electrical problem

A buddy of mine has a 95 325is and when his lights, heater, and radio are on then he pushes the brake pedal, the lights dim and it threatens to die if he keeps foot on pedal. Does that sound like an alternater problem to you?

Sounds as if the voltage is dropping with thee systems you list activated, take a volt meter and with engine off check battery vaoltage, should be at
12.0 VDC, then start her up and check voltage again, should be at 14.0 VDC. If either voltage check is below listed, replace that item.

Lead-acid batteries should measure 12.6 VDC when fully charged. From your symptoms, it sounds like the battery is either low on charge or it has a bad cell. A battery with a bad cell will read around 11 VDC. Bear was correct saying that with the car running, you should measure about 14 VDC if the alternator is working. You might want to check your connections to the battery first, though. A loose or corroded terminal connection will cause the same symptoms. Be sure you have the reset code for the radio before you disconnect the battery though......

r221b

Sounds like the battery. Check it out first.

You were right, it's the battery. quite a difference in repair cost, eh.
Thanks

Battery? Good for you ~ a simple fix. But if you have a Sears near you, do yourself a favor, if you plan on keeping the car, install the best Diehard you can get. Mine is going on 6 years old now and I live in Phoenix, Arizona where most batteries last 2 years tops! Still like new.