XSeries-forum

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.

£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.

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

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.

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..

[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

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

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.

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.

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 ?

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. 

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

£1000 for an alternator. Jesus!

[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! 

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.

Controversial