major e36 wiring issue..need help.

[spaulding5996]

i own a 1997 e36 323i, i was driving on the highway yesterday when i smelt a faint burning smell, was unsure where it was coming from, got off the highway at which point thick white smoke was coming from drivers side footwell, pulled off the coverings to find this burnt wire, also found number 42 fuse, airbag and seat belt tentioners the plastic fuse covering had melted, it had not blown, can anyone identify where this cable goes to, or what loom it is part of, looking to order my own parts before i take it to a sparky.

[MarcoZandrini]

A burning/smoking wire indicates excessive current flow. Current flow causes heat. That cable looks like the main power cable running into the engine bay. Check that cable in the engine as its insulation may be damaged thus shorting to ground. Check the starter cable also.

[johnf]

What is the rating of the present fuse 42? It should be 7.5A. I hope it does not have a higher current fuse as that fuse has to protect some thin, 0.35 and 0.5 mm² wiring.