Need Help in NYC!!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 254
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From: Brooklyn
2009 Mini Cooper Clubman S
Need Help in NYC!!
So I just got back from visiting the family in Chicago, drove back from the airport with no problems, then on my way to a basketball game the Battery Alternator Visit Workshop light came on. I spoke to a MB rep and they said that my alternator had failed and the car was now just pulling power from the battery and as soon as the battery was dead the car would stop.
I managed to make it back home but now have no idea what to do.
First of all, is it correct that when the light comes on the alternator is dead, or could it be a different problem? Is it possible that it is the battery and not the alternator? (I have a brand new battery in my closet, but am hesitant to connect it if the alternator really is bad) Where in NYC can I go to get my car fixed avoiding the stealerships?
Of course this happens 2 weeks after my Lemon Law warranty expires...
I managed to make it back home but now have no idea what to do.
First of all, is it correct that when the light comes on the alternator is dead, or could it be a different problem? Is it possible that it is the battery and not the alternator? (I have a brand new battery in my closet, but am hesitant to connect it if the alternator really is bad) Where in NYC can I go to get my car fixed avoiding the stealerships?
Of course this happens 2 weeks after my Lemon Law warranty expires...
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Houston/ Austin /Toronto / UAE / Minneapolis / Orlando /Cincinnati
Eurocharged Performance ML63 and TT lambo
Sux man,
There are a couple of things you can do to test.
If you have a voltmeter or someone with access to one, hook it up to the battery with the car off. If should read around 12.8v
Start the car. If the voltage jumps to 14.4 then your alternator is working to charge the battery. It could also be the voltage regulator.
If you dont have the voltmeter, search the forum for the heat control way to find voltage and perform the same test.
The dealer will charge 3x what an independant shop will for the alternator as it is more labor intensive to remove/replace. Any import shop should be able to do it for you.
There are a couple of things you can do to test.
If you have a voltmeter or someone with access to one, hook it up to the battery with the car off. If should read around 12.8v
Start the car. If the voltage jumps to 14.4 then your alternator is working to charge the battery. It could also be the voltage regulator.
If you dont have the voltmeter, search the forum for the heat control way to find voltage and perform the same test.
The dealer will charge 3x what an independant shop will for the alternator as it is more labor intensive to remove/replace. Any import shop should be able to do it for you.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn
2009 Mini Cooper Clubman S
Apparently, the alternator is completely dead, not putting out any charge, and the mechanic says that the bearing feels shot. They quoted me ~$930 parts and labor. I called another shop who said that was about right, they both said the only way to get the part was direct from MB, is this BS or do remanufactured alternators really not work in this car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
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From: AL,IL, GA, CA
CLS, SLK, ETC
Check the regulator first.. If the regulator is bad, alternator won't work properly and shops may misdignose the problem as bad alternator... There are aftermarket alternator for sale (Bosche I believe) for less but i heard few bad things about them...Do a search on this forum and u will find more..
Good luck!
Good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
PM me and I'll give you info on a great mechanic who is the chief mechanic for an MB dealership here in NY ,that also does work on the side. He is the guy that dropped the 5.5L motor in my C43 and has helped countless others on the forum.
