[LuA]

Hi, my 2016 Mini Clubman Cooper S, started having some headlight system glitches a few weeks ago.
It has since been diagnosed with a damaged/"swollen" section of the main Body Wiring Loom (by a BMW specialist garage, who still have the car now).
Their solution is to replace the whole wiring loom, which will be a big, expensive job, (£2k labour + parts) ..but ok with us if it gets the car back in good working order.

BUT.. they are having trouble sourcing a replacement loom...so far leaving us hanging for almost 2 weeks with no car.

As it's only a section of the loom that's damaged, I asked if it could be repaired instead. The chap was fairly dismissive of the idea and said there are "hundreds of wires" going through it and it would be a very tricky job to repair properly without causing more faults to appear.
So, it seems it's not something they would undertake, hence them wanting to fully replace the loom, which is all well and good..if they can get one!


But if they can't... does anyone know if it is actually something that can be repaired by a capable auto-electrician?


The car is well cared for and in otherwise good condition for its age, so it'd be a real shame if we can't keep it roadworthy just because a section of wiring loom is damaged.


Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

LuA
Oxfordshire

[Santa]

They may be correct, although "hundreds" might be an exaggeration.

Those wires carry very small currents, and changing the resistance can have unwanted effects. At least the new look will come with a warranty - won't it?

[NMNeil]

Yes they can be repaired, and I've done it many times.
Even if there are hundreds of wires, which is doubtful, they are all colour coded.
To help you if you decide to do it open the pdf file from this page to see what I mean.
https://www.minitorque.com/threads/wiring-diagrams-2006-mini.34321/
But do it properly, no crimped splices but learn how to solder wires together and use shrink wrap tubing.
Go to minute 4:43, but after twisting the wires together, solder them, not just rely on the shrink tubing and use a heat gun to shrink the tubing, not a match or lighter.

[LuA]

@NMNeil that's really encouraging thanks!
Other than wiring the power out to my shed, my electrical experience is limited.
Was there a video link you meant to add.. you said go to minute 4:43?

[olduser]

These people will make a new loom for you;

https://thewiringharnesscompany.co.uk/

There are others just Google.

"Does anyone know if it is actually something that can be repaired by a capable auto-electrician?"
Answer Yes they can.

The garage you are using are messing you around, move the car to an auto electrician, or find one who will go to the car.

[NMNeil]

Originally Posted by LuA

@NMNeil that's really encouraging thanks!
Other than wiring the power out to my shed, my electrical experience is limited.
Was there a video link you meant to add.. you said go to minute 4:43?

I added it so I'm not sure why you can't view it.
Anyway just do a search on YouTube for splicing wires.