BMW X5 3.0i stays running after key is removed from ignition??

[E533.0i]

Hey guys so I am wondering if anyone has ever run into this.My wifes 2005 x5 3.0i alternator failed over the weekend.The battery light would intermittantly blink come on and go off.Long story short I tested the alternator with a meter sure enough wasnt charging the battery.Also the car would not restart after being shut down.Now fast forward to today.I go a reman valeo alternator.Put it in.Now it charges fine.Except you can pull the key out of the ignition and the car will stay running.I tried fiddling with the lock cylinder but no lock.Only way to shut it down is to pull the fuel pump fuse wait for it to stall.Then once the key is pulled the dash goes off completely.Has anyone had an issue like this before???I am thinking maybe faults have to be cleared.But I highly doubt it would cause something like this???Can anyone chime in and shed some light on this if anything like this has ever occured???

[upallnight]

You need a new ignition switch, not they key side, but the electrical side. Plenty of Youtube video on how to replace the electrical side.

[E533.0i]

Sorry but you are incorrect.It didnt do this before I put the alternator in.A quick test showed that the voltage regulator on the reman alternator is NFG!!So back out it comes again.I appreciate the reply,but in this case its not a ignition switch.I never thought Id have to test someone else work especially when all the had is one job.Rebuild my alternator.Dissapointing But out it comes again.

So lesson learned here.Check anything you buy lol.As it turns out when the voltage regulator fails and contacts close sending power to the coils and other necessary systems keeping the car running.I guess 2 or 3rd time is the charm??lol I'll keep you guys posted.

[jdstrickland]

The common thread is the ignition switch, given the description you provided. It is nonsensical that a pure alternator problem would lead to the car not turning off. Indeed, a faulty ignition switch can cause the charging system light to come on with Engine On and not have any trouble with the alternator at all.

The voltage regulator is available as an individual part. It can be replaced independently of the alternator. An alternator is an item that frequently works out to be a poor choice when bought as a rebuilt unit. New is always the better choice.

[E533.0i]

As stated the issue is the alternator already tested.I am aware the voltage regulator is available separately.But given that the car is 11 years old I rather do the job once instead of twice.So with the car running if you unplug the voltage regulator harness from the alternator the car could be turned off no issue.If the voltage regular harness is plugged in car will not shut off.So as previously stated the failed voltage regulator contacts are closed causing this issue.

Originally Posted by jdstrickland

The common thread is the ignition switch, given the description you provided. It is nonsensical that a pure alternator problem would lead to the car not turning off. Indeed, a faulty ignition switch can cause the charging system light to come on with Engine On and not have any trouble with the alternator at all.

The voltage regulator is available as an individual part. It can be replaced independently of the alternator. An alternator is an item that frequently works out to be a poor choice when bought as a rebuilt unit. New is always the better choice.