Reconditioning of starters and alternators

Starters and alternators are very important components of internal combustion engine accessories. BMW’s modern alternator designs include electronically controlled voltage regulators and vehicle power management components.

What is the remanufacturing of starters and alternators in BMW?

Starters are constructed in a special way to ensure the durability of the components when using the common Start-Stop function (automatic ignition and extinguishing of the engine during city driving). Intensive vehicle operation, high operating temperatures in the engine compartment or large temperature spikes in winter operation affect the faster wear of electronic and mechanical components of these important components.

Large-capacity BMW engines use liquid-cooled alternators. This is an additional factor affecting faster wear of alternator components. In addition, the housing is often unsealed and coolant leaks outside the channels or inside the alternator. This poses an additional challenge for the maintenance of such a vehicle.

BMW E39 alternator after reconditioning

Regeneration or replacement of the starter or alternator always follows a meticulous diagnosis of the entire vehicle and component. A red charge light while the engine is running does not always mean that the alternator is damaged. Problems with engine starting, unresponsiveness from the starter or clipping will not always mean that the component is damaged.

In the case of BMW and MINI vehicles, it is always necessary to fully diagnose the vehicle and check the operation of all components. Only after such a meticulous evaluation are we able to determine whether the alternator or starter is suitable for reconditioning, or replacement.

The reconditioning of starters and alternators usually involves the replacement of brushes, bearings, control automatics and voltage regulator. Sometimes the windings are damaged or burned out, in which case remanufacturing also includes repairing them.

BMW S65 V8 engine

In what time will the starter or alternator be remanufactured?

The time required for reconditioning usually includes one working day.

BMW E39 alternator

What components make up the cost of remanufacturing a starter or alternator?

The cost of remanufacturing includes:

• subcontractors,
• cost of construction,
• installation in the vehicle.

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BMW E34 engine | By Pierre Scheidegger[GFDL or CC BY 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons