XSeries-forum

Controversial indeed....

im sure there is some newfangled reason why BMW need to cool the V8's alternator...

I had a Landrover & Rangerover V8's... neither of them had or needed a cooled alternator...
but..
We know BMW like to complicate the simplest things lol  )

Thought I would circle back and close this thread off.

My mechanic came today and fitted a (water cooled !) alternator, was with me for about 3 hours and did it on my drive no problem.
The alternator had seized but the belt had continued to try and drive it, causing it to slip - which is why when he first arrived and started the car with a new battery connected, there was a bit of smoke.
New alternator and belt fitted, coolant re-filled and all good. Taken the car for a decent drive to charge up the battery and all seems fine now.
£540 fitted (parts = alternator, belt, coolant) so not too bad all things considered.

In the same situation, will be ordering a new alternator on eBay and try doing the job myself on the driveway. Any tips from when your mechanic did it?  :'(

Not sure you could fit an ordinary alternator as the watercooled ones fit into a recess in the engine casing. They can be a real bu**er to change.

There is no way you can fit an ordinary air cooled alternator, no room for a start.It is watercooled.
I had mine seize up last year, managed to get a new one off the ebay fo £400 and changed the belts and pulleys and adjusters took me a while as I am 73.
Definitely a diy job, but have a look at the Pelican site, they do brilliant How To's.

Lez

Lez, credit to you

[quote="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.
[/quote]

Sorry if already mentioned as I havnt read all the posts, loads of places refurb alternators, usually it's the bearings or voltage regulator, much cheaper than new and usually carry a warranty