Lights pulsing brite/dim??? Ideas

[kalaharix5]

Every now and then the headlights (low, high, or fog, not particular), will "pulse" normal and then dim. It happens on the highway at 60-70 and also driving locally slow 20-40 MPH. Doesn't do it all the time though.

Belt occasionally screeches (sp?), any ideas, any one else have this problem?

Thanks

Bob

2006 X5 3.0i Kalahari Beige

[X5rolls]

Alternator belt is slipping.

[kalaharix5]

That was my first thought also..needs to go in for oil change and have cracked windshield replaced, so I'll add to the list.

Thanks

[X5rolls]

They should also do a quick test of the alternator to be sure.

[jpnut]

Any updates on the symptoms? I have pulsing when my car is idle. Does anybody have cost estimate on alternator belt replacement and/or battery replacement. I am still under CPO is that works for the belt?

[kalaharix5]

Had car in for service and told them about belt sounds and dimming. They replaced belts and "serviced/lubed" belt tensioner. This stopped the initial cold start belt noise completely. All under CPO warranty.

Lights dimming/pulsing happened once after this service. This time both my wife and I had our heated seats on. I shut them off and pulsing stopped. Could it be having both seats on ( full three lights) is pulling enough power to dim lights?

Weather is warmer now in NE so haven't noticed dimmimg and haven't been using heated seats either?

[Rabbit]

Originally Posted by kalaharix5

Had car in for service and told them about belt sounds and dimming. They replaced belts and "serviced/lubed" belt tensioner. This stopped the initial cold start belt noise completely. All under CPO warranty.

Lights dimming/pulsing happened once after this service. This time both my wife and I had our heated seats on. I shut them off and pulsing stopped. Could it be having both seats on ( full three lights) is pulling enough power to dim lights?

Weather is warmer now in NE so haven't noticed dimmimg and haven't been using heated seats either?

i had the same problem but i didnt know what the problem was. my x was pulling alot of amps with the seats on lights and radio. so i went a got a new battery , new alternator , and belt. it fixed the problem. i wanted to fix it all. i had the money and it would go out one day so i just fixed it. i have never had a prob since. so im sure the pros will chime in. but if you have the money i say change it all. you can get you charging system checked at most any shop.

[X5 Meister]

It's a normal occurrence according to BMW.

Originally Posted by kalaharix5

Had car in for service and told them about belt sounds and dimming. They replaced belts and "serviced/lubed" belt tensioner. This stopped the initial cold start belt noise completely. All under CPO warranty.

Lights dimming/pulsing happened once after this service. This time both my wife and I had our heated seats on. I shut them off and pulsing stopped. Could it be having both seats on ( full three lights) is pulling enough power to dim lights?

Weather is warmer now in NE so haven't noticed dimmimg and haven't been using heated seats either?

[kalaharix5]

X5 Meister, thanks for the bulletin update. I thought that was the problem, but seems it's not a problem, but "normal". I also noticed that if I activate the power window switches when windows closed ( to the closed position) same thing happens to lights. Must be a lot of electronics pulling a lot of power .

Thanks

Bob

[X5 Meister]

No prob. Yep. Read the E70 forum and you'll see the numerous posts of dead batteries due to the massive amount of electrical strain all the various systems have, especially when the car is off sitting in the garage.