Expert: John Kingery - 1/6/2008

Question
I have a 2003 BMW 325i . I've misplaced my owners manual. Recently a
warning light has come on occasionally and I'm trying to identify it. It looks
like the battery (a square box with water-like waves thru it). The light is not
on all the time. I don't want to have to pay $250 to take it to a BMW dealer
just to add water to the battery if it's something that simple. I can't find an
online copy of the owners manual. Hopefully you can shed light on this for
me.

Answer
This is the charge light.  It means your alternator isn't charging the system as much as the other items are draining it.

Check your belt on the alternator first.  If it's slipping, it can be a probem.  Otherwise, it sounds like your alternator is starting to go.

Many places will do a free check of your charging system (like Sears).  However, you'll probably have to show them where the battery is......