help?

hi have a bmw 320 ci se 2001 model. driving down the road and my lights and indicators cut out and then the engine. i had a friend jump start me to witch i was able to drive home. i tried a new battery and the car started fine and drove 15 miles or so before doing the same again. teh battery light first then all the lights cut. all lights and radio work but will not turn over. would this be the alternator that may be damged and needs replacing? could this have anything to do with the crank shaft sensor being out? i also have a oil leak at top of engine was told may be oil housing gasket?? but i really not sure about that many thanks jayi

**Get the codes read**

probably is a failed alternator. if your alternator is dead you can usually go a brief period on the battery alone before it dies. as quickly as you drained the new battery, you're probably getting no charging at all. sometimes all the alt needs is a new voltage regulator with new brushes/contacts to the alt shaft to pickup the charge. doubtful your other issues play into this.

Originally Posted by ahull

probably is a failed alternator..

If it's the alternator, this well documented story of mine may be interesting to the OP:
- One users' example of total electrical failure (AAA towed away) alternator repair (1)