Costs for an alternator repair range from $375 to $1,100.
These figures will change depending on the automobile model, the cost of labor, and the auto parts that need to be repaired or replaced. An alternator replacement takes around 2 hours, which is slightly less time than a clutch repair but roughly the same as a driveline repair.
The anticipated cost of parts, which includes a new belt, might be between $290 and $600. Labor might cost anything from $85 to $800, depending on where you get your car serviced.
If a new alternator is too expensive, you might alternatively ask your repair for a refurbished or rebuilt alternator. Make sure your products are covered by a guarantee to prevent future issues.
In This Article...
Why Should a BMW Alternator Be Replaced?
When the engine is operating, your BMW’s alternator is what gives the car power.
Without it, you wouldn’t have air conditioning, motorized windows, or a stereo to blast your favorite music (although, if your singing voice is anything like mine, it’s definitely best to have your windows up!)
However, the alternator’s primary function is to recharge the battery.
Your BMW won’t start if your battery dies, perhaps leaving you stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Avoid ignoring the warning indications; if your alternator is not charging properly, a problem will be indicated by the battery light on the dashboard.
It can cost between $400 and $1000+ to have the alternator replaced, depending on where it is located and whether additional parts need to be taken out to access the alternator.
Any of the numerous moving elements in a BMW alternator can eventually break down when it is heated up and becomes dusty. The bearings are most likely the problem.
Signs of a Malfunctioning Alternator (and Replacement Cost)
An alternator, also referred to as a synchronous generator, is a crucial part of a car’s charging system. It guarantees that your car starts and runs as it should along with the battery.
A faulty alternator immediately manifests itself in symptoms. Continue reading to learn about warning signals, average alternator replacement costs, and the lifespan of an alternator.
How much does it cost to replace an alternator?
The average time required to replace an alternator is two to three hours. Depending on the mechanic’s hourly rate, the labor charges would be close to $200. A new alternator should cost between $200 and $350 if you use OEM components. If you don’t mind purchasing aftermarket components, a new part can cost between $100 and $200.
How can I tell if the alternator in my BMW is damaged?
- An empty battery.
- Inefficient or dysfunctional accessories.
- Dashboard caution indicators.
- Performance Issues.
- Inability to start or persistent stalling
- Whining or growling noises
What is the lifespan of a BMW alternator?
It is crucial to go over the fundamentals of an alternator operation first. The alternator, which is attached to the engine, is responsible for giving the battery power. It maintains the car’s electrical and electronic systems operational and charges the battery continuously.
The alternator exerts the most effort of any component in your car, therefore ultimately it will burn out. An alternator lasts seven years or roughly 150,000 miles on average. The quality of the component, the state of the car as a whole, and the number of electronics in operation are some of the variables that might affect the alternator’s lifespan.
Are alternators simple to swap out?
Lacking funds this holiday season? One of the cheapest repairs you can make at home is replacing an alternator, which can cost several hundred dollars to accomplish at your neighborhood repair shop. You can change it yourself with a few simple tools and an hour or so, allowing you to keep your money where it belongs—in your pocket.
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Does it pay to repair an alternator?
If the alternator is broken, it is typically wiser to replace it totally. Even though they can be expensive, new ones are generally preferable than remanufactured or rebuilt alternatives. Since the mechanical components have a lot of miles on them, they most likely won’t last as long as a new one.
Check for a remanufactured or rebuilt alternator at your neighborhood auto parts store if you can’t afford a new one. If a mechanic is handling the installation, be sure they provide you a brand-new alternator rather than trying to save money by using a refurbished or rebuilt one.
A high-output alternator, which is more expensive, may be required for some vehicles with increased electrical needs, such as ambulances or vehicles with sizable, power-hungry sound systems.
Depending on the type of car, the cost of the parts varies widely, but it often falls between $150 and $300. An OEM alternator for a more recent Mercedes or Audi can easily cost close to $1,000 as more costly automobiles would typically demand more expensive parts.
Since certain alternators are simpler to access and require less time to work on, labor expenses also vary, but budget between $200 and $600 for the work.
Expect to shell out anything from $350 to $900 in total for an alternator replacement. In most circumstances, it will be less expensive to have an independent mechanic handle the work than a dealership.
Can I still drive if my alternator is broken?
Although it is technically possible to drive with a damaged alternator, it is not recommended. This is especially accurate for more recent car models. This is so because a newer model uses more electricity than an older one would. If your alternator is towards the end of its useful life, you might only get a few miles before the battery runs out or the car starts to show other electrical problems. The best course of action is to get your alternator replaced as soon as you start having problems by your neighborhood dependable service center.
How long does an alternator change take a mechanic?
It will take a professional roughly two hours to replace an alternator. It could take longer than two hours for a technician to work on your vehicle, so don’t assume that it will just be there for that amount of time. And it will take even longer if the store needs to order parts.
What happens if the alternator isn’t replaced?
Driving with a damaged alternator might come with a number of concerns. To be clear, a bad alternator is one that isn’t fully charging the battery. The typical automotive battery has a voltage of 12 volts, however most alternators generate over 14 volts to keep your battery charged.
The reason for this is that your car’s electronic systems all depend on its battery to function. You are helpless without that battery being charged.
A damaged alternator will create a discharged (dead) battery, which will prevent a car from starting or operating.
Alternators are not intended to recharge a dead battery; rather, they are made to keep a battery charged. The purpose of the alternator is to keep your battery consistently charged.
Because some contemporary vehicles have electric water pumps, they pose an even larger risk when the alternator fails. You run the risk of overheating and significant, irreparable engine damage if your water pump malfunctions but your automobile magically stays running. In some automobiles, the power steering is electrically powered.
Without that boost given by the power steering pump, steering can be a tremendous effort. The gasoline pumps on modern vehicles are also electric. The motor will also stop if the fuel pump fails. Of course, the ignition is the same. No spark, no momentum. If you have power steering, even the vintage belt-driven variety, the steering will abruptly stiffen up when the engine shuts off.
A power brake booster won’t be able to aid stop the car you’re suddenly having difficulties guiding if the engine isn’t functioning. It’s not a good combination at all.
As previously noted, if your automobile runs out of electricity while you’re driving, as you might imagine, it’s probably not going to end well. This is because your power steering is connected to a functioning battery.
What else has to be replaced in addition to the alternator?
Other improvements are important to make while changing an alternator. Replace the idler roller, tensioner, and serpentine belt when you replace the alternator in your automobile or truck.
A battery can an alternator become bad, right?
Loss of charge – If your alternator malfunctions, it may stop rerouting electricity back to the battery once the engine of your automobile has started. As a result, there is not enough power to keep the battery charged. An extended period without a charge can harm the battery if it occurs frequently.
How can a damaged alternator affect a car’s behavior?
The fuel injectors may not fire, resulting in an engine stall, if a defective alternator is unable to maintain a steady charge in your battery. A failing alternator can cause a variety of additional electrical problems. Generally speaking, these problems show themselves as a reduction in performance.
After replacing the alternator, do I still need a new battery?
Although I’m not a mechanic, I am aware that the alternator and battery are connected. That got me to wondering—does replacing the alternator also require replacing the battery?
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The battery must be disconnected from the engine, but the battery need not be replaced when the alternator is changed. Batteries normally last three to four years, whereas alternators typically last seven to ten years. It is optional to replace your battery and alternator at the same time, although you can if the dates coincide.
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Why does an alternator fail?
Any charging issue with the car, even a loose battery wire, is brought in:
“This battery cable needs to be replaced, and your automobile needed a new alternator,” the mechanic said.
A fresh alternator may fail right away if it tries to charge a dead battery since continuous operation in full charge mode can destroy an alternator.
A sudden failure of alternators?
The alternator is a crucial part of your car’s electrical system. The alternator converts the crankshaft’s energy into electricity, which is then stored in your car’s battery. The alternator serves to power the many electrical systems in your automobile and maintain battery charge while it is driving.
Your automobile may have a number of various electrical issues when your alternator starts to malfunction, and it may eventually break down. Alternators can break down quickly or gradually over time. There are certain warning indications you may watch out for if your alternator is gradually losing efficiency over time.