[kern417]

I have an N52 E70 X5 but posting here since it gets more traffic.

I have had an issue for a while now, where the voltage drops significantly when I start the car. Based on the readout on my radar detector, sometimes it gets down to <11.2V. It seems to be worse if I turn on the accessories 1st, then actually start the engine. I can't say that it's gotten worse with the cold weather, but I'd like to get it fixed before it messes something up and I end up stranded somewhere. I've changed the battery in the last year, and I don't think it's the alternator since the voltage ramps up to >13.5V after a few moments of initial stumbling. It also doesn't seem to happen after the engine is already warm.

Any ideas? Am I overthinking it?