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1988 BMW 528 Battery going dead while dfriving

Tiny
DJALBERTDESIGN
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 BMW 528
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 12,000 MILES
I now own a second hand 1988 BMW 528e. The car is in great condition and I love it except that it doesn't run for long.
When I drive the car runs without issues until the speedometer starts to go crazy as well as a few other gages. Within minutes of that happening the cart stalls and cannot be started without a jump start or charging the battery. Allowing the car to idle or to drive with everything off allows the battery to recharge.
I have not been able to isolate where the drain is.

Can you provide me any guideance on where BMW's may have had a shorting problem, or any information on what you think the issue is.

I have checked for current draw at the fuse box in the engine compartment and cannot find a circuit that is draining while the car is off.

The issue must be a high drain to make the battery go dead whilr the charging system id running. I have a new battery and alternator and still the same problem.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Dave Jalbert
401 615 3353
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 AT 3:27 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Im assuming the problem is the charging system. Possible defective? Recheck connections. The gauges are going crazy from the alternator not charging.
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
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It is possibly the brush pack and not the alternator. The part # is 12-31-1-726-022. This part can be installed without removing the alternator.
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
DJALBERTDESIGN
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I have already replaced the alternator and battery. Its possible the new alternator is defective as well.

What is a brush pack?

Any other ideas?

Thanks

Dave
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Sunday, October 26th, 2008 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
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It is possible the new alternator is bad. Take it to the seller and get it checked
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Sunday, October 26th, 2008 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
DJALBERTDESIGN
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I will do that. I did the battery voltage test yesturday and the voltage was not steady at 13+ volts, it just kept dropping with time
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Monday, October 27th, 2008 AT 7:50 AM
Tiny
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You may also have a parasitic draw that is killing the battery.
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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
DJALBERTDESIGN
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It turned out to be the new alternator was bad. It has been replaced and the problem seams to be gone.

Thanks for your help
Dave
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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 10:55 AM

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