Alternator Options

[PSUEng]

Waking up to say it's my turn. Thanks for the RockAuto link, seems the way to go. Question - what else to do while in there? Pulleys and belts?

When I did mine I also did both belts, both tensioners, idler pulley, fan and fan clutch along with new bolts for everything. Looking back on it, I should have also done the oil filter housing gasket and associated sensor (I can’t remember if it’s temp or pressure) since the alternator was out. I also bought my Valeo alternator from Rockauto, best price I found at the time.

[BlueBimmers]

Waking up to say it's my turn. Thanks for the RockAuto link, seems the way to go. Question - what else to do while in there? Pulleys and belts?

[old///MFanatic]

Sean C (FCP Euro) Nov 3, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT Hello Nathan, Thanks for contacting FCP Euro! I am happy to look into this for you. I do apologize as the replacement does have to be the same exact brand for the lifetime replacement program. The refunds are processed on the original price and not the replacement cost.

Welp there’s that. Not sure when they changed this part of Lifetime warranty. I do know a few here had issues with the Elring (oe) VCGs becuz of their packaging. We all switched to Genuine BMW next time around and only paid the cost difference to upgrade.
Even the site says they don’t cover the price difference to upgrade. Nor price differences in original cost. That reads to me that the customer would have to pay, not that they can’t upgrade. Dunno, suppose somewhere else it may say that I don’t see.
I did wonder if it had to do with core charge being same type but heck I don’t have any idea what FCP does with other old stuff other than trash/recycle.

[dukeofchen]

I believe this was baked into the recent changes to their Lifetime Guarantee policy

[Nate047]

Sean C (FCP Euro) Nov 3, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT Hello Nathan, Thanks for contacting FCP Euro! I am happy to look into this for you. I do apologize as the replacement does have to be the same exact brand for the lifetime replacement program. The refunds are processed on the original price and not the replacement cost.

[old///MFanatic]

Agreed LOL I am not stoked about having to do this again.

Also just as a data point, FCP replied to my ticket and they will only allow me to return and replace with the same unit, not allowed to upgrade and pay the difference.

Hmm that’s strange. They had in past allowed to upgrade and pay the difference if a part was faulty and replaced under Lifetime Warranty.

[Nate047]

Agreed LOL I am not stoked about having to do this again.

Also just as a data point, FCP replied to my ticket and they will only allow me to return and replace with the same unit, not allowed to upgrade and pay the difference.

[Slideways]

Cool yea I'm not planning on doing another Bosch. Basically I'm trying to decide if these two are comparable quality and reliability wise:

Valeo branded, "brand new" : https://www.bimmerworld.com/Alternat...831-436_2.html

"Remanufactured Valeo alternator" also called "Genuine BMW" : https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...z3-12317831436

Assuming both are equal quality (are they?) does the risk of failure outside of the a 2 year warranty, offset the $200 cost difference to buy the one from FCP?

edit: just saw your other post with the Rock Auto link, I assume that is the same as the BimmerWorld one, and also I assume that's the way to go

No, alternators are not a consumable item like tires, brakes, etc. and typically go more than 10 years depending on use. Buy a new one for $235 and don't install one every few months, unless you really enjoy DIYing that much lol

[Nate047]

You want a new Valeo unit, not remanufactured by Bosch.

Cool yea I'm not planning on doing another Bosch. Basically I'm trying to decide if these two are comparable quality and reliability wise:

Valeo branded, "brand new" : https://www.bimmerworld.com/Alternat...831-436_2.html

"Remanufactured Valeo alternator" also called "Genuine BMW" : https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...z3-12317831436

Assuming both are equal quality (are they?) does the risk of failure outside of the a 2 year warranty, offset the $200 cost difference to buy the one from FCP?

edit: just saw your other post with the Rock Auto link, I assume that is the same as the BimmerWorld one, and also I assume that's the way to go

[Slideways]

Update: mine is over charging the car, again. This one lasted from summer 2021 until now. And this is the 2nd Bosch unit I have to pull and replace now.

The real question here is this. Are we finding the OEM / Valeo unit for $550 to be longer lasting? I will be able to get credit back from FCP on my replacement.

So which is better, spend a little less and probably have to do the job again in two years? Or spend more and maybe(?) not have to do it again, even though yes I would get the next replacement also covered by warranty?

$235 - https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...generator,2412

[Slideways]

Update: mine is over charging the car, again. This one lasted from summer 2021 until now. And this is the 2nd Bosch unit I have to pull and replace now.

The real question here is this. Are we finding the OEM / Valeo unit for $550 to be longer lasting? I will be able to get credit back from FCP on my replacement.

So which is better, spend a little less and probably have to do the job again in two years? Or spend more and maybe(?) not have to do it again, even though yes I would get the next replacement also covered by warranty?

You want a new Valeo unit, not remanufactured by Bosch.

[Nate047]

07-20-2022, 05:19 PM
I replaced the one my car came with with a Bosch unit a couple years ago. Came to find It was overcharging the car, and I replaced it again with the same (FCP) No issues so far on round 2 of Bosch, maybe they fixed the problem.

Update: mine is over charging the car, again. This one lasted from summer 2021 until now. And this is the 2nd Bosch unit I have to pull and replace now.

The real question here is this. Are we finding the OEM / Valeo unit for $550 to be longer lasting? I will be able to get credit back from FCP on my replacement.

So which is better, spend a little less and probably have to do the job again in two years? Or spend more and maybe(?) not have to do it again, even though yes I would get the next replacement also covered by warranty?

[dukeofchen]

For those of you that want to buy new, complete alternators, as of the time of this posting:

1. FCP Euro doesn’t have the Valeo, they lost it NLA. But they do have Genuine BMW reman for $550
2. Bimmerworld carries the Valeo in their catalog but doesn’t indicate “In Stock”
3. ECS Tuning has the Valeo in stock for $395
4. Amazon merchants, AutoZone, etc. have the Valeo 439317 for about $290. It’s a new one, no core charge.

Also the 140A Valeo 439507 which is $234 new at RockAuto. I picked it up from eEuroParts which supposedly offers their own 2 year warranty vs. standard valeo 1 year warranty, but who knows how legit that is.

Considering how long the original lasted I feel much more comfortable with new vs. reman regardless of who did it.

[bigjae46]

Even if you install it?

Yes, just need the receipt. Parts should get a shop foreman to warranty the part. Might need some proof that its bad - play in the shaft, a diagnostic code or bad regulator.

[Slideways]

I'd do the BMW reman for $550. BMW limited lifetime warranty

Even if you install it?