Automotive

E46 issue: Red Battery light steady ON. But car won't die.

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  • Dec 2nd, 2013 10:29 am
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Dec 1st, 2013 10:48 am
kiasu [OP]
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Dec 1st, 2013 10:48 am

E46 issue: Red Battery light steady ON. But car won't die.

I googled and most ppl said it's alternator issue. Any comment? How much does it cost to replace? Wanna find out the cost before heading to the garage tomorrow. Could it be the battery issue (Well I had the battery replaced like 2 years ago)?
2007 - Ipod Video (TD), Ipod Shuffle (GM)
2006 - Ipod Nano (TD)
2005 - Ipod Shuffle (TD)
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Dec 1st, 2013 11:01 am
alpha2omega
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Dec 1st, 2013 11:01 am

kiasu wrote: ↑I googled and most ppl said it's alternator issue. Any comment? How much does it cost to replace? Wanna find out the cost before heading to the garage tomorrow. Could it be the battery issue (Well I had the battery replaced like 2 years ago)?
Alternator isn't putting out enough V. If it was the battery the light wouldn't go on because the alternator would be putting out enough V to turn it off. A safe guess for an E46 would be about $600-800.
Dec 1st, 2013 11:08 am
Pete_Coach
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Dec 1st, 2013 11:08 am

It is a "charging system" light as opposed to battery. When it comes on, it is an indication that the charging system is not charging the battery. The reason your car keeps going is that it is ruminating off the battery. When the battery dies, so does the car.
As to what the problem is. well, it could be the alternator, could be a connection, could be corrosion. Cost is reflective of the problem. If it is an alternator and you are going to a dealer, bring a loans officer form the bank LOL.
Any shop should be able to do a charging system check to identify the problem, unless of course, it is entirely visible like a loose cable, broken wire corrosion.
“Those people who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.”
Dec 1st, 2013 11:18 am
kiasu [OP]
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Dec 1st, 2013 11:18 am

thankx for the info...gonna bring it to the bodyshop and check tomorrow..
2007 - Ipod Video (TD), Ipod Shuffle (GM)
2006 - Ipod Nano (TD)
2005 - Ipod Shuffle (TD)
Dec 1st, 2013 11:20 am
amkorp
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Dec 1st, 2013 11:20 am

You can get a remanufactured alternator and replace it yourself or at the mechanic.

The battery light being lit is usually alternator or voltage regulator issues. Just replace the alternator and you should be good.
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Dec 1st, 2013 6:14 pm
overboost
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Dec 1st, 2013 6:14 pm

It's your alternator, 100%. Replace it before you end up stranded on the side of the road. When it fails, you'll lose power to everything and all your warning lights on your dash will be lit up like a Christmas tree. You don't want to experience this while you're stuck in traffic or driving at a highspeed. On the e46, alternator failures are very common.

A remanufactured alternator will cost about $175-200 and can be replaced in about an hour if you diy. If you bring it to bmw, they'll charge you about $800 for parts and labor, no joke. If you're in the gta, source the alternator yourself and bring it to a place like rmp, stance factory, I garage... And the should be able to do it in an hour.
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Dec 2nd, 2013 12:14 am
kiasu [OP]
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Dec 2nd, 2013 12:14 am

I wish to DIY but I don't have a place for DIY at the moment..and yes I do know a bodyshop I always go..

So, at least now I know remanufactured alternator will cost around $175 to $200..any idea where I can get it from? Or I will ask the bodyshop tomorrow. My car is a 2002 E46 sedan...

How much does a new alternator cost? What does remanufactured mean? Like refurbish? Second hand? After market?

Thank for all the info guys..
2007 - Ipod Video (TD), Ipod Shuffle (GM)
2006 - Ipod Nano (TD)
2005 - Ipod Shuffle (TD)
Dec 2nd, 2013 9:01 am
overboost
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Toronto

Dec 2nd, 2013 9:01 am

If you're in the Gta, www.canadianautoelectric.com is Scarborough is a reliable source. I have bought several rebuilt alternators from them, no issues.

Don't bother getting a "new" one from the dealer, it'll have as much a chance of failing as a remanufactured one. New from the dealer, is approx $600.
Dec 2nd, 2013 10:22 am
kiasu [OP]
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Dec 2nd, 2013 10:22 am

Got one.. My bodyshop charge me $370 all in... $200 for the rema alternator...he charges 1.5 hours

O well 'next time' will diy

Where is the good resources for binner diy?

Thx
2007 - Ipod Video (TD), Ipod Shuffle (GM)
2006 - Ipod Nano (TD)
2005 - Ipod Shuffle (TD)
Dec 2nd, 2013 10:25 am
rdtx2002
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Dec 2nd, 2013 10:25 am

kiasu wrote: ↑Got one.. My bodyshop charge me $370 all in... $200 for the rema alternator...he charges 2 hours

O well 'next time' will diy

Where is the good resources for binner diy?

Thx
bimmerforums or maxbimmer
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Dec 2nd, 2013 10:26 am
overboost
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Toronto

Dec 2nd, 2013 10:26 am

Dude... Google it. We're not gonna spoon feed you the links. Google the words: e46 alternator diy
Dec 2nd, 2013 10:29 am
kiasu [OP]
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Dec 2nd, 2013 10:29 am

Thx guys...

Of course i know google
Just wanna see if there is any useful links i miss or aware

Sourcing the part is new to me...at least i learn something new today

Thank you again
2007 - Ipod Video (TD), Ipod Shuffle (GM)
2006 - Ipod Nano (TD)
2005 - Ipod Shuffle (TD)

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