2004 BMW 325 Alternator

CARHAPPY

MEMBER
2004 BMW 325

Electrical problem
2004 BMW 325 <50000 miles

I have a 325xi, which I had driven very minimally (only a few times in the past year). I tried to start it, and the car would not start. I think the problem is in the battery. I'm being told that the battery has been completely drained (which I expected). And also there is a problem with the alternator that needs to be replaced. I never had a problem with the alternator before when I was driving the car regularly.

Can the alternator go kaput from lack of using the car? What is the typical lifespan of an alternator on a BMW 325xi? My car has under 50,000 miles on it (just a little less than that).

Thank you very much.

4 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

The alternator should be ok, the battery will be the problem, you will need to get the battery bench charged and load tested, this is the only true way to test a battery, and have the alternator charge rate tested as a precaution, the alternator should last you many years between o/hauls.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Friday, June 5th, 2009 AT 6:44 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

As usual, I totally agree with Mark, and the battery should be considered for replacement due to age, in 2004 BMW used substandard batteries and I can tell you that if you got 5 years of life from it, you're doing good.

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Friday, June 5th, 2009 AT 9:36 AM

CARHAPPY