I have a 1999 523 which, until recently, has been trouble free. Lately it has suffered intermittent electrical problems, which started with the radio ceasing to work reliably. It now only works intermittently, and with no apparent logic as to when it switches on and off.   Once or twice going round a corner turns it on.  Next the horn stopped working, also intermittently.  Then the clock went although it comes on from time to time and will work even when the radio does not.  Just recently, on a few occasions, the warning lights for the rear lights have come on (both lights at once), but they then will go off again if the engine is restarted.  Today the wipers would not operate once, although re-starting the engine seemed to re-set them and they worked OK for the rest of the day even if the radio did not.    

 

I am in the process of buying a new car (a 320i) and really do not want to spend any serious money fixing these problems, as the value of the car does not seem to justify it.  I am not at all handy, so doubt this is something I can fix myself unless it is a loose connection somewhere which is accessible without tools etc.  

 

Is this something I stand any chance of fixing myself, or is it something my local repair man can fix without going off to buy expensive parts. ??

 

Thanks for any advice.