Engine keeps running with key off & out?

[BSloss13]

Weird issue that developed after I was changing out blown fuses on a project... I swapped a few that were blown so I'm not sure exactly which ones I changed but after I did, the car has developed a problem where the key can be out of the ignition and the car will not turn off. I have to disconnect the battery to kill ignition. Any ideas? 92 325i cab 87k miles

[Cabriolet]

send me your address. i need another car. ;)


but no. it sounds like you have a harness short. you will need to open up the inside of your fuse box and look for the ignition wire that has melted to a always hot line. it could be under the dash as well. but u need to find it asap, you could cause a fire.

[dnguyen1963]

Also, check your ignition switch for any sign of damage.

[modernist]

did you do anything to your ABS relay?

(asking because I had a similar issue after replacing mine with the wrong part)

[BSloss13]

I have not replaced any parts yet on this car, so I would not be able to tell you. Still sorting out issues. One of the fuses I replaced was the fuse for central locking system, which I believe was missing completely. I'm wondering if this was possibly intentional? I have no way of knowing, the previous owner is not mechanically inclined at all so who ever had done previous work may have done this. Also there's this weird wire and extra fuse just kinda hanging out from the box? And a terminal that looks like a relay or fuse should be there but is not. Is this normal of late model e30 verts?

[BSloss13]

Also sometimes can hear a relay buzzing, not sure which one but I know the wiper relay is bad.

[b*saint]

I would first diagnose the ignition switch and move from there. Do you have a wire print for the car?

[BSloss13]

I don't but I'm sure I can find a Bentley online

[b*saint]

Yea I would definitely grab that and a meter and start probing around. Especially if your car already has a lot of whacky stuff in it, that will be your bible until its sorted. If you want a hand, I dont know how close you are to the airport.

[modernist]

Electrical troubleshooting manuals

[BSloss13]

amazing ^^ thanks