E30 Electrical problems

[Ted]

My 91 e30 318i seems to be having some electrical problems. Drive in fine but a month later after completing some minor work (non electrical) the car won't start. Fully charge battery when ignition is turned on all lights on dash go dim and when tested volt at battery I get between 5-6 volts on a fresh charged battery. Any assistance would be helpful. Thanks

[wasnt m3]

Try a new battery

[alexw]

^^^ sounds a little too obvious, but the same thing happened to me and my M3. Recharged the battery and nothing. I think it just finally gave out!

If nothing else it's an easy thing to check off the list if that's not the issue. I have a spare e30 M3 alternator if you need one, not sure if they are the same across the E30 family.... Or if that would even be something to check...

[straight6pwr]

battery should be reading 13.2v or thereabouts.

[mystere30]

if its not something easy/simple, give up and part it out before it starts on fire. that's what happened to mine

e30 electrical issues are a huge pain in the ass.

[Ted]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I have a new battery and fully charge it reads 11.7 volts. However after connected and ignition on it reads about 6-7 volts and ignition lamps are very dim and no power in car. Any other suggestions welcomed

[Ted]

Solved. My battery charger is shot and was only charging my battery to 9 v. New battery solved problem.

[quillbro]

Its a BMW.... you just have to go "meh" at the electrical issues, and enjoy the motor.