Alterator/ Battery Problem?

[Manan^BMW]

Chaps,

Brief summary: I have been running with the battery light on for about 4-5 days. Chose not to do anything about it and of course, the inevitable happened. She sputtered to a halt. Of course, I knew it could possibly be only 2 reasons: a. battery gone kaput and b. the alternator has packed up.

Called the AAA guy and he helped to jump start the car. But about a minute later the engine stopped again. Now, I am guessing it is the alternator which is at fault here. Do correct me if I am wrong please.

Question: Towed her to a AAA certified garage. I have been to this garage previously when I had the starter motor replaced with a remanufactured one. I ended up with a bill of $650. So, keeping that in mind what sort of bill am I looking at now? I did a bit of digging and found that the price of OEM/remanufactured alternators range between $150-280. Is it a complex job? As in complex = more labour = bigger bill. Or it should be pretty straight forward? Which are some of the better alternator brands to pick from? In a different post I have read the name Valeo come up. Is that a good brand?

Will appreciate any insight/experience/help.


Thanks very much


Manan

[318iM44]

Originally Posted by Manan^BMW

Chaps,

Brief summary: I have been running with the battery light on for about 4-5 days. Chose not to do anything about it and of course, the inevitable happened. She sputtered to a halt. Of course, I knew it could possibly be only 2 reasons: a. battery gone kaput and b. the alternator has packed up.

Called the AAA guy and he helped to jump start the car. But about a minute later the engine stopped again. Now, I am guessing it is the alternator which is at fault here. Do correct me if I am wrong please.

Question: Towed her to a AAA certified garage. I have been to this garage previously when I had the starter motor replaced with a remanufactured one. I ended up with a bill of $650. So, keeping that in mind what sort of bill am I looking at now? I did a bit of digging and found that the price of OEM/remanufactured alternators range between $150-280. Is it a complex job? As in complex = more labour = bigger bill. Or it should be pretty straight forward? Which are some of the better alternator brands to pick from? In a different post I have read the name Valeo come up. Is that a good brand?

Will appreciate any insight/experience/help.


Thanks very much


Manan

If you have not fixed it, that brand name is pretty much original part.

The process to replace it, is not difficult, as long as you have patience, time, and basic hand tools.

The DIY is available online for free, by simply using the keywords.

[Shellback]

just in case...http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=38803
PM me...

[Manan^BMW]

318iM44 : Finding time is the trick, isnt it? Unfortunately, was in a bit of a hurry so real time for DIY. But thanks much.

Shellback: Thanks for the reply. I did see that post.



With Regards,
Manan