Materials to Maintain Your ZHP IIIII Hand Protection IIIII Tools to Maintain Your ZHP
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Austin Texas
    Posts
    257

    Bosch alternator already dead???

    After not driving for 2 days, my ZHP was dead. Like, REALLY dead. Not the faintest sign of interior lights-dead. I think my dying cluster is draining it. However, it hasn't been an issue for several weeks. After jumping the car (rip battery), I found the alternator was putting out only about 12.8V at idle. This was after a decent amount of driving, maybe 20 miles. When I revved it up somewhat it went to 13.6V, but settled back at 12.8V.

    The battery and alternator are both relatively new, less than a year old. The alternator was a new, non-remanufactured OEM Bosch unit. The battery was a new Diehard H8 AGM. The engine grounds are in good shape.

    Is it normal for the alternator to die so fast?? It was /not/ cheap. It is not cold here. I drive almost every day.
    Last edited by usinjin; 01-30-2021 at 04:25 AM.
    2005 Jet Black ZHP Sedan "Adriana" || TunedByDaniel || BMW Alarm + Fuel Lock || ORION V4s || Eagle Eyes || 435i Coupe Sport Seats || Perforated Leather X5 M-Sport Wheel || FLOW Designs Lip

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Montreal, Canada
    Posts
    1,939
    I had a terrible experience with Bosch alternators. Went through 2 of them in like 6 months, returned them both and ended up going with a used OE and no problems in 6 years.

    But I would look at the engine ground first. I had the same weird electrical issues for ages, replaced starter (ouch)/alt/battery, only for it to end up being that ground that had loosened up.
    Alex'16 Melbourne Red 328d Touring
    M Sport + M Performance Package

    Gone, but not forgotten: '03 Imola Red 330i ZHP - 6MT


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Austin Texas
    Posts
    257
    Quote Originally Posted by alexandre View Post
    I had a terrible experience with Bosch alternators. Went through 2 of them in like 6 months, returned them both and ended up going with a used OE and no problems in 6 years.

    But I would look at the engine ground first. I had the same weird electrical issues for ages, replaced starter (ouch)/alt/battery, only for it to end up being that ground that had loosened up.
    This is a bit disappointing. I always thought the Bosch one was the top notch version, but this is not the first thread I’ve come across saying otherwise. The cheap one Advance put in lasted about 4 years.

    However, I believe I’m in the clear. It looks like it’s charging at about 13.8V today after going for a drive. I think when I deeply discharged the AGM battery I probably made it unhappy. I might be in the clear. Definitely time to eliminate the (electrical) short..cheers
    2005 Jet Black ZHP Sedan "Adriana" || TunedByDaniel || BMW Alarm + Fuel Lock || ORION V4s || Eagle Eyes || 435i Coupe Sport Seats || Perforated Leather X5 M-Sport Wheel || FLOW Designs Lip

  4. #4
    Weird. Maybe bosch is reneging on quality.

    The difference between Bosch and Genuine BMW is the Genuine is a Bosch that’s been kissed by BMW
    Everybody loves Fried Chicken

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2018
    Location
    Austin, Tx
    Posts
    295
    I've replaced a bunch of Bosch alternators and starters, primarily on S54s but also on M54s. I recommend OE or Valeo whenever possible.
    Current Garage... '00 R11S, '09 HP2S, '12 R12GSA, '00 Black 323iT (wife's), '02 Alpine 325iT (Eileen, Track Wagon), '02 Japan Rot 325iT

    Instagram @ HillPerformanceBimmers
    Email to George@HillPerformance.com

Similar Threads

  1. Do ZHP's have the Valeo or Bosch alternator?
    By Cadeez in forum General -- ZHP Related
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-21-2017, 11:43 PM
  2. Bosch or ZKW?
    By kbcons in forum Lighting
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 07-07-2016, 05:37 AM
  3. Bosch Icon Refills
    By BavarianZHP in forum Mechanical | Troubleshooting
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-26-2014, 04:01 PM
  4. E46 Bosch projectors FS on TRS
    By az3579 in forum ZHP-Related Parts & Accessories (no vehicle sales)
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 11-09-2013, 05:29 PM
  5. Bosch Precat O2 sensor data
    By danewilson77 in forum Maintenance
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-13-2011, 09:13 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •