Has anyone experienced an issue with the charging system in their car? I had to jump/charge my battery twice now so went to the auto parts store to see if it was the battery. I had my battery and alternator tested at Advance Auto. The battery passed but the alternator did not. If I have it replaced, is the dealer my only choice for repairs considering Advance did not have the alternator in their inventory. The dealer wants $1270 for repairs. Is going to the dealer my first mistake and try to find a worthy mechanic or do I take the bite. I thought about having it rebuilt but if I can't see it I won't touch it.

Could this also be the reason my key seems to not respond as well anymore? The dealership said the key is recharged through the ignition.

I guess I should have gone to school to become a mechanic.

Thanks

Your alt price will depend on the year of your car;

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE39/POR_BE39_ELchrg_pg1.htm#item0

Alternator, 120 Amp, Rebuilt - Core Charge Applies, 540i (1996-08/98): $212.00

Alternator, 150 Amp, Rebuilt - Core Charge Applies, Water Cooled, 540i/Touring (09/98-03): $422.75

I have a 525i, when I got it, the previous owner had recently changed the car battery. The remote access key was dead.

I first took it to one of those places where they install alarms and stuff. They toldme that the keys (and remote) come sealed and the normal thing to do was to buy a new one at BMW. (I did not confirm that). Nonetheless, they opened the case and replaced the battery, the remote still did not work. Then they checked the remote battery and it was ok, so the problem was something else,.

They finally gave up, and could not do jack sh...

Next day I read the following procedure, which revived my remote

1) insert the key in the switch and move it to position 1 (all indicators on)
2) remove the key from the switch before 5 seconds,
3) then press maintain pushed the lock button, and press the open button 3 times
3) release the lock button
4) if the locks pop locked and unlok, bingo!, you are on!

If it does not work, ex-change the buttons in point 3), i.e. press and maintain pushed open and press lock 3 times

I hope works for you.

Ivan

I have a 525i, when I got it, the previous owner had recently changed the car battery. The remote access key was dead.

I first took it to one of those places where they install alarms and stuff. They toldme that the keys (and remote) come sealed and the normal thing to do was to buy a new one at BMW. (I did not confirm that). Nonetheless, they opened the case and replaced the battery, the remote still did not work. Then they checked the remote battery and it was ok, so the problem was something else,.

They finally gave up, and could not do jack sh...

Next day I read the following procedure, which revived my remote

1) insert the key in the switch and move it to position 1 (all indicators on)
2) remove the key from the switch before 5 seconds,
3) then press maintain pushed the lock button, and press the open button 3 times
3) release the lock button
4) if the locks pop locked and unlok, bingo!, you are on!

If it does not work, ex-change the buttons in point 3), i.e. press and maintain pushed open and press lock 3 times

I hope works for you.

Ivan

This is why I hate key programming....... :shifty


OP, find urself an indy mech ASAP!!!!!!
Dealer is the enemy.