E30 troubble

[groundpilots]

well this all started about 2 weeks ago, I would start my car just fine and start driving, then out of nowhere the radio, dash lights, seat-warmers, fan would shut off, and the headlights would dimm very very very low. However the car still drove and performed like nothing was wrong. Then after a few mintues of driving like this everything would just turn back on and continue working like nothing happened. This happened about 3 times, then one morning I went to go start my car and it wouldn't start, it seemed like the battery was drained completely, even though the day before everything was working fine. I threw a battery charger on it and took another car and I haven't had a chance to try and start it again.

Could this be a dying alternator?

any help would be much appreciated

[jlevie]

That set of symptoms could be from a failing alternator. If the alternator bearings are good you might be able to fix it by replacing the regulator/brush assemble. Also make sure that the battery connections and the engine to frame ground strap are making good connections.

[groundpilots]

ill give those a check when it's not soo cold out =(

[SaltyOne]

Dmm!!

Grounds! Check them all.

[groundpilots]

Exactly what grounds do I check? Dosent the alternator ground to the car by being attached?

[Jaxx_]

motor to frame ground. on my 318 it attaches to the oil pan. Not sure on a 325.

The alternator is grounded to the motor, which should be grounded to the car. but if the motor isn't grounded to the car, some odd things can happen. check your battery ground as well as other grounds. Basically check all of them, and replace any that look suspect. Many components will sink current more than draw, so grounds are essential.