Replace your BMW alternator

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Compare BMW alternator repair cost and specialists near you


The car’s alternator plays a crucial role in keeping the battery charged.

You may be able to spot that it isn’t working properly if your headlights are dimmer, you can small burning rubber or a growling/whining noise.

Your car battery acting up may also be the result of starter motor failure.

Top garages for BMW Alternator Repair (12,373 found)
Quick Stop Autocentres Ltd
236 Jobs Completed
West Gortorn
4.9 / 5

We are an established Family run company that has been trading for over 46 years At Quick Stop Autocentres we offer a complete range of car services, including; tyres,

Automaster repair centre limited
14 Jobs Completed
Chadderton
4.0 / 5

Duffys Motors
1994 Jobs Completed
Gateshead
4.9 / 5

Gearbox specialist for 3 years before moving onto work at a number of different dealerships including Kia, Skoda, Audi, Fiat and Alfa. In 2013 I decided to fly solo and s

Bishop Autos Mobile Mechanic
906 Jobs Completed
Gloucester
4.8 / 5

Bishop autos a local mobile mechanic business set up in 2014 we are a company specialising in the mobile repair, maintenance and computer diagnostics of today’s vehicle

Dorset (Hampshire) Response (Mobile Repairs)
2119 Jobs Completed
Poole
4.8 / 5

Dorset/Hampshire Response is a family run mobile service that has been offering discounts for NHS and Who can fix my car customers for a while HOW ARE WE SO CHEAP? Strea

Mobile Help Mechanics
104 Jobs Completed
Maidenhead
5.0 / 5

Welcome to MH Mobile Mechanics, your reliable partner in automotive care on the go. With a passion for vehicles and a commitment to quality, we bring the garage to you, p

Blackpole Trade and Save Autocentre
186 Jobs Completed
Worcester
4.6 / 5

Blackpole Trade & Save Autocentre in Worcester, the place for all makes & models vehicle maintenance. We have an MOT Test Centre on-site located in Blackpole, Wor

K&B Car Centre
603 Jobs Completed
Nottingham
4.9 / 5

Been in the motor trade for 20 years. Nvq level 2 & 3 and am also an MOT Tester. Excellent customer service skills having been involved in all aspects of garage work

S&M mobile technician✌️
14 Jobs Completed
Manchester
5.0 / 5

Bond Motor Services
336 Jobs Completed
Bristol
4.2 / 5

"Welcome to Bond Motor Services, a modern-thinking Motor Dealership and Repair Centre with a focus on traditional values and Service. We offer competitive Vehicle Servici

LM MOTOR CLINIC
632 Jobs Completed
KIlmarnock
4.8 / 5

Welcome to LM Motor Clinic in Kilmarnock. We are a long-established well run RAC approved business providing exceptional garage repair services all provided by fully qual

Formula One Autocentres - Basildon
676 Jobs Completed
Basildon
4.2 / 5

Established in 1974, Formula One Autocentres set out with a mission to deliver a completely new fast-fit experience to its customers. This would feature clean, modern pre

Elite Garages Southampton
843 Jobs Completed
Southampton
4.9 / 5

Elite Garages are one of the South’s leading independent tyre, MOT and car service operators with a turnover in excess of £53 million and around 240 employees. Elite

Protyre Fareham
333 Jobs Completed
Fareham
3.9 / 5

Here at Protyre Fareham we offer friendly and professional advice and services for all makes of car.

Mr Tyre Ltd - Boston
274 Jobs Completed
Boston
4.3 / 5

Mr Tyre Ltd was established in 1971 at Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham in the West Midlands with one store. We now operate a total of 38 strategically placed fitting centres

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Replace your BMW alternator
Frequently asked questions
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What is a car alternator?

The car's alternator performs a simple but vital job: to keep your car's battery charged. The battery is responsible for starting the car, spark plugs, lights, electrics, and sometimes power steering - quite a job - so it's essential that it's topped up - and that's what the alternator does.

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What are common problems with an alternator?

The alternator acts like a small generator: the engine spins, and the alternator turns that spinning motion into electricity. The most common problems are worn brushes (the component that maintains constant electrical contact with the spinning alternator) and a failing voltage regulator (which ensures that the charge is sent to the battery at the correct voltage.)

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What are the common symptoms of alternator problems?

Common signs of car alternator problems include the 'charge' or battery lights flashing on the dashboard, flickering or dimming headlights and interior lights and a growling or whining noise under the bonnet.

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What is the average alternator repair cost?

An alternator can be rebuilt as opposed to replaced, however in truth the difference in cost is often quite small. Either way the most common repair cost is around £150-200.

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How to test an alternator for problems

A simple way to test an alternator for problems is to do what's known as the headlight test. Park your car with the headlights on or run it in neutral, then rev the engine. If the headlights dim you could well have an alternator problem. A better test is to take your car to a garage, where a car alternator can be tested using a multimeter tool.

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What happens if my alternator breaks?

If your alternator fails, your car battery won't charge and, very soon, will have insufficient charge to start the car.

Average rating for  BMW Alternator Repair  bookings

4.58

45 reviews

BMW Alternator Prices

Alternator repair prices can vary depending on your BMW model due to differences in labour time and parts needed but you can expect to pay between £250-£300. Take a look below at the average quote on WhoCanFixMyCar.com for some of the top car makes.


Alternator Repair Cost by BMW Model
BMW ModelAverage PriceGet Quotes
BMW 1 Series£644.81
BMW 3 Series£524.30
BMW 5 Series£585.14
BMW X3£416.73
BMW X6£763.58
BMW 7 Series£568.94
BMW X5£477.61

This table uses data from quotes provided on WhoCanFixMyCar.com between 19/01/2024 and 18/04/2024.

Although the alternator is a relatively simple BMW part, it plays a critical role in your vehicle’s operation, so it’s essential any alternator problems are diagnosed correctly and fixed.


Here are some of the most common signs that your BMW alternator is on the blink:

  • The alternator warning light will be on – in most cases this is shaped like a battery but some cars will show ‘ALT’ or ‘GEN’
  • You may experience extremely bright or dimming headlights, or a speedometer that stops working
  • Drivers sometimes complain of a growling or whining noise before the alternator gives out
  • You may experience a smell of hot wires or burning rubber


The average BMW alternator repair cost is between £200 and £300, depending on the model of your BMW, so it’s important you make sure you find the best deal. And that’s where we can help.


Here’s how it works:

  • Simply enter your car registration number
  • Give us some details about your vehicle and the kind of repair work you require
  • We’ll send you a great selection of quotes from mechanics in your area
  • We use our network of 7,000 mechanics and garages across the UK to find you the best deal. You can then compare the quotes, read reviews from previous customers and book your alternator repair online.
  • Enter your registration to compare alternator repair prices, read reviews and book your car in online.
Gary from Complete Mechanics explains the workings of the alternator