Evening gents,

I have had the red battery light come on when driving home and numerous faults appear on the dash and the radio turned itself off, indicators flashing fast and the suspension lights stopped illuminating on the centre console am I right in thinking possible alternator? After I got home i changed the battery for a brand new one under guarantee (thank you ECP) I have also checked the voltage when it's running and it is indicating 11v but this increases to 12v when the engine is switched off.

Sod's law as someone was coming to look at it this weekend, they were really keen on the car as well!!!

Many thanks in advance for your help and knowledge

Glenn.

This happened to me recently, sorry to say it was the Alternator  Geoff

It's one of those things, was hoping for a faulty battery or a blown fuse but I fear all signs point to a goosed alternator! Can I ask for a ball park figure as to the cost of changing? I know you have the diesel but is there a huge difference in the price of changing a petrol or diesel?

I used an Indy and it cost me £650 as I couldn't be bothered fitting it myself. However I understand it is a fairly simple, if time consuming, job and an alternator costs about £200. I think there are posts on here detailing how to do the job. Geoff

That's a bit of a relief to hear, I too will pass it on to an Indy ASAP try to keep buyer happy!! Cheers Geoff.

Also could anyone point me in the right direction as to the best place to purchase from?

Cheers.

The alternator for the 4.4 BMW M62 petrol is listed at more like £450 than £200!

Having said that you can pick up cheaper pattern parts or refurbs:
Britpart item £250+VAT:
http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/alternator-l32...-6643.html
Also try the site sponsor, no idea on price but generally look good value looking at other stuff on their website:
http://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/

If you want local I got mine from ECP, a genuine Bosch refurb unit and with a discount code it worked out cheaper than most places for a genuine item.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Land+Rov...amp;000012
Currently £311.94 (inc VAT) with a click and collect 20% discount included (exchange surcharge on top of £132).

Fitting isn't too bad but being water cooled you need to drain the coolant, another cost to factor in.

Thanks for the links Weejock, I will speak to my mechanic and point him in the direction of ECP as that seems good value with the exchange. Hopefully he will be able to confirm the failed alternator as well.

I feel better for this, Alternator being more expensive than I thought, so my total deal is OK Geoff

Had the same 6 months ago.

Used refurb bosch from euro parts and fitting was about 120. I was keeping the car decided to go this route. The alternative is to use an auto electrician who would refurb the original for about 70. If i had the tdi .i would have taken this route as i would have done it my self. I didnt want to spend another 120 refitting the unit should the refurb fail. Least if the bosch ones fail you could claim fitting costs.