Heavy battery parasitic draw: E90 335i N54

Maljan

Active member
I once had to replace the voltage regulator on my E46, but I really did not feel like pulling the alternator. I had to do it before to get the bearings done and it was a big schlepp. I managed to replace the regulator thingy with the alternator in place. It was a bit fiddly but much better than going the whole hog.
 

Zound

///Member
Solved!

So the problem was indeed the alternator. So I had the unit rebuilt by Caelex (Chris Auto Electrical Pretoria) and bought a new alternator pulley from Goldwagen Centurion.

So as predicted, a current draw of that magnitude is often times not attributable to a defective tracking unit.

In the process, I have been able to clean the intercooler and charge piping as well as learnt the automated bleed procedure for electric water pump BMW's (Very cool).

So, those with parasitic draw, don't forget to check the non-fused circuits! Specifically, the alternator and starter motor.

This is a good article for further information on the diagnosed problem: Starters and Alternators: Common Misdiagnosis
 

Lizzard

Active member
We must put this into the DIY category, truly a wonderful information about parasite.

Maybe revamp the DIY category also into sections, like interior, exterior, engine, electrical etc categories :fencelook:
 
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