1979 BMW 320 Mystery Power outages

1979 BMW 320
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KUMAHALLA
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  • 1 POST
Electrical problem
1979 BMW 320 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic
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I have been having trouble with the electrical system in my 320i. For a while the car would not start, then only sometimes, but would always go with a boost. I had the battery replaced (new) and an alternator put in (also new)2 weeks ago. Driving on the highway in a rainstorm the other day (using lights, and wipers on high), the wipers became slow, the gas tank dropped to empty (was 1/2 full) lights went off, signals were not working, and I was unable to accelerate. When I slowed down and pulled over, systems came back on line.

My mechanic has given up, but I love my little Beamer. Any suggestions on where else the current may be going?
Apr 19, 2008 at 9:38 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 9,606 POSTS
Never form an emotional attachment to a mechanical contrivance. Inspect the wire from the alternator case to the block, if not grounded properly, the alternator will not work.
Apr 20, 2008 at 9:14 AM
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