Positive cable and junction block

[E30Nova]

I took this off my 88 325is to use on another car (non-E30) so I could put the battery in the trunk, but I didn't think to look at the wiring before removing it.

There's a small wire connected to the battery terminal with some kind of built in fuse, but then it's lose at the end that goes under the hood. I forgot where that end connected.

I'm also curious if the big positive cable is hot at all times or if it is somehow only on during cranking.

Does anyone have any pictures of how the rest of the electrical system connects to the junction block? Maybe even some wiring diagrams?

I'm doing some research and people are telling me not to use the cable if it's going to be hot at all times due to risk of a fire, but I figure if BMW did it from the factory and I route it the exact same way, it should be fine......right?

[StereoInstaller1]

Whatever people are telling you to not use that cable are flat fucking retarded. Absolutely stupid, and give them my fucking phone number if they wanna hear it straight from me, the angry old motherfucker that has been working as a professional installer for 30 years.

MILLIONS and MILLIONS of cars on the road use a rear mount battery, ALL of them are "hot at all times". See why I say they are retarded? Just do it, you will be fine.

That second little wire and its fusable link are what run basically everything else in the car EXCEPT for the starter. I replace that link with an 80A AGU style fuse, generally.

[E30Nova]

lmfao, I was hoping you of all people would respond, Luke. ;)

Unfortunately, the cable is literally like one goddamn foot too short, so it looks like I'll have to scrap the cable and buy a new one.

Still, it's good to know I don't need to overcomplicate this with remote start solenoids and other bs.