Battery light coming on...

[paddy2bsure]

Whilst out & about this morning, the battery light started to come on, very dim at low revs, brighter at high revs. Any ideas?

Paddy, E30 320i 2-Door, 1990

[sabrje]

Sounds like the alternator needs looking at! Your battery probably won't be charging properly. It could be just the brushes or you might need an exchange alternator. But its been a very long time since I've toched one and that wasn't an E30.

[Davenotouring]

I'd go for the voltage regulator on the alternator!

Not sure though.

[paddy2bsure]

Have experienced knackered alternators before, and this doesn't seem like one - she did 80 miles like this this morning, and she still starts instantly now, lights are bright, etc.

[paddy2bsure]

I ripped out the radio this morning before departing (unplugged the din connector), but i did this carefully, i.e. no shorts or exposed wires.

Otherwise - sunroof v. slow to close....

Mystery!!

[Davenotouring]

The voltage regulator being faulty won't nesscessarily stop the battery charging, it can make weird things happen, the dashboard lights for instance.

Especially since you say it gets brighter as revs increase.

[Brianmoooore]

Sounds like the altenator regulator pack. If you go for a whole exchange altenator, remove and keep the pulley. It doesn't come with the new one.

[paddy2bsure]

Will pick up a replacement alternator complete over the weekend & give it a spin (literally)! Thanks for the help amigos!