georg_flame15
BMW 6 Battery and Power Issues: Generator Problem?
Fault stored
Loss of engine power
Engine hard to start
Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle
Dim or flickering lights
4 comment(s)
Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! My car has just 18351 KM on it and had its latest service two months ago. Your diagnosis sounds spot-on, the symptoms match perfectly with what I'm experiencing. It's really frustrating having this issue with such a new car. I'm actually hearing a slight whining noise when accelerating, which wasn't there before. Good point about not waiting too long, I've already scheduled a workshop visit for tomorrow. I really hope it's covered under warranty since the car is so new. The generator replacement cost you mentioned is quite steep!
Hey again! Thanks for the update about your BMW 6. That whining noise you mentioned actually reminds me exactly of what I heard in my 5 Series before it completely gave up. Mine started with that same whining sound too, and it got worse over time. Since your car only has 18351 KM, you're definitely in a better position than I was, this should absolutely be covered under warranty! My 5 Series was already out of warranty when it happened, which is why I had to pay that hefty bill. One thing I forgot to mention in my previous reply, after my generator was replaced, I noticed a massive difference in how the car felt overall. The engine became much smoother, and all the electrical systems worked perfectly again. It was like getting a new car! Definitely let us know what the workshop says tomorrow. I'm really curious if it's the same issue I had. And make sure they check the belt system too, sometimes a worn belt can cause similar symptoms, though with all those warning lights, I'm still betting on the generator. Keep us posted! These BMWs can be tricky sometimes, but they're worth it when everything's running right.
Thanks so much for all the detailed info! It's really reassuring to hear about your experience, especially about how much better your car ran after the fix. I'll definitely ask them to check the belt system too, that's a great tip I wouldn't have thought of. I just got back from the workshop and you were absolutely right, it's the generator! The good news is it's fully covered under warranty, so I won't have to pay that steep bill you mentioned. They're ordering the part and said they'll have it fixed by next week. You were spot on about not waiting too long too. The mechanic said I was smart to bring it in quickly before it could cause any other issues. They're giving me a loaner car in the meantime, so at least I won't be stranded. Really appreciate all your help and advice! It's great to hear from someone who went through the same thing. I'll let you know how it runs once I get it back, hoping for that "new car" feeling you described! Thanks again for taking the time to help out!
Hey there! I've had some experience working on cars. I faced almost the exact same issue with my 2021 BMW 5 Series last year. Those symptoms are classic signs of a generator problem, I feel your pain! My BMW 3 Series never gave me such troubles. After noticing similar issues, dim lights, hard starts, and battery warning, I took it to my trusted workshop. They diagnosed a completely failed generator. The replacement plus labor came to about 960 Euro, but it fixed everything perfectly. No more issues since then. Could you share more details about your car? Like the exact engine size and mileage? Also, are you noticing any unusual sounds when the engine's running? This info would help me confirm if it's exactly the same problem I had. Don't wait too long to get it checked, these issues can leave you stranded if the battery dies completely.