She finally did it

dreamingat30fps · 12-07-2015, 07:16 PM

I'm writing this from the side of the road as I wait for the tow truck. She finally left me stranded.

Started getting some abs, traction and brake lights on the highway. Then they turn of and shorty came back on and started flashing then all the sudden she just died in the left lane. Luckily I managed to coast over to the right shoulder.

Would not turn back on. After calling for tow etc I tried again and she came back on. I tried driving a bit down the shoulder but she died again.

Maybe she knows I went to go see the C7 the other day and she's trying to get revenge!

pokeybritches · 12-07-2015, 09:46 PM

Sounds like what happened to me when my alternator failed. Hopefully it didn't corrupt the coding.

M_Six · 12-07-2015, 10:30 PM

I've been left stranded 5 times in my BMW ownership. Once by a faulty alternator in my first BMW, a '77 633 CSi. 3 times by my 2001 740iL (2 radiator and 1 electronics), and once by my 2003 X5 (oil/water separator).

The worst was the X5 stranding. I spent the day before Christmas in State College PA instead of at my in-laws' place in CT. Thankfully they were open and were able to by-pass the issue and get me on my way.

chickdr · 12-08-2015, 08:20 AM

How many miles are on your '06 dreamingat30fps? Please let us know the outcome.

dreamingat30fps · 12-08-2015, 09:15 AM

About 76k miles. It's definitely the alternator shes at the shop now. What are your thoughts on re manufactured alternators vs new?

Frank851 · 12-08-2015, 09:52 AM

It may be just the voltage regulator. I had the same symptoms, replaced the voltage regulator, back in business without the cost of a new alternator.

Frank851 · 12-08-2015, 09:57 AM

Back of Alternator Cover, Alternator cover removed, close up of Voltage regulator that goes bad.

dreamingat30fps · 12-08-2015, 11:52 AM

Thanks for the suggestion already told them to go ahead with the re manufactured one. $200 vs like $375 if I order a new one online and would have to wait till Friday.

I wish this would of happened while I still had the Z as a weekend car I would of tried to diy it. Now that it's my daily driver I just want to get it back on the road.

chickdr · 12-08-2015, 02:16 PM

I would do the remanufactured one myself, but I have heard of them going bad quickly as well. Hopefully yours is not one of them.

elerner61 · 12-09-2015, 08:43 AM

Do you have a part number for the voltage regulator? Maybe a good winter pro-active maintenance project.

Thx.

StickMon · 12-09-2015, 01:09 PM

http://www.americanenginesco.com/bmw...tor-valeo-oem/

elerner61 · 12-09-2015, 03:26 PM

Thanks. Thoughts on pro-actively changing out the regulator at 80K? Am I being a weenie or genius??

Seriously, if you think about it, there is a finite list of killers and disablers of our cars. Being proactive aint such a bad thing.

Killers:
- Vanos exhaust hub tab
- Vanos intake hub bolts
- Coolant system failure (water pump, radiator, reservoir, hoses, temp sensor)
- Timing chain guide

Disablers:
- Battery
- Alternator/Regulator
- Alternator belt
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Fuel relay
- SMG relay (for cars with SMG transmission)

Anything else that I missed? I would have put a fuel pump on the list but since that see,s to be a pain to replace I left it off.

StickMon · 12-09-2015, 04:01 PM

In addition to a spare voltage regulator, I have spare:
2 throttle position sensors
MAF
all 4 O2 sensors
EGT sensor
CPV O-rings

Plus I always keep a sack of front and rear reinforcement bolts in case I have to drop them.
Lang reused my front reinforcement plate bolts.

I can tell because they have the Sharpie marks that I used to make sure I turned them 90°.

I'm considering swapping to the spare voltage regulator.
The one the rebuilder used isn't Valeo, and ever since I've had rev-drop when dropping to idle at a stop.

elerner61 · 12-09-2015, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

In addition to a spare voltage regulator, I have spare:
2 throttle position sensors
MAF
all 4 O2 sensors
EGT sensor
CPV O-rings

Plus I always keep a sack of front and rear reinforcement bolts in case I have to drop them.
Lang reused my front reinforcement plate bolts.

I can tell because they have the Sharpie marks that I used to make sure I turned them 90°.

Of those on your list, only the throttle position sensors would leave you stranded. No?

StickMon · 12-09-2015, 04:07 PM

Probably.
When I figured out my alternator failed I was 1/2 way through my 90 minute drive to work.
Car sounded funny and finally I punched up Volts on DashCommand and was at 11.3.
The "bat low" light on the dash didn't come on until 11.0.
Was at 10.7 when I got home, but I got home.

Moved Volts to the DashCommand main screen.

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Name: Engine1.png
Views: 510
Size: 56.7 KB

Slickback_Ben · 12-09-2015, 09:19 PM

Damn, wish I have went with this route when my alternator took a s***. Mine failed at 63k miles. Would have saved me a few hundred bucks. Glad you got everything sorted out!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamingat30fps

Thanks for the suggestion already told them to go ahead with the re manufactured one. $200 vs like $375 if I order a new one online and would have to wait till Friday.

I wish this would of happened while I still had the Z as a weekend car I would of tried to diy it. Now that it's my daily driver I just want to get it back on the road.

dreamingat30fps · 12-10-2015, 12:06 AM

Yup an update I got her back and everything seems good. I will keep an eye on the voltage for a bit as the shop said they had some issues getting the battery to fully charge or something (it got totally drained so hopefully it didnt go bad). However right now everything seems fine its not going below 14v. All in all came out to under $400 so not too bad.

I already did the belts as preventative maintenance and also did the power steering hoses as they were looking kinda bad. Also after 3 valve cover gaskets I finally got the oil leaks under control. Hopefully I will be good for a while or at least nothing major. I must say though I am getting kinda worried. My friend who has an 07 coupe with similar mileage just had ABS pump go bad, now that thing is like $2k just for the part ouch!!

SaltyNC · 12-10-2015, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

Probably.
When I figured out my alternator failed I was 1/2 way through my 90 minute drive to work.
Car sounded funny and finally I punched up Volts on DashCommand and was at 11.3.
The "bat low" light on the dash didn't come on until 11.0.
Was at 10.7 when I got home, but I got home.

Moved Volts to the DashCommand main screen.

Attachment 1330265

StickMon,

Are you still using the Kiwi WIFI connector to transmit your data? Is the latest version still the one on DashXL? Awesome project!

Salty

elerner61 · 12-10-2015, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamingat30fps

Yup an update I got her back and everything seems good. I will keep an eye on the voltage for a bit as the shop said they had some issues getting the battery to fully charge or something (it got totally drained so hopefully it didnt go bad). However right now everything seems fine its not going below 14v. All in all came out to under $400 so not too bad.

I already did the belts as preventative maintenance and also did the power steering hoses as they were looking kinda bad. Also after 3 valve cover gaskets I finally got the oil leaks under control. Hopefully I will be good for a while or at least nothing major. I must say though I am getting kinda worried. My friend who has an 07 coupe with similar mileage just had ABS pump go bad, now that thing is like $2k just for the part ouch!!

I've only heard about one power steering hose that weeps/leaks. Is there another? Back on the alternator, is there any way to replace the voltage regulator without removing the alternator? Or must the alternator come out?

Twixboy · 12-10-2015, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

Probably.
When I figured out my alternator failed I was 1/2 way through my 90 minute drive to work.
Car sounded funny and finally I punched up Volts on DashCommand and was at 11.3.
The "bat low" light on the dash didn't come on until 11.0.
Was at 10.7 when I got home, but I got home.

Moved Volts to the DashCommand main screen.

Attachment 1330265

How did you start the car after work with a failed alternator and a 11V battery? That screenshot looks pretty nice - is that on a dedicated car tablet?

StickMon · 12-10-2015, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltyNC

... Are you still using the Kiwi WIFI connector to transmit your data? Is the latest version still the one on DashXL? ...

Yes and yes.
Tuxedo Landscape ZED4M1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twixboy

How did you start the car after work with a failed alternator and a 11V battery? That screenshot looks pretty nice - is that on a dedicated car tablet?

I put a charger on it while waiting for the rebuilder to do the alternator.
I run DashCommand on an old iPod clipped to the AC vent.

12-07-2015, 07:16 PM	#1
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5324 Rep 1,907 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	She finally did it I'm writing this from the side of the road as I wait for the tow truck. She finally left me stranded. Started getting some abs, traction and brake lights on the highway. Then they turn of and shorty came back on and started flashing then all the sudden she just died in the left lane. Luckily I managed to coast over to the right shoulder. Would not turn back on. After calling for tow etc I tried again and she came back on. I tried driving a bit down the shoulder but she died again. Maybe she knows I went to go see the C7 the other day and she's trying to get revenge!
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12-07-2015, 09:46 PM	#2
pokeybritches Colonel 479 Rep 2,782 Posts Drives: ESS/G-Power Z4M, VF Z4, 996tt Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M [10.00] 2006 BMW Z4M [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [9.00]	Sounds like what happened to me when my alternator failed. Hopefully it didn't corrupt the coding. __________________ VF Engineering Z4 3.0i, ESS Z4M, G-Power Z4M, 996 Turbo
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12-07-2015, 10:30 PM	#3
M_Six Free Thinker 16890 Rep 7,454 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	I've been left stranded 5 times in my BMW ownership. Once by a faulty alternator in my first BMW, a '77 633 CSi. 3 times by my 2001 740iL (2 radiator and 1 electronics), and once by my 2003 X5 (oil/water separator). The worst was the X5 stranding. I spent the day before Christmas in State College PA instead of at my in-laws' place in CT. Thankfully they were open and were able to by-pass the issue and get me on my way. __________________ Mark markj.pics "There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass." -UncleWede
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12-08-2015, 08:20 AM	#4
chickdr Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,990 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0)	How many miles are on your '06 dreamingat30fps? Please let us know the outcome.
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12-08-2015, 09:15 AM	#5
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5324 Rep 1,907 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	About 76k miles. It's definitely the alternator shes at the shop now. What are your thoughts on re manufactured alternators vs new?
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12-08-2015, 09:52 AM	#6
Frank851 Admiral 240 Rep 314 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '19 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	It may be just the voltage regulator. I had the same symptoms, replaced the voltage regulator, back in business without the cost of a new alternator.
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12-08-2015, 09:57 AM	#7
Frank851 Admiral 240 Rep 314 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '19 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	Back of Alternator Cover, Alternator cover removed, close up of Voltage regulator that goes bad. Attached Images
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12-08-2015, 11:52 AM	#8
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5324 Rep 1,907 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the suggestion already told them to go ahead with the re manufactured one. $200 vs like $375 if I order a new one online and would have to wait till Friday. I wish this would of happened while I still had the Z as a weekend car I would of tried to diy it. Now that it's my daily driver I just want to get it back on the road.
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12-08-2015, 02:16 PM	#9
chickdr Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,990 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0)	I would do the remanufactured one myself, but I have heard of them going bad quickly as well. Hopefully yours is not one of them.
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12-09-2015, 08:43 AM	#10
elerner61 Major 157 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: '07 Z4M Roadster Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mount Kisco, NY iTrader: (0)	Do you have a part number for the voltage regulator? Maybe a good winter pro-active maintenance project. Thx.
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12-09-2015, 01:09 PM	#11
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	http://www.americanenginesco.com/bmw...tor-valeo-oem/ __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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12-09-2015, 03:26 PM	#12
elerner61 Major 157 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: '07 Z4M Roadster Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mount Kisco, NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks. Thoughts on pro-actively changing out the regulator at 80K? Am I being a weenie or genius?? Seriously, if you think about it, there is a finite list of killers and disablers of our cars. Being proactive aint such a bad thing. Killers: - Vanos exhaust hub tab - Vanos intake hub bolts - Coolant system failure (water pump, radiator, reservoir, hoses, temp sensor) - Timing chain guide Disablers: - Battery - Alternator/Regulator - Alternator belt - Crankshaft position sensor - Fuel relay - SMG relay (for cars with SMG transmission) Anything else that I missed? I would have put a fuel pump on the list but since that see,s to be a pain to replace I left it off.
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12-09-2015, 04:01 PM	#13
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	In addition to a spare voltage regulator, I have spare: 2 throttle position sensors MAF all 4 O2 sensors EGT sensor CPV O-rings Plus I always keep a sack of front and rear reinforcement bolts in case I have to drop them. Lang reused my front reinforcement plate bolts. I can tell because they have the Sharpie marks that I used to make sure I turned them 90°. I'm considering swapping to the spare voltage regulator. The one the rebuilder used isn't Valeo, and ever since I've had rev-drop when dropping to idle at a stop. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2015, 04:07 PM	#15
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	Probably. When I figured out my alternator failed I was 1/2 way through my 90 minute drive to work. Car sounded funny and finally I punched up Volts on DashCommand and was at 11.3. The "bat low" light on the dash didn't come on until 11.0. Was at 10.7 when I got home, but I got home. Moved Volts to the DashCommand main screen. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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12-10-2015, 12:06 AM	#17
dreamingat30fps Lieutenant Colonel 5324 Rep 1,907 Posts Drives: Miata, Cayenne, Model 3, F350 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Florida & NC iTrader: (1)	Yup an update I got her back and everything seems good. I will keep an eye on the voltage for a bit as the shop said they had some issues getting the battery to fully charge or something (it got totally drained so hopefully it didnt go bad). However right now everything seems fine its not going below 14v. All in all came out to under $400 so not too bad. I already did the belts as preventative maintenance and also did the power steering hoses as they were looking kinda bad. Also after 3 valve cover gaskets I finally got the oil leaks under control. Hopefully I will be good for a while or at least nothing major. I must say though I am getting kinda worried. My friend who has an 07 coupe with similar mileage just had ABS pump go bad, now that thing is like $2k just for the part ouch!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote