Alternator Bosch or OEM BMW

That Bosch VR6 alternator was not a direct fit, but significantly easier than the Delcos other Rover owners commonly used. My method was faster, cheaper and way more reliable.

Get a Bosch or Denso alternator. I'd buy used before one of those brands. Just my preference, I know they sell tons of starters and alternators, but I don't like to do things twice.

Update: There was a direct short in the alternator and when it shorted internally it also took out the 200 amp protection fuse ($115) too for the battery. I got a new Bosch unit and I was happy to find out I did not have to bring it to the nearest dealership and that a local German repair shop were able to do it.

The 07K 2.5l came with either a 140A Valeo or 140A Bosch alternator. Be sure you're buying based on alternator brand.

I recently purchased a 120 amp (refurbished) Bosch alternator at Advance Auto and kept the receipt. My original 90 amp alternator lasted 14 years before it stopped charging battery.

250,000 KM and still on the original alternator ( 1998 Audi A4 . Bosch 120 Amp Alternator ) . Had to replace a couple of bearings but that's it.

Funny thing is, the Bosch alt. I had in the car at the time is sitting in the car in my driveway. Okay, I replaced the brush pack a few times. The 90 Amp alt. itself is at least 10 years old, if not more.

I am pretty sure that the 120A-Vr is much like all of the later Bosch alts with internal cooling. I just took my 120A 1.8t one apart and it is a PITA.

We've had all sorts of problems with Bosch reman alternators. They worked really well until Volvo put the alternator on the CAN network. The reman ones have a ton of trouble making the right charging voltage.

If you put a Botch on a Honda, it will last about 3months.