work on it?

Could be alternator, Check how much voltage youre running through your dash obc while this ids all happening..