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New quirk-issue. Very brief power loss to radio and AC

2K views 22 replies 4 participants last post by  TurboDave 
#1 ·
This just started occurring today. Driving along with AC blasting and XM radio on and for a very short time they both go off. The AC stops blowing and music stops playing. For maybe a half second. The screen on the idrive stays on though. Weird. My battery cables seem to be tight. Anyone ever experience this? Thanks.
 
#2 ·
What's your voltage? How old is your battery?

My guess...alternator/voltage regulator.
 
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#4 ·
Any voltage spikes will throw havoc into our systems.

How many miles on your alternator? I think mine went at 69,xxx-ish.

You can just replace the regulator, but I replaced the entire unit.
 
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#6 · (Edited)
Come to think of it, mine may have gone at 79,xxx-ish, as well.

As for replacement...I had my Indy do it while I was gone for a month. I had them replace all my rubber hoses and flush ALL (transmission/diff) my fluids -- while you're in there...

I can't remember the price. For just the OEM alternator...$700ish. A Valeo alternator is the OEM manufacturer, and can be found for less.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6...al-instructions-diy.html?highlight=Alternator

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e6...egulator-alternator.html?highlight=Alternator

Good luck!
 
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#7 · (Edited)
I just had the same issue happen to me today. Same exact symptoms, AC stops blowing, music stops playing and HUD goes out, all three only stop for a second or two and then come right back. No other issues. 55k on my beast.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I just had the same issue happen to me today. Same exact symptoms, AC stops blowing, music stops playing and HUD goes out, all three only stop for a second or two and then come right back. No other issues.
We're in this together buddy! :smile I probably won't get my car in til next week to see what's what. It's hotter than Satan's ball here in Louisville. I wonder if that could be a factor.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Just dropped mine at my Indy and they said the battery voltage was reading 17.7. The battery was replaced in January and was coded so we'll see what they find.
 
#11 ·
Just dropped mine at my Indy and they said the battery voltage was reading 17.7. The battery was replaced in January and was coded.
17.7 :eek

Sounds like your voltage regulator...keep us posted.
 
#12 ·
Yeah, I have a good friend that is a tech there and he said "You don't need to drive this.....leave it here". So I did.
 
#18 ·
Sounds like the remedy is going to be to replace the IBS and the alternator. Is the IBS just BMW speak for voltage regulator?
 
#19 ·
I had to do the IBS was well -- forgot about that.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Your voltage regulator is likely on it's way out. It's an intermittent problem so you may not see it unless you are actively monitoring the voltage at that particular moment. I had the same issue with random electrical gremlins like the iDrive/AC cutting out for a second. Then other electrical systems started to fail like DSC/DBS/Start Assist and your dash starts to light up like an Xmas tree.

I replaced both my alternator and voltage regulator.
 
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