Hello
I had exactly the same problem today.
My Bis has not been used much recently, so I thought I'd take it on a long run to Sussex to see my parents, and it went like a dream 100 miles down the M1, M25, M23, A22. Then coming back I stopped to fill up with petrol and starting up the car again, it just went click, RRRrrrr....rrrr and that was it.
The Green Flag man came out and connected the jump starter machine and it went, but the rate thing was only 11.9. When the ignition was switched off, it was back 'click..click'. He reckoned the alternator was not doing anything at all and it was just running off the battery.
I was faced with getting the car jump started again and hoping it would keep going for the remaining 80 miles round the M23, M25 & M1 or getting a tow truck home. I stupidly cancelled my RAC membership in the name of economy, as I had 'free' breakdown cover with Green Flag with Nat West bank account. Turned out that as I was more than 10 miles from home, I had to pay for the tow and it was £259 to get back home. Given it was 7pm on a Sunday, I got the tow.
Anyway it looks like a new altenator and maybe, for peace of mind sake, a new battery.
To me moral of the story is don't bravely go for long trips if you have only been pootling around town in your 126 for a while without checking these things, and secondly check out the terms of any 'free or complimentary' breakdown insurance. The Green Flag guys were excellent though, and the Esso garage in Copthorne was a very good place to break down.
Chris
