New Alternator needed :(

[RoShamBo]

Jumped in the car Friday night to go collect the missus from town. 15 minute / 5 mile drive.
Parked up, turned engine off, literally for 5 minutes. Tried to start the car and nothing, felt like a completely flat battery. Had no issues leading up to this.

Stranded, called the AA and chap came out and diagnosed alternator fault. He hooked up a fresh battery and I got the car home.

Been quoted £ 756 by local specialist to supply and fit a new alternator "its not an easy job sir" - does that sound about right ?

Car is a 2003 4.4i (110k miles) and searching on here, a new alternator seems to be something these age / mileage cars often need.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cheers.

[X5-D-Sport]

£756 ???? :'(

They gotta be having a LAUGH...

I got one fitted by Formula-1 Auto centres... supply & fit for £315.
It was a repro unit - 180 Amp output device & took 2 hrs to fit - all done from under the car.

Even tho it was an unbranded alternator, it had Bosche tickets in the box.... so was worth every penny.

[Smeeagain]

What vehicle are we talking about?

I stood and watched my local guy do mine (on ramps from underneath) and it wasn't that difficult or long to do. I have an E53 2004 3.0D Sport. It recall it being £250 supplied and fitted but it wasn't difficult and didn't take that long.

Smee

[RoShamBo]

Its a 4.4i Sport (2003)

Think £756 is taking the whatsit to be honest. Have a couple of places coming back to me on a cost.

Good to know its not a mammouth job (for when I am told it is by the garages !)

Thanks all.

Ro.

[X5-D-Sport]

You can change it yourself on ramps in about 1.5 hrs....
1 big wire you need to disconnect & stuff in a thick leather glove - as its connected to the battery..
and a plug connector to pull off,
Take a picky of the belts after removing the under-tray & the engine cover for access, also ping off the air intake on top of the rad...
So far, this lot is 10mins tops...
the tension release is simple with a bar, and one tension bolt & the long bolt that goes thru the two lower pivot points.....
It is literally that simple...

Would take longer to get the vehicle on ramps & put the engine covers back on the to actually do the job.

Just cos its a 4.4... the alternator is probably the same unit, as it doesn't have to produce more power or supply power for a town lol..

Garages like to quote the balls out of us, just because its a big engine machine.... the part is the same & just as simple as any other X5 alternator...

And the voodoo approach of a higher alternator output is simply a few more windings in the stature...
Don't be bamboozled by the BULL these gold diggers spout to us..

[Smeeagain]

[quote="RoShamBo"]
Its a 4.4i Sport (2003)

Think £756 is taking the whatsit to be honest. Have a couple of places coming back to me on a cost.

Good to know its not a mammouth job (for when I am told it is by the garages !)

Thanks all.

Ro.
[/quote]

Let us know what revised quotes you get
Smee

[X5-D-Sport]

You could actually buy a whole engine for £750... including the Alternator..!  :'( ::)

[gmc15]

I am not sure but I think the alternators for the V8's might be water cooled and are quite a bit more expensive than normal ones.

[Steamyrotter]

Quick search on eBay shows lots of alternators below £275

Put your vin in realoem and then get the part number for the alternator.
Then search for that number.

[RoShamBo]

Yep - water cooled on the 4.4i which means they are more expensive and also the cooling system needs draining / refilling when a new one is fitted, adding to the overall cost.

Looks like they are around £300 ish and 2-3 hours to fit. Been quoted £500 all in by a recommended BMW specialist which I feel sounds like a decent - not taking the mick - quote ?

[CondorX5]

A new one, fitted, from the main dealer was around the £1000 mark - mine was replaced under warranty (4.8is) a few years ago. I recall Raj had a warranty replacement as well, he may be on here later to confirm costs.  It took a few hours for the fitting, not the easiest of jobs apparently. 

[Smeeagain]

[quote="CondorX5"]
A new one, fitted, from the main dealer was around the £1000 mark
[/quote]

£1000 for an alternator. Jesus!

[CondorX5]

[quote="Smeeagain"]
[quote="CondorX5"]
A new one, fitted, from the main dealer was around the £1000 mark
[/quote]

£1000 for an alternator. Jesus!
[/quote]

Lol Luckily never had to pay for it!    That was including fitting from what I recall, at crazy main dealer labour prices! 

[X5-D-Sport]

Personally, I'd fit an adapter between the two water connectors and use a standard alternator.

Alternators of years past have managed without cooling, and on much bigger engines too.
Personally I'd save the money... don't think its necessary.

[Smeeagain]

Controversial