Foreign object in engine bay?

[DubSport]

I picked up an E31 recently and noticed it's engine bay has something 'different' compared to most engine bay shots that I've seen...
Pic below - What is this for?
It looks like a very large capacitor to me, no markings on it though. Only two wires going to it, one red wire to positive terminal, and one brown to chassis ground.


The only thing I can think of is that it is some way to clean up power fluctuations, perhaps to protect engine electronics? I have never seen this in other E31's (or any other BMW's for that matter).

Any clues much appreciated!

[Timm]

No idea what the plan was here - but this is the second one that has been reported on this site this year! My guess is the same as yours - a big capacitor....

[DubSport]

Oh I didnt know someone else found this too - my searches only pulled up capacitor issues on the circuit board of the general module...
PS I just saw your My E31 Repair and Information Website - AWESOME. I'll be studying this content as I'm new to E31's - THANKS!.

[buildit]

Really strange. Let us know what you find.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[Pneill316]

Does/did your car have an aftermarket audio system? That looks like something someone would install for a harder hitting subwoofer.

[DANSAR]

My 850(1991) has one as well. Im in the middle of a rebuild so haven't put it back yet. I thought this subject came up a couple of years ago and the answer was to do with the radio????

[DANSAR]

IMG_20191023_192238.jpgP/No on rubber cover is 1273299

[rjjablo]

I found the remains of an Acorn in the valley of my V12 and a lot of change under the drivers seat. Still looking for the K of Colombian Bam Bam

[TxGR8White]

These are noise suppressors and they are on the really early cars. Have seen a few myself, not sure if it was an “option” that could have been ordered or not.

[Pneill316]

I found the remains of an Acorn in the valley of my V12 and a lot of change under the drivers seat. Still looking for the K of Colombian Bam Bam

I found a few drug bags under my seat.... unfortunately empty.

[DubSport]

These are noise suppressors and they are on the really early cars. Have seen a few myself, not sure if it was an “option” that could have been ordered or not.

Electrical noise?
My 850i production date is: 1990-11-28

- - - Updated - - -

Does/did your car have an aftermarket audio system?

Nope all stock. Plus the wires going frrom battery positive to this cap then to ground.

[Mark out West]

Capacitor added to filter a harmonic generated by the alternator heard in the stereo. Gone by MY 1992.

[JDP530]

I asked about the same thing two years ago that is on my '91 model. Must be a noise suppressor.

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