My ride E30 325i Auto works pretty good when going around town or long distance over motor way so long I dont switch on the Air Conditioner.
But I live in a warm climate so sure I must use the Air Con, but the sad story is I could drive the car with Air Con ON for about an hour after that the car feel very lumpy, practically drags.
To get back to original spirited driving, I must drive around at least 2 hours without Air Con ON. which means it takes that long to charge the battery full
I had this same problem in a previous Japanese Car, what I did was to replace the original 60amp alternator with 80amp alternator.
Can I do the same to my E30 325i Auto? What amp alternator should be sufficient?
Or is there other alternative?
thank You All
How to get FAT sparks constantly ?
Moderator: martauto
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Would have thought your car already had a 90A altenator as standard.
May be worth checking it hasn't been swapped for a smaller one at some time,or that it's not faulty.
May be worth checking it hasn't been swapped for a smaller one at some time,or that it's not faulty.
My ride took an upgrade path from E30 320 1984 manual with Air Condition to what it is now E30 325i Auto a with 1989 engine, so is it possible originally it had a lower rating Alternator and now it is effecting.
Any idea how to check what rating my alternator is currently ?
Thanks
Any idea how to check what rating my alternator is currently ?
Thanks
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Should have a lable stuck to it, which might possibly be colour coded.haffeel wrote: Any idea how to check what rating my alternator is currently ?
Thanks
An 80A I have has a white label, One (unreadable) on a 316 is blue.

