Reaching out to fellow Mini owners in the Philly area that can recommemd a mechanic for alternator replacement. Preferably localled in Chester or Delaware county.

I was planing on doing the replacement myself but could not get my hands on a belt tensioner and not having ever replaced an alternator myself, thought it maybe best left to a more experienced mechanic. I have the new alternator on order and will be here in a few days. Please let me know and email me at ntn125@verizon.net with contact information.

Thanks,
Nathan

 

Contact Eric from Helix Motorsports 267-335-4337

 

Thanks killerfox. Yep, I'm familiar with Helix. Ultimately I decided to tackle it myself and so far so good. The Mini is great in many ways but accessibility within the engine bay is not one of them. Got the new alternator installed and just doing a few other maintenance items while I'm at it.

 

How hard was for the DIY alternator? Going through the same problem and the dealer wants to steal 1400$ of my money.

 

For posterity: You can also try Bimmerworks in West Chester. Herbie-53-Guy works there. Immaculate work. Both are great options.

Congrats on the successful self-install!

 

Thanks JenniferL!


works911,

I took my time and it wasn't too hard. Once you have access to the alternator, three bolts and a grounding wire to remove the alternator. There is a good write here on NAM for alternator replacement by chadtoolio, which I used as my guide. I removed the front bumper, wheel well covers, and Modular Front End (framing behind the bumper) to gain access. There are lots of screws and bolts so keep track of them, I took pictures and kept them in separate plastic bags so that they would not get mixed up. I did not have to completely remove the radiator, just disconnected the two hoses, and moved it aside a few inches to reach the alternator. Use the belt tensioner tool (bar) design for our Mini, it will make life much easier for removing the serpentine belt. Also, check your battery and serpentine belt to see if they need to be replaced. I replaced both, my battery was going on 7 years and my belt was replaced 3 years ago. While my car was up on floor jacks, I also changed the oil, coolant, and transmission fluid.

Purchased my alternator from Rock Auto, it came within two days. Got the belt tensioner tool from Otto's Mini, it was their last one in stock and no one else had it in stock locally. If you need it, shoot me a PM.

Good luck, it’s a manageable DIY project.

Nathan

 

Hey thanks a bunch friend.