E46 Alternator Failed?

[SlipStream77]

Just need a confirmation this please...

My dad's 318is has recently started showing the red battery light on the dash intermittently. Manual lists this as the battery not charging.

We checked the voltage across the battery with the engine off and recorded 12.06v. With the engine running, it was almost exactly the same at 12.07v. (The red light was not showing at this point).

I did the same with my 330 which showed 11.84v before starting (a bit low, I know) but over 14v running.

I'm guessing that definitely suggests an alternator failure on the 318, despite the intermittent nature of the light?

If that's the case, on EuroCarParts, they list three different models of Bosch alternator. Anyone know which is the right model?

Thanks

[jas xjr]

See if you can find somebody locally who can repair your original alternator.

[lufbramatt]

As above, probably just needs new brushes / voltage regulator. Last duff alternator I had, I got serviced for £35 in a local old school repair place, good as new.

[steveo3002]

yeah brushes will be around a tenner and most often restore them

[SlipStream77]

Thanks for all the replies.

[Sardonicus]

There is an helpful Irish guy that does vids for overhauling popular alternators and common failures on YouTube.