What's this plug/wires?

[entrepreneuR]

I have a 87 325e 5spd that's pretty much stock. Last night, I was attempting to parallel park and while I was turning the steering wheel to the left it felt like it snagged onto something. I had no idea what it was...and jerk't it a little harder and whatever it was snapped(also, it made the car shut off). I took a look at it this morning and this is what I found underneath the car near the Ujoint that attach to the steering rack. What is this and where does it go? Thanks for any responses!

Ps. Engine turns but it wont start.

[101]

It appears to be the wiring harness for one of the crank position sensors.

I'm guessing the connector fell out of its retainer bracket, snagged the steering linkage and what you found under the car was the result. And this is absolutely consistent with the car turning over but not starting now.

[entrepreneuR]

Can i just simply replace it with a new one or did it mess up my timing or etc?

[FLG]

Going to have to replace it, and also replace/repair the connector on the engine harness side.

Just go with OEM stuff, ive had issues with aftermarket sensors in the past being bad right out of the box.

[NeoMishMoo]

This is completely unrelated but did you get that intake boot from bavauto? I had a SAMEER boot once and it dried out and cracked within 6 months. Its either new or you have better luck than me.

[Mr. Burns]

It appears to be the wiring harness for one of the crank position sensors.

I'm guessing the connector fell out of its retainer bracket, snagged the steering linkage and what you found under the car was the result. And this is absolutely consistent with the car turning over but not starting now.

^^^ this.

[entrepreneuR]

This is completely unrelated but did you get that intake boot from bavauto? I had a SAMEER boot once and it dried out and cracked within 6 months. Its either new or you have better luck than me.

Yup I got it from there too...and i just checked(found a 1 inch crack on the bottom) =/

Going to have to replace it, and also replace/repair the connector on the engine harness side.

Just go with OEM stuff, ive had issues with aftermarket sensors in the past being bad right out of the box.

Thanks! My baby is running again!

It appears to be the wiring harness for one of the crank position sensors.

I'm guessing the connector fell out of its retainer bracket, snagged the steering linkage and what you found under the car was the result. And this is absolutely consistent with the car turning over but not starting now.

Thanks for your help! You're right...and problem solved!

^^^ this.

Yup! Thanks!