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View Full Version : Alternator replacement???



Thurgood
02-15-2004, 11:23 PM
Hi there, long time viewer/fan, first time poster...

Rolling in my E34 M30 (1990 535i) w/~270,000 miles when the anti-lock light came on, followed shortly by the brake fluid light, then the engine started sputtering and died. Turning the ignition has no effect other than to light up the panel.

After pushing it out of traffic, sucker sat for about half an hour before I cranked it and starts right away. Drove for about a mile then started exhibiting the same symptoms again.

Now, the battery symbol (to the left of the oil pressure light) had been flickering of late, but always lit when first started, so I thought it was the battery.

But given the second crank and a boost that had jump-started it right away, I am thinking bad alternator. Agree/disagree/other suggestions?

How difficult is the alternator to replace and how much does it cost?

Thanks in advance!