<e30> Urgent: Need Quick Diagnosis [Alternator, I think]

[dgellman@xxxxxxx]

My car shut down last night, and I got towed to a local shop about 15 miles
away.  He sounds like a straight-shooter, and is going to close around lunch
today for Xmas weekend.  I need to get back to him ASAP (or I have no wheels
until Monday PM).  I would appreciate it if the learned of the list would tell
me if what he told me makes sense to you, too.  A direct response to my eMail
(dgellman@domain.elided) would expedite things for me.  TIA.

Background: e30 '93 325ic (cabrio); 47,xxx miles; weekend car (not much use)

Symptoms: Two weeks ago, after sitting for a week, I needed a jump to start the
car.  Did some errands, and it was OK.  Drove some last weekend.  Last night,
started fine, but it's still idling high (replaced the idle control valve about
a month ago).  Started driving, after about 20 minutes, "anti-lock brake"
warning light comes one;  dash starts to dim (but headlights are bright); radio
shuts down; "Check Engine" warning light comes on, but NO roughness in engine.
Five minutes later, dash dims alot, and I pulled off of parkway, and into
parking lot - great timing, because the engine shut itself off when I got into
the lot!   Called for the tow, and 30 minutes later while waiting for the truck,
I tried to start the car, and it started right up.  But within a minute,
anti-lock and Check Engine lights come on, so I turned it off.  Then the tow
truck came.

Local shop's diagnosis:  Alternator is dead.  He called local BMW dealer who
said he wasn't sure whether it is an 80 amp or 90 amp or 140 amp alternator.
Local shop says that it would be $295 for an 80 amp, and $380 for a 140 amp
(installed), rebuilt; new would be $1000.  He took it off, says it's "rusty,"
and can only see "a14..." on the alternator.


Bottom line question: Does it sound like the alternator (it does to me - but I'm
not very technical)?  Does an e30 325ic use an 80/90/140 amp alternator?  Does
$300-400 sound "reasonable" (in New York) for replacement?  Will I need a new
battery?  Which battery should I get, if I need one?  Should I wait until next
week to get towed to my regular BMW (non-dealer) mechanic?

Thanks for your help.  I hope that your holidays go better than mine has
started!!



Regards,

David:.............................................______
 '93 325ic <E30>.................................o/__ ___\o
5-speed;LSD;JimC................................ (oo=00=oo)
BMW CCA #138963..................................[]=----=[]
Spuyten Duyvil, New York

------------------------------