- Hand tools like ratchets, sockets, and wrenches.
- Belt tensioner tool.
- Gloves and safety gear.
- Battery tender or memory saver, if necessary.
- Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks, if necessary.
Table of Contents
How long does it take to replace an alternator on a BMW?
How Long Does it Take to Change an Alternator? In general, it will take about two hours for you to replace an alternator on your own, though this could vary somewhat depending on your knowledge of car mechanics.
Where is the alternator in a 2008 BMW?
The BMW E60 alternator is located on the front left side of the engine and is driven by the main accessory (serpentine) belt.
How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a BMW?
An alternator repair costs around $375 โ $1,100. These numbers will vary based on the auto parts needing repair or replacement, car model, and labor cost. It takes about 2 hours for an alternator replacement โ about as long as a driveline repair and a little quicker than a clutch repair.
How many bolts does it take to remove an alternator?
Step 4: Remove Bolts Once the belt is off just remove whatever bolts connect the alternator to the bracket and you’re good to go. Our model required the removal of three bolts: one at the front and two at the rear.
When replacing an alternator What else should I replace?
When replacing and alternator, other upgrades are worth doing too. Go ahead and change the serpentine belt, tensioner and idler roller when replacing an alternator on your car or truck.
What is the labor cost to replace an alternator?
It usually takes two to three hours to replace an alternator. Depending on the mechanic’s hourly fee, that’s about $200 in labor costs. If you use OEM parts, you can expect to pay between $200 and $350 for a new alternator. If you don’t mind using aftermarket parts, you could pay between $100 to $200 for a new part.
How do I know if my alternator is bad on my BMW?
- Dead Battery.
- Slow Or Malfunctioning Accessories.
- Dashboard Warning Lights.
- Performance Issues.
- Trouble Starting Or Frequent Stalling.
- Growling Or Whining Noises.
- Smell Of Burning Rubber Or Wires.
- Electrical Issues.
How do I test my alternator?
- Get a multimeter.
- Set your multimeter to DCV (DC Volts) above 15.
- Make sure your alternator’s positive and negative terminals are clean.
- Put the multimeter’s black cable to the negative terminal and the red cable to the positive terminal.
- Look for an ideal alternator reading of around 12.6.
How much is a alternator for a 2007 BMW 530i?
2007 BMW 530i Alternator – from $204.99+ | AutoZone.com.
Do I need a new battery after replacing alternator?
While you have to disconnect the battery from the engine, you do not have to replace the battery when replacing the alternator. Alternators typically have a lifespan between seven and ten years, while batteries last between three and four.
How can I tell if I have a bad alternator?
- Dim or Overly Bright Lights.
- Dead Battery.
- Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories.
- Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling.
- Growling or Whining Noises.
- Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires.
- Battery Warning Light on Dash.
How long will a car run without alternator?
It entirely depends on the capacity of the car battery. If the battery does not have a full charge, the vehicle may run from 5 to 30 minutes. The runtime will increase in case of a fully charged battery. Another factor that affects the runtime is the car model.
How do you remove a pulley bolt from an alternator?

Is it worth replacing an alternator yourself?
Every AutoZone in the USA will check your alternator, starter, or battery at no charge.
Is it better to rebuild or replace an alternator?
Your prices may vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Additionally, you may be able to save even more money by replacing the alternator yourself. But you should only do that if you’re confident in your ability to do vehicle repairs.
What can drain a car battery when car is off?
Although there is no one right answer for every situation, we rarely recommend a rebuilt alternator. Sometimes a remanufactured alternator is a good option, but most of the time we recommend a new alternator.
How many hours of labor is alternator replacement?
What may drain a car battery when it’s off are things such as interior lights, door lights, or even bad relays. While your engine runs, the alternator recharges the battery โ which is why you typically don’t have to worry about the battery dying while you’re blasting the radio on your drive to work!
What happens if your alternator goes out while driving?
The average time for an alternator replacement is two-to-three hours. That gives you roughly $120- $200 in labor to start.
How long should an alternator last?
What happens when alternator stops working while driving? The car tends to slowly lose power if the alternator has gone bad while the car is being driven. You’ll notice the headlights start to dim shortly before the car loses power and dies.
Can you jump start a car with a bad alternator?
How Long Does an Alternator Last? Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven yearsโor between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. But be careful that you are not wearing it out prematurely!
What does bad alternator sound like?
Can you jumpstart a car with a bad alternator? It is possible in some cases to jumpstart a vehicle that has a faulty alternator, as long as the battery has enough of a charge to keep running. However, the alternator should be replaced as soon as possible.
Is it my battery or alternator?
If you’re hearing a grinding sound in your car, this could indicate that the alternator is going bad. The grinding sound may be caused by a worn-out bearing. Your car can also make a whining sound when the voltage regulator is sending signals to the alternator to charge more than is necessary.
How do I know if my alternator fuse is blown?
If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn’t keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can’t start again off of its own power, a dead battery is probably your answer.
How can I tell if my alternator is bad without a multimeter?
