2004 X5 battery indicator, lost all electronic, car vibrating, towed

[wild05kid05]

So just last night the red battery indicator showed on and off, then this morning while I drove on the highway, all electronics suddendly turned off and the car started vibrating, then I had to pulled over and had a truck towed it home. Can someone help me ?


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[Roadkill]

battery or alternator need replacing.

[wild05kid05]

I replaced the alternator and it works flawlessly again. Thanks

[x54.6]

i think i have to replace my alternator.. how much did it run you.. thanks

[X5Ghost]

Put a voltage meter on it while running (assuming you can jump it and get it running) if the voltmeter is reading less than 14.4, you need an alternator!

[z168]

I had this happen last night - shudder, then lost all power. Only weird thing was the car started again when the tow truck arrived

[Big "J"]

Weird.... check for loose battery terminals.

[z168]

This happened at 3am this morning so I didnt have time to fiddle with it. But I will check it tonight.

Additional info:
1. car still starts with battery light on
2. battery replaced in Aug2012 with genuine BMW battery

[TerminatorX5]

alternator - the battery light comes on when the diode bridge in the alternator's circuitry is not balanced any longer and the unbalanced bridge lights up the light on the dash...

you need either a new alternator or need to rebuild the one that you have... search the forum - one recent one was done by slickgt1, he repaired his, if i remember correctly...

[z168]

thanks for the responses.

I noticed theres 2 alternators showing up. how do I know if I have the water cooled one?