Has my alternator failed ?

["Nick Pashley" <NickPashley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a 94 E36 325i and I think I have an alternator failure, but wanted to
run it past those who may have had the same problem.

I first noticed something strange when a squealing sound started to eminate
from the alternator /  water pump drive belt at engine speeds above 1500
rpm.  I put this down to cold weather and the sound seemed to disappear when
the engine was warm.  As time went on, the screaching sound didnt go away,
unless I was on a long journey.  I put this down to a stretched belt and
bought a replacement, although I havent fitted it yet.  I guessed that the
grip had gone on the belt, because it was still tight.

Today, I travelled 200 miles on the motorway / freeway / expressway, the
first 100 miles with my lights on.  The screaching stayed with me for about
30 miles, then after about 70 miles my radio failed and my ABS light
illuminated on the dash.  The wipers became very slow, as did the windows.
After about 140 miles, the engine started to misfire if I used my turn
signal.  I drove slowly for a bit, around 1500 rpm, and the ABS light went
off, the radio worked fine, the wipers went back to their original speed,
the windows operated flawlessly, I guess the battery was able to charge at
this engine speed.

So my question is, does this appear to be an alternator problem ?  Has
anybody else encountered this problem ?  Oh yes, my battery is less than 10
months old.

Thanks

Nick Pashley

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