What is wrong with my BMW 325i? Alternator Problems?

Question

I own a 1992 325i and I have a sound system in it which draws quite a bit of extra power, and just this past week it has drained the alternator. Or at least, this is my guess. It is only an 80 amp alternator and it should be upgraded I know, but this never happened on any of my other cars which had even weaker alternators (around 60-70 amps). So anyways I think i need a new alternator because: it has stalled and not turned right back on, the lights are getting really dim, its only getting 12 volts at idle speed (but also the car idles lower than normal, so much that the battery light goes on while its idling but turns off when rpm's are up past 1,000). My boss says it was a shorted out battery, but the battery is new. But I almost suspect it was the battery because when this first happened, my radio and check engine light were fickering on and off during idle like something was shorting out. The battery connnections are tight,nothing wrong there.I cant type more,I hope this explains it

Answer 1

80 amps is way big enough. The first thing would do is disconnect the sound system, and run it. I'm willing to bet that the idle goes up to where it should and the alt starts charging 13 1/2-14 vdc. Then you can return the sound.

Answer 2

It sounds like you have a short. Check all of your hot wires, including the remote to the amp, for holes in the insulation.

If that doesn't play out... you may need to look into getting a capacitor.

Answer 3

I would try a higher performance battery first. If not then alternator as well.

Answer 4

touch a pair of motor vehicle electricians and ask them in the event that they comprehend the place you may get an substitute unit from. it is a place the place you're taking your outdated one, and that they supply you a reconditioned one for around $ninety. All they do with the outdated ones is flinch them