E90Post
 


TNT Racewerks
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / Warranty > Alternator/regulator issue?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-22-2023, 12:28 AM   #1
Kremis
New Member
4
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: e90 335i
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: San Fransisco

iTrader: (0)

Alternator/regulator issue?

I was driving on the highway yesterday when all of a sudden a bunch of lights lit up on the dash (temperature, ABS, whole bunch of random ones), speedometer stopped working, wipers turned on, trans stuck in 2nd, car began to lose power, etc. Pulled over and towed it home.

I did some research and it seems like an alternator problem, specifically, the regulator. Seems like an easy enough job and a cheap part, would much rather replace than the whole alternator. However, I went to check the car today and the battery was dead. So, I think my process would be to remove the battery, take it to get it tested and charged, swap out the regulator, and put the battery back in? Possibly get a new battery depending on how it comes back? Seems like the regulator is a common fail point. Does this sound like a reasonable thought process?
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2023, 02:13 PM   #2
Kremis
New Member
4
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: e90 335i
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: San Fransisco

iTrader: (0)

Battery was toast. Seems like it boiled from overcharging as there was battery acid everywhere in the compartment. cleaned it all out and put the new battery in there, got the new regulator in and car is working just fine. Gonna register the new battery today.
Appreciate 1
      05-25-2023, 05:23 PM   #3
BMW.on.20's
Registered
BMW.on.20's's Avatar
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: BMW 328xi 11 ,BMW M5 F10 13
Join Date: May 2023
Location: Vancouver BC Canada

iTrader: (0)

Hey im having the same issue, I lost all power and engine light came on while driving. only happened to me when I floored the car.

Was your fix just the voltage regulator? or alternator also?
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2023, 08:51 PM   #4
StradaRedlands
Colonel
StradaRedlands's Avatar
United_States
4754
Rep
2,867
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2006 BMW 330i  [8.21]
2009 BMW 328i Touri ...  [7.90]
2013 BMW X5 35i  [7.63]
2011 BMW 528i  [8.75]
2006 Mazda3  [5.50]
Check for oil leaking from the oil filter housing gasket... it can foul an alternator.
Appreciate 0
      05-26-2023, 01:17 AM   #5
Daaaaaaaan
Private First Class
88
Rep
160
Posts

Drives: 08 323i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hamilton

iTrader: (0)

Had a fouled alternator (from an improper oil filter gasket placement spray oil everywhere) causing the christmas tree (for 2 seconds) while driving, and intermittent low voltage/alternator not charging issues.

Sprayed an entire can of CRC Lectra-Motive on the alternator while cold and letting it dry overnight cleared everything up. No more issues after that and been good for 3 years now since that happened. Now happily on year 15 of the OEM alternator+regulator.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:16 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST