BMW - flickering lights

[John Clay]

My 1996 328is has been doing this for a while now. Pretty much happens constantly now. The lights - both interior (instruments/clock etc.) and headlights (probably other exterior lights as well, I can just see the headlights in my reflection in the car in front) sort of "flicker" when the car is running. Does it at idle and at speed. Car runs fine.

Any ideas? The battery is new.

[HoodPin]

Sounds to me like the alternator or voltage regulator are on the way south...... You may also be able to check by measuring voltage at several points to see if voltage if fluctuating. If not fluctuating, it could be a loose or corroded connection, more likely a ground wire/strap if multiple things are affected.

[BlackTalon]

x2 -- check the electrical connections. And not just visually, give them a slight wiggle or tug.

[Clarke]

Make sure your battery connections are good, since that is new. Most likely need a new alt.

[Rick V]

and make sure to check the Batt ground where it attaches in the trunk. Sounds like the Valeo disco alt.

[Trak Ratt]

Make sure your battery connections are good...

and make sure to check the Batt ground where it attaches in the trunk...
X2 and less $$$ than alternator or battery.

[N8N]

I'd have to see the flicker (and more importantly the frequency) to hazard a guess, but it could also be a bad diode in the alternator.

nate

[John Clay]

I'd have to see the flicker (and more importantly the frequency) to hazard a guess, but it could also be a bad diode in the alternator.

nate

It's constant. Never timed it, a couple of times a second dim/bright.

[Rick V]

I will lay dollars to fat-pills the alt is a Valeo.