[e92Rithy]

Hello, I have an e92 335i and I keep getting the charging malfunction notification on my iDrive. I checked the battery before starting (it’s brand new) and it was reading around 12.3v. Started the car and the battery was reading at 12v and then got a charging malfunction. I changed the IBS sensor and the voltage regulator this weekend and it’s still saying the malfunction. I even registered the battery. The alternator is also not even 2 years old. Anyone have any clue what it could be?

Thanks 🙏🏽

[charlie_m]

Bad alternator probably. Age doesn't matter, but build quality and component quality does. Most big box auto parts stores can test alternators.

Recent alternator thread here:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1873505

[e91Owner]

Originally Posted by e92Rithy

Hello, I have an e92 335i and I keep getting the charging malfunction notification on my iDrive. I checked the battery before starting (it's brand new) and it was reading around 12.3v. Started the car and the battery was reading at 12v and then got a charging malfunction. I changed the IBS sensor and the voltage regulator this weekend and it's still saying the malfunction. I even registered the battery. The alternator is also not even 2 years old. Anyone have any clue what it could be?

Thanks 🙏🏽

If you're only getting 12V with the car running, it's the alternator or the wiring from it. That could mean the pulley, rectifier or any number of components of the alternator.

First things first, though, is I would examine the belt/pulley to make sure it's not going to come off on you and shell out your engine. Then, of course scan the car for codes to see if that sheds any more light on the problem, although the running voltage is pretty telling.

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by charlie_m

Bad alternator probably. Age doesn't matter, but build quality and component quality does. Most big box auto parts stores can test alternators.

Recent alternator thread here:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1873505

Thanks so much! Got a Duralast one and it clearly didn't last. Might have to return it and get a Bosch one.

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by e91Owner

If you're only getting 12V with the car running, it's the alternator or the wiring from it. That could mean the pulley, rectifier or any number of components of the alternator.

First things first, though, is I would examine the belt/pulley to make sure it's not going to come off on you and shell out your engine. Then, of course scan the car for codes to see if that sheds any more light on the problem, although the running voltage is pretty telling.

Thanks! Will try to just pull the alternator again and replace it.

[mainbearing]

Get a Bosch alternator. Bosch is supposed the brand that lasts.

The old one might just need a regulator assembly.

[e92Rithy]

Originally Posted by mainbearing

Get a Bosch alternator. Bosch is supposed the brand that lasts.

The old one might just need a regulator assembly.

Thanks, changed the voltage regulator.. no go but then switched out my alternator and it’s back and running. Turns out it was just an issue with my alternator again.

[lookalikehuuh]

Originally Posted by e92Rithy

Thanks, changed the voltage regulator.. no go but then switched out my alternator and it’s back and running. Turns out it was just an issue with my alternator again.

I really hope you didn't get another autozone "duracrap" alternator. If you did you might want to check the voltage while the engine is running. I had to get one once because I needed the car and even my local dealers didn't have one in stock. The car was fluctuating voltages from 13 all the way up to 16.5v randomly. Only reason I knew was my radar detector was showing me the instant voltage. Sure enough ended up having tons of issues with IBS/oil level sensor and other systems that stopped working because of it.

Do yourself a favor and get yourself an OE alternator from a place like FCP Euro. Not only will they last waaaaay longer but they also won't ruin your electronics on the car like the autocrap will from autozone.

[mainbearing]

^+1

With these alternators, stick with Bosch and change the regulator as the video suggests you should be fine.