Hi,

Has anyone done their own install of an alternator? I replaced the battery in my 2011 Clubman without registering it. It's been 2 months and I'm getting a low battery light. I'm assuming its the alternator, although maybe it has to do with not registering the battery? Anyway, is this a huge job? My Mini dealer quoted me 4.1 hours plus the cost of the alternator (1200.00).

Thanks!

 

I've done alternators in under 2 hours. I would also have the battery tested as well.

 

Thank you. Are there any instructions I can follow you are aware of?

 

Recommend that you have the battery registered before you do anything else. I tried running with an unregistered battery and I had some weird things happen....didn't drain the battery or anything, but things just stopped working like the door locks, clock, calendar, trip meter.... If your experience is like mine, you'll have to have it registered eventually. I had mine registered by an independent garage with the right equipment. I don't remember what he charged, but it was less than $100. the next time that I needed a battery, I just bought it from him and he registered the battery for free.

I recently changed the alternator when I had my turbo out. I had the front end in service position, and with the turbo and downpipe out it wasn't too difficult. I took a chance and bought a rebuilt alternator from AutoZone.....about 1,000 miles on it so far and all is well....about $230 for the alternator IIRC....plus a $30 core, which I got back. AutoZone was the only place I could find a rebuilt one.

 

Thank you, Bugeye. I've been wondering about the battery registration. I've been driving, and half the time the alternator/battery light is on, then it randomly turns off. I hate to spend 1400+ if all I need is a registration. Unfortunately, the closest place to me that can do this is the dealer at 123 miles away. I'm thinking I'll try driving there. If the issue is the alternator, I'll call a tow half way there. If its the registration, I'll get it done and go on with life!