Alternator replacment, cost vs time

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Bmwtvboy

Success. Removed it. Ok, so Whats the deal with BMW alternators? Really that special?
It's an 120 amp Valeo that's 16 years old. Do I have to use Valeo? What about Bosch?
What about brands that state: "valeo compontent"?
It's an old X5 with 218K miles so I don't want to spend a bunch. The Daytona dealer wanted $617. for a Valeo/ BMW . What?

Yeah no need to go get the alternator from the dealer.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Anhelenuk

Damn Chinese garbage ruins everything

Not everything made in China is garbage or is it? Take that Eyephone you like so much. When Obama asked Steve Jobs if Apple would consider bringing back some manufacturing jobs to the United States, Jobs reply to Obama was a flat NO.

People buy products made in China because they are CHEAP.

If you read any of my past posts, I am one of the few people on this forum that advise people not to buy the cheapest products for their BMW.

[crystalworks]

I think there are many people on this forum who advise to NOT buy the cheapest products for ANY BMW, not just E53's. The majority of long term BMW owners here really. URO brand stuff comes to mind as a "stay away from"... and sensors/electronics should always be OEM purchases.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I think there are many people on this forum who advise to NOT buy the cheapest products for ANY BMW, not just E53's. The majority of long term BMW owners here really. URO brand stuff comes to mind as a "stay away from"... and sensors/electronics should always be OEM purchases.

But the noobies that are coming on this forum are trying to keep their new to them 10-16 years old BMW X5 running and at the cheapest cost. They see a $50 or less MAF on eBay or Amazon versus a $350 Siemens MAF at a reputable BMW reseller or at a Dealer. Guess which one they will be buying? You may consider some of my posts as being negative, but I'm probably one of the few posters that don't view BMW's products through Rose Color glasses.

Why do I own and drive a BMW, I have already posted why I own and drive a BMW.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by upallnight

You may consider some of my posts as being negative, but I'm probably one of the few posters that don't view BMW's products through Rose Color glasses.

Why do I own and drive a BMW, I have already posted why I own and drive a BMW.

I don't disagree with you on your assessment of some of the young/new buyers who buy their first BMW.

But I think you view BMW products through the opposite of rose colored glasses (whatever that might be). Which is fine, that's your prerogative. Most long term BMW owners drive them because they enjoy the way they look and drive... not because they are cheap to own. That's my belief, and my situation, anyway. Though when you compare BMW maintenance to payments on a new vehicle, they are still on the cheaper side.

You have explained why you drive one. And it makes sense. Your help is an asset to the forum. But just as we have to accept that you consider the brand BM TroubleU's... you have to accept that the majority of us enthusiasts don't share that negative view of the brand. We are happy to replace parts as necessary to continue enjoying our vehicles. You probably feel much the same about your Lotus'.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I think there are many people on this forum who advise to NOT buy the cheapest products for ANY BMW, not just E53's. The majority of long term BMW owners here really. URO brand stuff comes to mind as a "stay away from"... and sensors/electronics should always be OEM purchases.

Oh Yes Uro electrical and suspension parts = no good

[X5only]

Originally Posted by spadge

Nearly everything is made in china now. Manufacturers are "saving" money...
But "made in china" does not mean it is crap by default, there are big differences: there are products wich are really fine and others not...

+1

Once upon a time "made in Japan" was in the same boat - most of us were not yet born then. After China, I would imagine "made in India" and thereafter perhaps "made in Africa"? It's all about cheap skilled labor.

[THE VEIN]

i bought an alternator from autozone and its lasted only 5 months then i went back and got another from autozone and that 1 last only 2 weeks. in the end i got a brand new alternator from a local alternator shop for 200