E36 323i electrical burning smell

[masterpimpofdoom]

Hey all,
the last few days i have noticed what smells like electrical burning coming through the airvents when the heater is on, yesterday when i stopped and got out of the car the smell was much stronger, lifted the bonnet and the smell seemed to be coming from around the alternator area. I havent had any electrical problems so was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on what the problem could be?????

Many thanks,
craig

[dat]

Difficult to say without smelling it but when carbon brushes get to the end of there life you can get a sort of burning electrical smell.. If it does turn out to be your alternator brushes you can get them refurbished relatively cheaply, around £100..? A lot cheaper than replacing it...

[tenchiten]

What model is it ? I think on the E46 there's an air duct to the alternator which can become blocked with leaves and other rubbish causing overheating.

[dat]