1996 BMW 328i Logo
Jun Morales Posted on Dec 27, 2014
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How i fix the headlight bulb always busted due to over current of alternator is that a relay problem? when i change with new bulb even if the engine is in idle and suddenly it will turn fast thats the

Replace the bulb adjust alternator belt and i observe sometimes that there is a fluctuation of current an d i notice it when i turn the engine on sometimes it will accelerate even i will not push the accelerator and thats the time busting of bulbs will occur. i have a plan to change the relay but i have to ask first the experience person.

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mensa man

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  • BMW Expert 113 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 28, 2014
mensa man
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Bill is correct, the relay does not limit current. The diodes in the alternator limit the voltage. Chances are it is not the current but the voltage that is blowing the bulbs. The regulator should be built in alternator, so bench test or simply replace the alternator.

  • Bill Boyd Dec 29, 2014

    diodes DO NOT LIMIT voltage. They are in effect non-return valves in electrics and only allow current to flow in one direction. That is why they are called rectifiers in an alternator. Voltage is the pressure applied to get current to flow so if you have high pressure(voltage ) then you have a high current flow and that is what burns the bulbs.

  • mensa man Dec 29, 2014

    Zener diodes will limit the voltage, till they're over reverse biased and then they burn out. High voltage can also burn out a bulb, try putting a 12v bulb in a 120v socket, it will burn for just a few milliseconds.

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steve

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  • BMW Master 3,718 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 28, 2014
 steve
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Bill is absolutely correct

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Bill Boyd

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  • BMW Master 53,816 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 28, 2014
Bill Boyd
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It is not the relay but the regulator that is allowing a surge of excess volts. this excess voltage increases the current and that is what is blowing the bulbs. Have the alternator bench tested along with the regulator.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 23, 2008

SOURCE: Low Beam Headlight

This is a bulb and is very easy to replace. You might want to buy a pair since other side will go out soon also. Simply twist connector behind light system, pull and replace bulb. good luck

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Anonymous

  • 1586 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 31, 2008

SOURCE: burned out headlight/bulb bmw 1991 325i 2dr

It's a bulb replacement. If it's anything similar to my Audi, there is a cover on the back of the headlight housing that you pop off. Then you can reach in, pull the wire connector off the bulb, and unclip a metal retainer over the bulb, and pull the bulb out. Installation of the new one is the reverse. Just be SURE not to touch the glass part of the bulb. Skin oils can cause a halogen bulb to burn very hot and burn out very quickly. If you do touch the glass, wipe it gently but thoroughly on a cotton cloth to clean it off before you install it.

Zack Wagers

  • 33 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 22, 2009

SOURCE: check low beam light - light goes on and off - wiring issue?

MAY TRY CLEANING THE BULB CONNECTION WHERE THE BULB SITS ON THE PLUG IN OR CHECK FOR A BAD OR LOOSE GROUND WIRE

Anonymous

  • 7 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 27, 2009

SOURCE: i have 2000 323i wont

hi.. did ck main grond batt. in trunk and batt. connector not loose?

Anonymous

  • 11896 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 18, 2009

SOURCE: how do you get to the headlight to replace the low

You will need to open up hood, reach inside by headlight, FInd the plastic ring and turn counter-clockwise and then remove it. Then take bulb and harness and turn and pull that out.
Unclip the harness from bulb.

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