Non -m electrical issue possibly voltage regulator

So my front right headlight as well as my center dome light in the cabin flickers when the car is on.. I checked the obc voltage and when the car is off it's 12v and when it's on it's 14v volts sound about right so does that rule out the voltage regulator ? Thanks. Also not sure yet what brand alternator I have yet

Thanks in advance

If you get a good 14v with the engine running, your alternator probably is not at fault.
That battery voltage is kinda low tho. How old is that battery of yours?

Originally Posted by Stinger9

If you get a good 14v with the engine running, your alternator probably is not at fault.
That battery voltage is kinda low tho. How old is that battery of yours?

Would that actually cause the flicker? I noticed the same thing but with the lamp in the trunk.

Don't know for sure. Just know many report strange and varied problems with electrics when battery is old and started to fade.

How old battery?

Battery is old but no issues overall with it besides this stuff .. I do have a aftermarket amp.. So anyway to check battery life ?

Originally Posted by Steven747

Battery is old but no issues overall with it besides this stuff .. I do have a aftermarket amp.. So anyway to check battery life ?

aftermarket amp and subs can cause havoc with your car's electrical. BMW's seem to have this obnoxiously sensitive electrical system. I would start with a new battery. $100 bucks at wal-mart.

Originally Posted by jgold47

I would start with a new battery. $100 bucks at wal-mart.

Simply +1
No way to 100% check old battery for what ails you. Already your test is that you only have 12v. That is low.
Model 49DL at Autozone is your best bet for larger capacity battery for great price. Do not ask them what battery is right for your car as they do not list this one.

Originally Posted by Stinger9

Simply +1
No way to 100% check old battery for what ails you. Already your test is that you only have 12v. That is low.
Model 49DL at Autozone is your best bet for larger capacity battery for great price. Do not ask them what battery is right for your car as they do not list this one.

12v when the car is off is low? what should it be? for what ive read it seems about right

ill check for loose connections tomorrow but i would imagine there would be more apparent issues. ill look into the autozone battery fursure though

Never seen anyone report voltage that had a good battery with less than a 12.4 or 12.6v reading.
Now 12v will get you by, but probably indicates that your battery is not the strongest, and has some age on it.

Originally Posted by Steven747

12v when the car is off is low? what should it be? for what ive read it seems about right

ill check for loose connections tomorrow but i would imagine there would be more apparent issues. ill look into the autozone battery fursure though

If it's right at 12 V that's actually marginal, somewhere between 25-50% state of charge. You want the battery to read about 12.5-12.6 V. If you drive the car every day, a good battery should be in the ballpark (assuming you have no sources of parasitic drain).

Your 14 V reading when running the car shows that the alternator is generating within spec and has the margin to charge the battery while powering everything (engine spark, all electrical systems, etc.), but what does it read when you have headlights and stereo going as well? If that amp is drawing a lot of juice, the alt might not have enough leeway to keep the battery charged.

I had the same issue after installing amp and sub. Changed battery and it helped, but was told i should get a capacitor to be sure to prevent issues in future.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Bimmer App

very interesting.

thanks to all who responded in this thread. all replys were very helpful..

so ignition in number 2 position voltage is a about 119 -120 with everything on .. if its not at the 12.5-12.6 could where its at now cause the smallest flicker and slight dullness of a headlight?

so guys new battery is in because mine died on me yesterday. dl49 or whatever it was from autozone.. no more cabin light flicker but my passenger angel eye still is dim and flickers....? found this other thread which sounds like the guy is having the same issue.. what do yall thing

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ght=alternator

I'd suspect the size of the wiring to the angel eyes. Is it tiny stuff supplied by the manufacturer?