[JWT4700]

Hey guys, I need some help with my 09 328. I started getting a few combinations of warning lights and sometimes the radio/headlights turn on and off (big problem because I work night shift and it's dark both to and from work). First time was abs light, brake light, traction control light and 4x4 warning light, other times it's the other 4x4 light where it shuts off Xdrive and is only 2wd. I had a solar panel charger hooked up since I bought it in June, I in hooked it and it's still doing it. I got to the hidden menu and voltage looked good. It did it again tonight (driving and couldn't get to the menu) and lights and radio flickered the whole 5 miles to work. I noticed motor lugging slightly as I went down the driveway. I stopped and revved motor up. I had heavy electrical load: heater defrost lights fogs heated seat and wheel. No issues yet. Pulled out onto road and as soon as I braked, the abs kicked on due to snowy roads and then it started, warning lights, no 4x4 lights and radio flickering. Stopped at stop sign and shut the car off and back on - no change.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Also my apologies If this is the wrong forum. Couldn't find one specific for electrical issues.

[JWT4700]

I came out of work, started car, warning lights still on. Let the car warm up and then shut it off. When I hit the button it was like the battery got unhooked. Everything was dead. Wouldn't re-start or do anything. Opened the door to get out and power came back on... Car started up, warning lights still on... When to leave to and I drove like 25 feet and the lights all went out and all was fine the 5 miles home. Checked all battery connections and they where fine. Engine off voltage was 11.95 - 12.25 depending what positive I used. Engine on was 14.5-14.8. Unhooked battery and left it for 15 mins. Came back out and hooked it up, started car and warning lights on again... Using the car menu the voltage while running was 15.2 with nothing on, 14.5 ish which a heavy load on. Any ideas on what it could be? Battery looks like original, BMW battery with no date on it. Alternator?

Thanks!

[matteblue3er]

Sounds like loose or bad battery connection.

Did you have the battery cable recall done?

Also check all battery connections and engine ground straps.

[JWT4700]

Battery connections were all tight at the battery. I'm not sure about the recall - I just bought it in June. How many ground straps straps are there?
Thanks!

[JWT4700]

Came out today and the warning lights were still on. Again as soon as I started down the drive way the lights went out. Made a trip to the store and back no problems. Went to work again with no issues. I watched the voltage in the service menu - it's very iratic. Is this normal? Bouncing from 14.2 to 15.1. I did see 15.2 and 13.9. While parked idling it was jumping all te way down to 13.2 and 12.8. How much fluctuation should the dash show?

[frenchi]

Alternator voltage regulator

[JWT4700]

Can't replace just the regulator correct, gotta replace the alternator?

[frenchi]

Of course you can,even Bmw sell the regulator alone but you can find a much better price in some parts store.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...&q=12317561939

[JWT4700]

Ahh nice. While doing research I thought I read it was built in, must be talking about another year or model. Should I replace both, or just the regulator?