Stadium Auto ServiceWant to know why your BMW X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 XM iX alternator died?
Why does a BMW alternator replacement cost so much?
We won't bore you with how an alternator works.
Just how to get the best value for a BMW X Alternator Replacement in Ann Arbor, MI.
Beware of auto repair shops that jump to conclusions and condemn the battery, alternator, or both before they thoroughly and correctly diagnose the cause of the problem. Diagnosis first, then repair. There is no guesswork at Stadium Auto Service in Ann Arbor, MI. We know how to diagnose and repair BMW alternator charging problems!
Battery or Alternator?
When your BMW doesn't start, it is usually because the battery is low, flat, or dead. The question is, why is the battery drained? Possibly, the headlights or interior light got left on. Maybe there is an electrical short or parasitic electrical drain on the battery. Perhaps the battery is just old and worn out.
Or the alternator has failed and is not charging the battery. If the vehicle hasn't been serviced for a while, the battery terminals might be corroded, which causes a poor electrical connection, and the alternator can't charge the battery. And don't forget about all the wires, connectors, sensors, and fuses between the battery and the alternator. There are many causes for no-crank, no-start problems.
Of course, there is a good chance there has been an alternator problem for a while, which has now damaged the battery, and both need replacement. Sigh. Finding the actual cause of BMW X starting problems can be a chicken or egg situation...
Symptoms of a Bad Battery
Your BMW battery keeps going dead. You jump-start the vehicle, and it starts without issue. After the jumper battery is disconnected, the engine keeps running. The battery can be charged, but if the vehicle sits for several days or hours without running, the battery will self-discharge and become dead. It simply won't hold a charge. Cold temperatures make the battery problem worse.
Symptoms of a Bad Alternator
-
You can jump-start the vehicle, and it will start and run. But as soon as the boost battery is disconnected, the engine will quickly stall and not want to crank or start. The battery has a low charge, and the alternator is not producing enough power to keep the engine running.
-
The headlights are dim when the engine runs, especially when other vehicle accessories, such as the heater, are turned on. The alternator is not producing enough power to replace the electrical energy used by the vehicle.
Symptoms of a Bad Alternator and Bad Battery
Sometimes, when the alternator fails, the battery will also fail, especially if the battery is getting old. Be aware that the alternator can partially fail with decreased output that doesn't fully charge the battery. The battery eventually gets drained to a point where it won't crank and start the engine. Each time the battery gets discharged below 50%, the battery life is shortened. If the battery is near the end of its life, each discharge weakens it further and brings it closer to failure. A failing alternator will often cause the battery also to fail.
The typical pattern is that the alternator starts to fail and does not fully charge the battery. The battery never gets fully charged and rapidly deteriorates until it fails. This is especially common with older batteries. Modern vehicles are highly dependent on the electrical system, and there is a point where the vehicle won't start or continue to run unless a jumper battery is connected.
Diagnosis
Any good diagnosis begins by closely listening to the customer describe their vehicle's problems and how it is acting. A good, detailed customer problem description can lower the cost of diagnosis and save you money.
Diagnosing BMW engine no-crank and starting problems begins with checking the vehicle computer for stored error codes. Intermittent issues caused by broken wires, corroded battery terminals or cable connections, a weak battery, or alternator problems are usually shown in error codes and provide a starting point for electrical system problem diagnosis.
The next step in diagnosing an engine no-crank problem is checking the battery's condition. The technician must test the battery with a capacity draw test to ensure it is not the problem. If the battery is drained low or dead, it must be recharged before testing continues.
Battery cable connections are also a common cause of BMW no-crank problems. Battery connections need to be clean and tight. The alternator output can be tested once the vehicle cranks, starts, and runs without a booster battery.
Once the cause of the problem is identified, the customer is contacted with a diagnostic report and a repair estimate. Once the customer approves the repair, the parts are ordered, and the repair can begin.
Cautions
A weak battery makes the alternator work harder, leading to a shortened life and a failed alternator.
A weak alternator will cause the battery to deteriorate and fail quickly.
Tips
Have starting problems diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and increased repair costs.
Check and clean battery terminals regularly. Corroded battery terminals and cable connections create high resistance, which can cause starting problems and prevent the alternator from charging the battery. Battery terminal service is part of a good winter preparation service.
High and low temperatures place high loads on batteries, dramatically shortening their life. A tune-up service ensures the engine starts quickly, decreasing battery discharge and extending life.
Battery life averages about four years, depending on battery quality, vehicle use, and winter conditions. A rule of thumb is that every time a battery is discharged to the point where the engine won't crank and start, it shortens the battery life by one year!
BMW X Alternator Replacement Cost
Alternator replacement cost for BMW X models varies depending on the year, model, and engine of the vehicle. We will need the vehicle's VIN number to provide a BMW X Alternator Replacement estimate.
Why Stadium Auto Service
Great value.
Quick service.
Rock solid guarantee.
PS. We know how to fix BMW starting problems. Very well.
If your BMW X is having problems starting, Stadium Auto Service can quickly and accurately diagnose the problem and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Contact us for help (734) 369-6787 or request an estimate.
Check below for our customer reviews and feedback from our BMW customers.