I'm pretty sure with either one that the mechanic will take your old alternator for the "core charge". That's standard. :4ngie:

 

Sounds like you're getting ripped. Heres a bosch, which is a reputable company, and a few others including valeo which I believe is oem.

http://www.alloembmwparts.com/catal...5Ci,year:2002),AND(universal:1))&Vi=9710+4294964814+1580&y=2002&mk=BMW&md=325Ci

 

Hmmm why am I gettin ripped? Sorry can't see the link from my phone for some reason.. Is 350 too much for the BMW one? Or is 250 for the aftermarket one installed too much?

 

Some people have been reporting frustrating problems with aftermarket alternators, even of well-known brands. OK, they have not determined exactly WHAT it is, yet, but one less thing to have to consider, IMHO. So, it might be safer to go BMW here.

 

No issues here with a remanufactured Bosch 120 amp unit from BavAuto. $200 after core return.

 

Is Bosch that good or should I just spring an extra 150 for the BMW partV

 

make sure it has a good warranty, and save your receipt

 

:shhh:$200 reman valeo with lifetime warranty.... that was at cost through my garage from ac delco:woot: my next one is FREE

 

What company actually makes the OEM BMW alternator? Would it be labeled BMW?

edit(after a little searching): wow so the OEM parts are Bosch and Valeo correct? when the mechanic mentioned bosch, i believe he said it was aftermarket, but i guess he was wrong? its crazy how the mechanics i asked mentioned that the OEM alternators were like 500+ (one mechanic was ready to charge me $654 for the alternator and 150 labor), but on these sites im looking at theyre like 150.... im feeling like im missing something or misunderstanding something

also, if i dont return the core to the company selling me the alternator, would i be able to get anything for it? does it have any value?

and btw thanks to those who replied

 

Not E46, but it's about alternators:

My trusty 1991 Chevy fried its alternator. I rolled into a nearby auto place and bought whatever was in stock... turned out to be a factory replacement remanufactured unit. With a lifetime warranty.

The replacement failed in 18 months. Got it replaced. And again. And again. Always free. And always stranding me until I got it fixed.

Spoke with my brother (25+ year experienced master mechanic) and he mentioned that the stock GM/AC Delco alternator was a big part of the "mechanic's 401(k) plan". Great.

I finally I paid top dollar for a NEW Bosch unit and it's been running strong since... probably 6 years or better, and with more miles than the original OEM alternator.

When they remanufacture alternators they clean up the casings and replace wear parts. Not sure if they redo the windings or not, and quality of the replacement wear parts depends on the outfit doing remanufacturing.

For my money I'd get a Bosch replacement even if it's remanufactured. Bosch is not a low cost brand, and I don't think they would put their name on a rebuilt alternator with junky parts.

 

i found a site with a bosch 120 amp alternator for 160... no core charge, free fedex overnight... does that sound legit?

http://alternatorpros.com/alternators.htm?gclid=CLvTtOmwtJkCFQEpGgodOmgL6w

 

can someone please confirm that this is the part i need before i order it?

http://alternatorpros.com/alternators.htm?gclid=CLvTtOmwtJkCFQEpGgodOmgL6w

 

anyone?

 

if you gimme the last 7 of your VIN i can look for you right now and see what it says, im not doing jack anyway

 

So I got an alternator without having to send in the core.. Is the old alternator worth anything to me Or should I just leave it with the mechanic?

 

get it rebuilt and sell it on here

 

From the problem I'm having now, I'd say you would want to go with a BMW alternator. I purchased a Bosch 120amp alternator from O' Reily's a few months ago, the problems I'm encountering now are:
-Pulsating interior lights
-Pulsating brake, fog and reverse lights
-Also my alternator whines a little bit all the time

I paid less thatn $200 for it and I had to give them my old one.

I'm a firm believer when people say "BMW's are sensitive to electrical components like this."

 

ahh i see.. already got the job done though.. Bosch actually is the OEM alternator. Bosch and Valeos are OEM in my model (325ci 02). I still have the old alternator and it was a Bosch. so i guess the one i put in was OEM?
i remember a mechanic telling me when u replace the alternator you have to reset (?) the computer or something like that. hope the guy did it, forgot to ask

 

y dont you go to a junkyard oem and cheaper lol

 

Get the Bosch--it's not too much more. REMANS are fine--the BMW unit is a reman--and most of these will have a lifetime warranty too (keep your paperwork!)

Lastly, BOSCH is actually a huge charity in Germany so I always try to send 'em some of my business.

Here's one:

2001-2006 BMW 325Ci W0133-1810288
$157.95


from: http://www.alloembmwparts.com/catal...5Ci,year:2002),AND(universal:1))&Vi=9710+4294964814+1580&y=2002&mk=BMW&md=325Ci

 

Where did you end up getting it.

 

alternatorpros.com

really good price and they sound like good people . hopefully i dont have any issues with it.

 

Good, you save some money.

 

How'd everything work out with the unit from alternatorpros? I almost made the mistake of buying a Pepboys alternator (Prostart) out of desperation because I really hate being w/out a car in LA. But, after talking with 2 techs there who were honest enough to advise me not install one of theirs, I'm just gonna be patient and wait for Monday to roll around. My options now are to either buy one from the dealership or order thru pelicanparts.com. I forgot to mention that I have two friends that are BMW dealership techs and they both advised to stick with an original Bosch unit.

 

so far so good. everythings running great in the couple weeks since i got the car back. was a Bosch unit. as far as i know alternatorpros seems like a really good choice