1993 Bmw 318i Lights Flickering

[t1kim]

i drive a 93 318i and everyone seems to be okay other than the fact that it has some kind of electrical/mechanical problem. sometimes when i drive, all my lights will dim in and out (bright than not) while i'm driving. and i mean all the lights, gauges, brake lights, headlights, everything. and the check engine light will blink, which is driving me crazy because i can't get it scanned unless the light actually stays on. also, the flickering will be worse if im sittin in idle, where the engine will actually idle strange and the car will sort of wobble in rhythm to the lights flickering. it almost feels as though the engine is just idling too weak so its about to stall out. for a whle i thought it might be that my battery/alternator was bad, but i don't know anymore cuz this happens while i'm even driving on the freeway, where i shouldn't be having too much trouble with the alternator. does anyone know what this problem is? cuz its driving me crazy... ghead

[Pegasus]

This is a common problem, particularly with Valeo alternators. I have the same issue and just bought a new voltage regulator because my alternator seems to be ok. It is probably your voltage regulator ($37 at Pelicanparts.com). Otherwise, you'll have to get a new alternator. The best deal I found is $219 at eap4parts.com.
Just my $0.02.

[abemcclellan]

yep. i'd bet money its your alternator. my brother has a 318is and his alternator has gone out once or twice. and we took it to autozone and they wouldn't test it. if the voltage regulator isn't built into the alternator, then just buy a voltage regulator first, before spending a lot of money for a whole new alternator.

[Cruzin 323is]

ya, alternator is gunna die... and after that dies, your battery is gunna die too! since the alternator charges your battery!