help with alternator replacement - United Bimmer Community

**bigtom21485** · 10-28-2007, 12:41 PM

my 99 328i convertible's battery is showing a black dot in place of the green dot on the battery's smart sensor, which means its not getting a charge. i assume it needs a new alternator. i'm assuming it'll be on the serpentine belt under the engine cover, however i was wondering if anyone has had similar problems on a e36 2.8 and has any knowledge of any design quirks that i should be aware of before i begin work on my car.

witeshark · 10-28-2007, 12:44 PM

You may also wanna check the battery and alternator to make sure it's not actually the battery. Is the battery fairly new?

**GreenTourer** · 10-28-2007, 01:26 PM

I had a car starting problem the other day. It had to be started with leads. I thought it was the alternator but then my Dad suggested I check the water levels on the battery, which is only about 10 months old, and sure enough, it was almost empty!!

I have since topped up the battery with distilled water and now the car starts once more, first time, every time. Hope that's the end of it................Perhaps check the water levels in your battery if it's that type?

**mullethunter3** · 10-29-2007, 02:06 PM

Wow, I wouldn't just jump to a replacement alternator. Get it tested. Start there. A lot of AutoZone and places like that do it for free. I don't know how good the people are at your local shop, but you can be the judge of that. Once you get that done, then you'll know if it needs replacing. If it doesn't, come back and ask more questions, we'll be happy to help.