If it were a 1969 Chevy 350 where you could sit on a stool in front of the car and reach in, loosen two bolts and go... I’d say go for the knock off.

But with as much effort as the alt is to replace on your vehicle - if your options are #1 or #3, I’d go with #1 all day long and (probably) only have to do it once and be done.

I only say “probably” as I have even seen brand new units come out of the box bad, but theres less chance of that happening than there is having to replace the knock off in 6 months when it fails.

Just my .02.


2005 X5 4.4i (04/05 build date)
Titanium Silver w/Black Interior