Alternator Failure

[GS craig]

Hi, new the forum. Just picked up a 2003 z4 3L with manual six speed. It’s the car I was looking for. Has 93,000 on it, but it’s a one owner car surprisingly enough. Driving it home from Sacramento where I purchased it and the Bosch alternator went out. I managed to get it home, but it’s now in the shop awaiting a new Bosch alternator fix $$$. Just curious if anyone else had had any alternator issues, they’re not supposed to be that common of a problem.

 

[enuff_zed]

Rare for the actual alternator to pack up as basically all that can happen is bearings fail.
The diode/brush pack on the back is the common failure point and this can be replaced in situ, at a fraction of the cost of a complete alternator.

 

[GS craig]

Thanks for the tip. I once had a Ducati that had the diode component as part of the rectifier box outside of the alternator. They were common to fail. I carried a spare one if it failed, it was a roadside fix. However with the Z4 it's a ride in a yellow truck to the shop. Since I am planning on a few out of state Summer trips, I just want to start fresh with a new regulator. There are cheaper ones beside the stock German Bosche, but I just want to take that issue off the table. I was lucky enough to get the car sy a fair price, so I am not under water yet. Again, thanks for your response, appreciated.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Good luck with your alternator, and welcome to the forum.