Re: WTB alternator for 85 325e

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rob,

I had a similar symptoms on my 85 318i.  The problem turned out to be 
bad wires!  The ground wire from the alternator to the block (about 2-3" 
long) had a voltage drop of over 0.5 volts.  The output wire from the 
alternator to the battery had a voltage drop of ~1.2 volts.  As a 
result, the alternator was not fully charging the battery.  Replacing 
the wires (actually, I left the old wires in place and installed new 
wires in parallel) cured the problem.

Cheap fix.  MUCH cheaper than an alternator.  Just to be safe, I removed 
the alternator and brought it to an alternator shop.  They tested it and 
verified that it was okay.

Good luck
- -rb

>------------------------------
>
>Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 13:22:35 -0600
>From: rob_alarcon@domain.elided
>Subject: WTB alternator for 85 325e
>
>My battery light is a flickering, and I've got a sneaking suspicion 
that I'll be
>needing a new alternator real soon.  Anyone got a good line on 
inexpensive
>alternators ?  I know BMW rebuilds these things, but does/can anyone 
else ?
>
>Robb Alarcon
>BMW CCA 124504
>
>------------------------------


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