Hi all! I have a 2015 Mini Cooper 1.5L 3cyl. The car has 51,000 miles on it, and the alternator just went out. I took it to the shop and have been quoted $1,375 to fix ($725 for alternator from Mini, $550 for labor)

I have had SO many issues with this car... Even though I love it, it does not have that many miles to have so many issues. I have shelled out thousands to this car so far in maintenance.

My question is... can I buy a less expensive remanufactured alternator, or will this harm the car? The guy at the shop said he wouldn't do that, but I want to see if anyone else has any input, or if they have any experience with doing this? I don't want to waste time/money if this is the wrong move.

I also read about having the faulty alternator removed, repaired by a specialist, then put it back in the car, to avoid buying a new one altogether. I am considering this also. Has anyone heard of doing this?

If I can't bring the cost of this repair WAY down, I am most likely going to sell the car, and get into something else that isn't as costly. I am willing to replace the alternator myself (with help), though it may take all day, to cut the cost.

Any answers are appreciated! Thank you!!

 

I'm not sure about the latest models of MINIs but I do know that for older models the best way is to go with a brand new OEM alternator. for those cars, non-OEM and repaired alternators usually fail much more often / quickly than new OEM.

Just get it repaired, sell the car, cit your losses and walk away.

 

I am curious what other things have failed?

 

Other than the alternator: fuel vent valve, motor mounts worn/busted (when the car was at about 38k miles), and the car is throwing a "transmission" warning that is caused by an electrical error. This error apparently can cause the car to show that it is in park, yet it is not, so there is a risk of the car rolling. I have not had any issues with this actually happening, and have been told that it does not harm the car whatsoever. This small issue however requires the ENTIRE middle console to be replaced on the car, which I was quoted well over $2000. I have not and will not opt to have this repaired and will sell the car with this "issue" when the time comes.

I have actually read online that many '14/'15 2dr hardtops were recalled for this exact issue. My model did not fall under this recall (4dr). Very frustrating as I have kept such great care of the car. I can deal with the other issues, stuff happens. But all of them occurring in a span of a couple years, with this low of mileage, is incredibly ridiculous to me. I absolutely love owning a Mini, but this one really burned me.

Thanks for your response!