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I'm currently neck deep in an eletrical shortage issue with my BMW 316i. I found the wires that are blowing my fuses, it's bad. Like at least 5ft of 8 or more wires fused together behind my dashboard bad. I'm NOT looking forward to replacing said wires. I'm concerned that after I do replace said wires that whatever caused them to fuse together in the first place will just repeat its evil, satan inspired process again. What could cause such a calamity?

I very, very ignorant of engine \ electrical systems and how they work, so please word your answers accordingly. Assume I'm retarded, because compared to someone who knows what their doing, I am.

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Sounds like quite the short circuit. Did a bunch of fuses blow at once, or did one blow and then more follow later? – Parker Jun 24 '12 at 18:27
@Parker When I received the vehicle the electrical problem was already present. 2 of my fuses blow instantly whenever they are inserted into the box, and one blows whenever I press the brake (it powers my brake lights). – Ender Jun 24 '12 at 20:13

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If you are not familiar with the electrical system I would get a referal to a good shop familiar with BMW's. They may have seen it before or at least recognize what caused it. This a case where it must be determined if your melted wires were the cause or the result of another problem. Just installing another harness may result in the same melted wires. The wires melted due to excessive current draw. Normally this should not happen because the fuse should open to protect the wires. It is possible that the wrong size fuse was installed allowing the wires to overheat.

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when I received the vehicle the wrongs fuses WERE installed! I think you just saved me! – Ender Jun 25 '12 at 6:02
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Check to see how the wires are routed behind the dashboard. It's possible one (or more) rubs against something or goes through an ungrommetted hole. Eventually the rubbing wears through the insulation and the wire grounds out. And if you've got several fused together, you could have several spots where bare wire is exposed.

Good luck -- I hate having to work behind the dash!

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