280i stalling problem

[nibor]

I have a problem with my 280i the car starts fine but when I put the head lights on the engine starts to falter and then stalls.This only happens intermitantly,and the car will start with the head lights on and popped up .

[york33]

Dodgy alternator can't cope with extra load?

Put a multimeter on battery and check voltage with engine running, 14V give or take a bit is alright. If it'll run at all measure it with lights on too too, much below 12-13 is a bad thing.....

Will it stay running if you rev engine whilst turning lights on?

Don't you just love electrics

[nibor]

Hi yes it will run if you rev it with the lights on but when it comes down to idle thats when it stalls.But does not do it all the time had it running earlier and put the lights on and it did not stall.Is this a sign the alterntor is on its way out or do they normally pack up all together .Will try to borrow an multimeter.thanks