728i running terribly after being electrocuted by the ignition coil cable.

[Pinkenstal]

Hi all,
I've almost sold my 728i so I can focus on my bmw 2002 project. Unfortunately, a couple days before the sale I was working on the hood cylinders while the car was idling (might be stupid). Then my hand accidentally touched the ignition coil cable, I must say, that hella (no pun intended) hurts. From that exact moment, the car started running terribly: wouldn't idle properly, loads of smoke, revs don't go past 2000-3000rpm, misfiring, stuttering. You name it. It's undriveable as the engine cuts off every 20 seconds.

Obviously I immediately ordered a new spark plug cable set, as those cables clearly lacked electrical insulation :')

Unfortunately, the new cables didn't fix the issue, if anything they made it worse.

I've now also cleaned the spark plugs and swapped the ignition coil out (for a second hand one, not sure if it's good.

Would you guys/gals know where to look next?

Ps: it's a '83 model with an old style rotating ignition distributor.

Thanks a lot in advance!

[CPHES]

That does hurt ( I’ve done it too ). Did you check the resistance in the wires, and the coil too.

[Pinkenstal]

That does hurt ( I’ve done it too ). Did you check the resistance in the wires, and the coil too.

I replaced all the wires, but I'll check the coil resistance this afternoon, thanks!

[Elka]

My buddies 87 535is was acting the same way. He checked rotor and cap and it looked fine. But when he replaced it, all hesitation and dying subsided. Cap and/or rotor doesn't seem like it would result from you being the ground, but it might be worth checking.