where are the critical earth points on a 350i?

[sprevett]

just a thought about my various electrical gremlins...I have already traced one fault to the earth point on the back of the engine block, but are there a few other 'major' earth points around the car that can be checked?

[Wedg1e]

Front left suspension tower has a welded stud to which all the earths from the frontal electrics return (lights, horn, fan etc.).
Rear of the lefthand cyclinder head has the earths from the fuel injection system on a V8.
As far as I can tell from my drawings, all of the earths required at the rear of the car come from the wiring loom.
Two or three earth straps under the car tie fuel tanks etc. to the chassis; more for static protection though I think. Similarly, the front lower suspension arms have earth straps tying them to the chassis. Well they should have; my car hasn't had them for the last ten years and I can't say I've noticed any issues.

[adam quantrill]

Also there's an earth strap to the bonnet latch and the release cable (yes that rusty thing) takes the earth into the cabin for the instruments, which is why the temp gauge goes up and down in time with the indicators! I put in a proper strap from the back of the engine block through a grommet on the bulkhead to where the bonnet pull is, it makes a world of difference.

[sprevett]

thanks guys - I will check them all and report back

[Poledriver]

I've sorted mine out by running some hefty earth braid (inside tubing to protect it) from various earth points around the car. I've made a good 'star-point' at the battery. This will give a good permanent earth to all gauges, lights, sensors etc.