BMW Alternator Replacement Cost: What You Need To Know

If you’ve noticed warning lights on your BMW’s dashboard or issues with the electrical system, your alternator may be failing. But how much does it cost to replace a BMW alternator? On average, expect to pay $650 to $850 in total for BMW alternator replacement parts and labor costs. However, costs can vary considerably depending on your specific BMW model, alternator parts pricing, and local labor rates.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about BMW alternator replacement costs including:

What an alternator is and how it works in a BMW
Signs your alternator is failing
Itemized alternator parts and labor costs
Tips to save money on BMW alternator replacement
Step-by-step instructions for DIY
Alternator warranty coverage
Frequently asked questions

Knowing what to expect for BMW alternator replacement costs allows you to budget for this common repair and make an informed decision when faced with a failing alternator. Let’s start by understanding exactly what an alternator does in your BMW.

What is a BMW Alternator and What Does it Do?

The alternator is a critical electrical component in your BMW that generates power to charge the battery and run all of the electronics in your car. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy that powers the ignition system, headlights, radio, and other electrical accessories.

Without a properly working alternator, your BMW’s battery will quickly drain and the car will shut off as soon as stored battery power runs out. The alternator ensures your battery stays perpetually charged as you drive.

Some key facts about BMW alternators:

Mounted on the front of the engine and belt driven
Charges 12V lead-acid battery while engine is running
Generates between 90 to 120 amps of power usually
Uses diodes, brushes, and a rotor to induce current

When you turn the ignition key, the alternator kickstarts and begins charging right away. The regulator ensures voltage remains steady at around 14.5 volts as it flows to the battery.

Signs of a failing BMW alternator often mimic a drained battery. Let’s look at symptoms next.

Signs Your BMW Alternator is Failing

Catching alternator problems early allows you to replace it before being left stranded with a dead battery. Here are the most common signs of BMW alternator failure:

Dimming or flickering headlights especially at low RPMs
Battery not maintaining a charge – goes dead overnight
Electrical system warning lights come on the dashboard
Odd smells or sounds from alternator belt area

As the alternator starts to wear out, it will struggle to generate sufficient amperage to keep the battery charged. This leads to dimming headlights when idling at stoplights and electrical issues.

The battery warning light, battery with slashes icon, or “Service Battery Charging System” message may indicate a bad alternator. Strange smells, squealing noises, or belt slippage could also be clues.

Your BMW mechanic can test the charging system and confirm if the alternator needs replacement when you notice these warning signs. If so, what’s the typical cost?

BMW Alternator Replacement Cost

The total bill to replace a failed BMW alternator is usually between $650 to $850 on average. This includes the alternator parts cost plus 4-6 hours of BMW specialty shop labor. Of course, costs can be higher or lower depending on your BMW model, specific parts pricing, your location, and the mechanic/dealership doing the repair.

Let’s break down the typical costs:

BMW Alternator Parts Cost

The alternator itself represents the biggest portion of the overall replacement cost. OEM BMW alternators usually range from $300 up to $600 or more. Aftermarket versions can drop the parts cost down to between $150 and $350 on average.

Parts pricing depends on:

Your BMW model – newer and high performance models cost more
Buying OEM vs. aftermarket parts
Sourcing a new or rebuilt/refurbished alternator

For example, a remanufactured alternator for a 2000 BMW 328i can be found for around $175. But a new OEM alternator for a 2018 BMW M5 could cost over $500.

Shopping around for sales on aftermarket units can save over choosing OEM. Let’s look at labor next.

BMW Alternator Labor Cost

Figure 4-6 hours of BMW specialty shop labor to replace the alternator at $100 to $150 per hour on average. This brings total book time labor costs to $400-$900.

The labor involves:

Accessing the alternator (removal of parts may be required)
Removing and replacing the alternator
Testing operation
Adjusting or replacing belts

Your mechanic may discover additional issues that extend the work required once they get access to the alternator. This could add time to the repair job.

In total, parts plus labor typically lands between $650 to $850 total for BMW alternator replacement overall.

Next let’s look at a few ways you can lower the costs.

Ways to Save on BMW Alternator Replacement

Here are some tips to get a lower BMW alternator replacement quote:

Use aftermarket or remanufactured parts – Save big over OEM alternator pricing
Shop around – Get quotes from multiple shops to compare
Ask about part warranties – Some offer 1-3 year warranties
Negotiate on labor rate – Avoid dealerships to save on hourly rate
Buy your own parts – Lower labor costs, shop online for deals
Consider DIY replacement – Big savings if you have experience

Even small savings on parts or labor add up quickly on this common BMW repair. Now let’s look at the alternator replacement process from start to finish.

Step-by-Step BMW Alternator Replacement

Replacing a BMW alternator involves removing the old unit, installing the new one, and testing operation. Here is an overview of the complete alternator replacement process:

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery to cut power during the repair. This protects against electrical shorts.

Step 2: Release Belt Tension

Locate the mounting bolts for the belt tensioner to release tension from the alternator belt before removal.

Step 3: Remove Accessory Belts and Pulleys

Refer to your BMW’s service manual to determine which accessory belts, covers, wiring, and other components must be removed to access the alternator.

Step 4: Remove Mounting Bolts

Remove the mounting bolts securing the alternator to the engine. Carefully remove the old unit from the vehicle.

Step 5: Install New Alternator

Transfer any necessary pulleys or mounting brackets over to the new or refurbished replacement alternator.

Step 6: Reinstall Belts and Components

Reinstall the accessory belts, covers, wiring and other components in reverse order of disassembly.

Step 7: Reconnect Battery

Reconnect the battery after replacing the alternator. Start the vehicle and test operation.

Step 8: Verify Charging System Operation

Let the new alternator run to allow the charging system to come up to operating temperature. Verify it is charging the battery within normal range. Watch for warning lights or issues with electrical accessories to confirm proper operation.

This summarizes the major steps involved in BMW DIY alternator replacement. Having the right tools and service manual for your BMW model is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about BMW alternator issues and replacement costs:

Does a New Battery Fix a Bad Alternator?

No, if your BMW alternator is bad, a new battery will not fix the problem for more than a short time. The underlying cause is the failing alternator, not the state of the battery. Replace the alternator to permanently resolve charging system issues.

How Urgent is it to Replace a Failing Alternator?

It’s smart to replace a failing BMW alternator promptly before being left stranded with a dead battery away from home. Continuing to drive with a bad alternator can potentially damage electrical components. The sooner the alternator is replaced, the less risk of collateral damage.

Can I Drive with a Bad Alternator?

You can drive a BMW with a bad alternator, but only for a short distance before the battery dies. Avoid extended driving until the alternator is replaced. Jump starting will allow you to drive straight to the mechanic. But the car will die again soon after if the alternator is not charging.

When to Replace Your BMW Alternator?

If you notice any symptoms of a failing alternator, have it tested and replaced right away. In general, BMW alternators last between 60,000-100,000 miles on average. Higher performance models may need replacement sooner.

Don’t continue driving once you see signs of a bad alternator. And consider proactively replacing it once over 100k miles to avoid being left stranded by a failure down the road. The cost of preventative replacement is less than emergency roadside repair fees.

BMW Alternator Warranty Coverage

The BMW new car factory warranty provides 4 years/50,000 miles of coverage that would include the alternator. BMW Certified Pre-Owned vehicles also come with alternator coverage. Once the original warranty expires, BMW alternator replacement costs are your responsibility.

Purchasing an extended warranty from BMW or third party provider can cover alternator replacement beyond the new car terms. Compare plans to decide if the cost makes sense.

Aftermarket alternators may come with a 1-3 year warranty from the parts supplier. Labor costs may not be included. Keep any receipts for your alternator purchase and installation in case you need to utilize the warranty.

Conclusion

A failing alternator is one of the most common issues on higher mileage BMWs. While replacing a bad alternator is not cheap due to BMW labor rates, being proactive allows you to minimize costs. Use aftermarket parts, shop for the best deal on labor, and consider doing the replacement yourself to save the most money.

Knowing typical BMW alternator replacement costs in advance makes it easier to budget for this repair when the time comes. With proactive maintenance and swift action when warning signs appear, your BMW will stay charged up and running smoothly for years.