Cleaning electrical connections

CRn54 · 08-24-2024, 12:43 AM

I just picked up this 2007 335i with 101k miles. It has a bunch of leaks and needs a bunch of work.

I’m starting by replacing the top side gaskets and working my way down all while cleaning the engine. I was wondering what you guys would use to clean the electrical connectors.

They seem to have a bunch of oil build-up and sand and grit inside. Is there anyway to clean these? I was thinking electrical contact cleaner but I wasn’t to sure on how much I could actually get inside the connectors so I came here to see what you guys recommend. Thanks for the info

ConwayTwitty · 08-24-2024, 01:03 PM

I’ve always used electrical contact cleaner with no issues. I just make sure to let them air dry real good before I plug them back in.
Some people swear by using MAF sensor cleaner , they say it’s safer since it’s made for a sensitive component but I have used both with the same results. Plus I believe MAF sensor cleaner is alittle more expensive.

lookalikehuuh · 08-30-2024, 02:39 PM

For oily connectors I have personally found a few good sprays with brake cleaner does the job really well. I then let it dry and give it a single spray of electrical contact cleaner. Of course this is done with the car's battery unplugged, otherwise you could theoretically conduct electricity with the oil/dirt/brake clean combo.

08-24-2024, 12:43 AM	#1
CRn54 Private 4 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 08 335i Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Vegas iTrader: (0)	Engine electrical connections cleaning I just picked up this 2007 335i with 101k miles. It has a bunch of leaks and needs a bunch of work. I’m starting by replacing the top side gaskets and working my way down all while cleaning the engine. I was wondering what you guys would use to clean the electrical connectors. They seem to have a bunch of oil build-up and sand and grit inside. Is there anyway to clean these? I was thinking electrical contact cleaner but I wasn’t to sure on how much I could actually get inside the connectors so I came here to see what you guys recommend. Thanks for the info Attached Images
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08-24-2024, 01:03 PM	#2
ConwayTwitty Registered 12 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Elkhart, Indiana iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328i [0.00] 2022 Mercedes A220 [0.00]	I’ve always used electrical contact cleaner with no issues. I just make sure to let them air dry real good before I plug them back in. Some people swear by using MAF sensor cleaner , they say it’s safer since it’s made for a sensitive component but I have used both with the same results. Plus I believe MAF sensor cleaner is alittle more expensive.
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08-30-2024, 02:39 PM	#3
lookalikehuuh Lieutenant Colonel 997 Rep 1,513 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2007 335i Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	For oily connectors I have personally found a few good sprays with brake cleaner does the job really well. I then let it dry and give it a single spray of electrical contact cleaner. Of course this is done with the car's battery unplugged, otherwise you could theoretically conduct electricity with the oil/dirt/brake clean combo.
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