Alternator problem!!

[sixb22]

Hi everyone
i have 1999 328i with 216k I broken down and the car would not start, I noticed that the battery was getting no charge, at which time i replaced the Alternator. It was working great till the next morning when it did the same thing as the day when I broke down, all the light on the dash board turned on and the veh began losing power and eventually turned off. I checked the belt and all connection and the car will star with a jump but it wont stay on.
What can i do?

[coolbear1]

If you have a bosch alternator, before you replace it, keep in mind, the brushes are usually what goes bad, you can purchse the voltage regulator, with the brushes for around $20 and change it with a screwdriver quicker than I can type this, after the alternator has been removed.

The good news is there is not much to the charging system. Alternator/with built in voltage regulator on most models. Battery, and associated cables. That's about it.
Check and re-check your connections. if they are good, and the alternator is good, assuming no undue voltage drains, it only leaves the battery.
Most auto parts stores will diagnose the system for free, but beware of the new kid on the job.
They will even bench test your alternator if you remove it and take it to them.

You should also check for some undue voltage drain.
A grounded wire in the harness will drive you bonkers, if it is an intemittant ground you will need therapy.

A bad battery will fool you also. It will start the car but not run the car, and it will sometimes cause such a load on the alternator that it can't run the car. But the battery will still charge with a battery charger and start the car, then just deteriorate as you drive.