A series of battery charging problems in BMW

A series of battery charging problems in BMW – how to fix them?

March 21, 2012 | Author: Mirosław Bodera – Członek Zarządu BM Cars | 2 comments | Categories: Series 3 • Series 7

BMW driver question

I have a big problem, because the car broke down for me in Germany and the usual workshop does not know how to deal with it. Well, first Dynamic Drive lit up, then the power steering started to fail, then the battery died. I replaced the battery with a new one, then after two hours the new one died again.

I figured it was the alternator. They built it for me, I took it to Poland to a workshop that repairs alternators and starters. They checked it on a special instrument, after which they say that it is definitely good.

I came to Germany, here they say that it is still possible that the IBS is whacked. They put in an IBS working from another car and still no charge, that is, there is, but 12.1 volts. Now they say that it is definitely the alternator is dead. I’m already falling down and don’t know who to listen to.

Please advise me, maybe I have overlooked something, what else could be done. Regards.

The problem affected a 2004 BMW E60 530D, but it happens in other models as well.

BM Cars service response

First of all, I would suggest checking the condition of the pulley and the main belt – lighting up Dynamic Drive while driving can indicate not only problems with the charging system, but is also often caused by mechanical damage to, for example, the power steering pump or slippage of the multi-ribbed belt caused by damage to the pulley (a very common fault in this model).
If everything is OK on this side, it remains to recheck the IBS module, the alternator and the engine controller, which manages the charging process.

You are welcome to use our service.

BMW pulley

A series of battery charging problems in BMW – how to fix them?