Where should I get an Alternator?

[MarqE36]

On my E36 325i, my lights seem to flicker at different rates at different times. I've replaced my battery with a new one, but didnt really make much difference at all. Now I'm thinking it's my alternator starting to go bad. What's the best place to get an alternator? Can I jus get it rebuilt at any local shop that does it? what's your recommendation?

..Im trying to avoid the dealer cost as possible.

 

[Big Daddy]

One of our sponsors, Arizona Autohaus has them on sale at this time: AZ AutoHaus

 

[epj3]

autohaus rocks.

 

[Kirby]

I have placed 3 or 4 orders with Autohaus, and have been very happy with service and pricing.

 

[MarqE36]

Thanks for the link. I don't know what AMP the alternator I have on the car right now. Would it matter which AMP I go with?

 

[epj3]

I have placed 3 or 4 orders with Autohaus, and have been very happy with service and pricing.

Hehe I've got you beat by about 10 orders [headbang] [headbang]


(or is that more of a "?" Kind of like how my parts guy at the local dealer knows me on a first name basis...)

 

[Kirby]

Yeah, I'm on a first name basis with the primary counter man at the local dealer too.

 

[epj3]

Yeah, I'm on a first name basis with the primary counter man at the local dealer too.

Actually come to think of it, all 4 guys who work at the parts counter know me on a first name basis. Does your dealer give you an automatic-discount all the time? I got a 20% discount today on a hydraulic line... usually they give me 10-15%

 

[Big Daddy]

Thanks for the link. I don't know what AMP the alternator I have on the car right now. Would it matter which AMP I go with?

Yes you want the same amp alt. you have now. That information should be stamped on the alt.

 

[Kirby]

Actually come to think of it, all 4 guys who work at the parts counter know me on a first name basis. Does your dealer give you an automatic-discount all the time? I got a 20% discount today on a hydraulic line... usually they give me 10-15%

They give me 10% to 15% depending on how much I am spending.

 

[MarqE36]

Yes you want the same amp alt. you have now. That information should be stamped on the alt.

figured. I popped the hood open and tried looking for the AMP label on the alternator but couldn't spot it, its not visible.

 

[Big Daddy]

According to Arizona Autohaus' site they will need your cars build date and the model/part number off the old alt. Can you locate those?

 

[MarqE36]

The car's build date is 07/92 I just cant seem to locate the part# of the alt.that's on there. Would it be on the back of the alt? Im trying not to remove the alternator while in the process, since I need the car to drive around with.

 

[epj3]

The car's build date is 07/92 I just cant seem to locate the part# of the alt.that's on there. Would it be on the back of the alt? Im trying not to remove the alternator while in the process, since I need the car to drive around with.

You don't need the part number off the alternator. Go to realoem.com or autohausaz.com and put in your car, then look for the alternator that matches your build date and automatic/manual transmission (I know they are different on some cars.) They'll point you in the right direction.

 

[Big Daddy]

Eric he needs his part number because he does not know if he has an 80 amp or 140 amp, and you need to know that. Also Arizona AutoHaus makes a specific request for that information. Realoem does cannot tell him which amp alt he has, they too list both.

 

[epj3]

The 140 amp is used if you have an automatic and maybe in some other circumstances, but yea I guess he does have to find the part number. More than likely, with the way BMW's just are... the part number will be stamped onto the side of the alternator facing the engine!

 

[MarqE36]

Ok thanks, ill try looking again. If I can't really spot the part/alt # then I'll just go ahead and order the 80 AMP one (from AZ autohaus probably) which I believe is more likely than 140.. and mine's a 5-spd btw. How does the order work? they send me the ALT and I send them my old one in the same box free of charge?

 

[Big Daddy]

Why don't you give them a call and ask them about cores and shipping, they are excellent to work with.

 

[epj3]

Yea autohaus is great, both them and bavauto are great if you need to talk to someone. BMA is supposed to be good, too - never ordered through them.