battery/alternator problem...?

e36Adz

e36Adz

e36Adz

Soldato
Joined
28 Nov 2003
Posts
11,713
Location
Manchester, UK
hi guys, have abit of a problem and thought I would ask here just incase! I've got an 1991 e36 320i.

The car has served me well for over 3 years now, probably closer to 4 years but recently I've been having abit of a problem. The battery has been very weak and the recent cold weather has just made it worse. Last week it wouldn't start so needed a jump start, and it also cut out on me while I was driving :/ needed a jump start then too. Was fine for afew days but yesterday wouldn't start and today whilst driving the battery light was continously flickering, the cd player was going on and off, the car cut out on me again and needed a jump start. Anyway I got a new battery fitted today, now the car starts up first time without a problem but when I am driving the battery light is still flickering sometimes, especially when I am in neutral or when the car is stationary.

Is this likely to be the alternator?
How much roughly would it cost to sort out?
If its not the alternator what else could it be?

Also, how long should a battery last on average?

Thanks in advance. Really don't want to spend money only to find out the problem is still occurring! :)
 
Batteries dieing within 3 to 4 years isn't unheard of, especialy if you tend to do a lot of short trips.

However, it certainly sounds like there is a problem with your alternator. Firstly have you checked the drive belt tension? If belt tension is ok then check the state of the alternator connections, particularly the thick wire that will most likely connect back to the starter motor solenoid. If everything is ok here than chances are the alternator is poorly. It might just be new brushes required which is fairly easy to do, but if it's anything more serious a reconditioned alternator would be the best bet.
 
you should be able to get a free alternator check at most places but i would check the drive belt tension and the earth lead maybe?
my batterys on its way out now but its the original on an 02 plate
 
Nope haven't checked the drive belt tension, mainly because I haven't got a clue what I would be doing :o But I will definately have that looked at, and try get the alternator checked, hopefully tomorrow morning before work.

I basically just want to get a rough idea of things it could be, and appox cost to fix, because there are a lot of cowboy garages around here.
 
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