charging question for 2003 X5 3.0 E 53
 

I have a question about the setup for the charging system for the older 2003 X5. I have read some posts on different BMW models where the battery light on the instrument cluster is actually part of the charging system, so if the bulb is blown the alternator doesn't charge the battery. I took my rebuilt alternator to Advance auto parts and they tested and said it was good.

Does anyone know if this is the case for the X5? Second is there a thread on how to replace the bulbs on the instrument cluster someone is aware of.

Thanks

I believe the lights are LED's.

Charging circuit on anything newer than 98 is not going to go through the cluster. Possibly even as far back as the intro of the e36 and then e39... so maybe 92 and 95 respectively.

Have they tested the alternator while it is in the car? That's how I have them test... load test it. Then confirm the result with a multi-meter.

Just had to swap out a couple of alternators on my old 4.4i and they had a hard time even testing it accurately. OEM had bad voltage regulator, first rebuilt replacement (oreillys had same issue), and finally the second rebuilt one works great... but strangely enough still tested bad with his load tester on the vehicle. He said he can't test that alternator off the truck. So I had him grab a multimeter (I have one at home but didn't bring it) to verify voltage was steady at 14-14.5 volts.

There's an App for that, or you can unlock the OBC.

Yeah, I need to learn the unlock procedure... :doh:

Assuming you have the high cluster since I only see V8s listed...here's the instructions plus a brief description of each test at this link to a past post: how to unlock the high cluster

Once the high cluster is unlocked...it remains unlocked until you lose electrical power [like disconnect the battery]...or develop a deeply discharged battery...which means you can go straight to the test you want without having to unlock the cluster again.