Alternator Bosch or OEM BMW

Bosch makes (made) excellent rebuilt alternators and I’d check them out.

I bought a Bosch alternator at O’Reilly’s for ~ $300 and the gaskets at Autozone for ~ $100 (you can get them cheaper but I needed them quickly)

I would use the BOSCH from fcpeuro.com without hesitation.

I replaced my alternator two years ago, and I put in a Bosch, and I haven't looked back. It works great and also has a warranty.

Best has been new Bosch or Delco-Romy from jobber stores. Never had one of those fail yet.

I think I put a Bosch 145 on my 01 5.3 and it’s been a non issue

Car needed an alternator - Golf 1.8 TSI Was told there was nothing available OEM (Bosch) in Canada, and couldn't tell me when one would be available. Was quoted CAD$1800!! + install labor. Found a used OEM one at the scrap yard for CAD$50....

IMHO this is not going to work. The brushes and slide rings lifespans are about the same so IMHO you must replace whole set if you expect this to be a permanent fix. Also, you have to clean the housing from old copper dust and graphite.

I ended up getting a new one from BMW after two remans failed with once catastrophically failing and catching fire almost burning up my car.

Ive had a few Bosch reman failures lately at my shop as well, although they were for N52s, all bearing noise after about a year.