This is normal but as you think , it's too darn low IMO .

I am beginning to experiment with BOSCH brand regulators ending in 023 & 028 , those should do the trick , no other brand (and I've tried lots) will give above 13.9 VDC and they usually only have 11.5 @ idle when the lights , HVAC and radio are on .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better