Alternator Motorcraft or OEM BMW

I had to order a motorcraft alternator which hasn't given me any problems 6 months later.

My alternator went and I never had any lights, just weird electrical gremlins and batteries dying. Replaced it myself, took maybe 2 hours and the part was like $150 after the core return

As far as replacements I've had good luck with Rock Auto Sticking to the better brands like Motorcraft, AC Delco, Remy, and Bosch.

The OEM motorcraft alternator in my focus lasted 14 years and its replacement, a Remy, lasted 6. If the difference in price between OEM and aftermarket isn't too big, and you plan on keeping the car for more than 5 more yrs, I'd go with the OEM.

you dont even need ISTA to figure out the alternator is dead. A fresh and charged batter will sit at 13v, used should always be around 12v. while charging it should be 13v. the fact this is dropping while the car is running suggests a shot alternator right off the bat

RockAuto does offer Motorcraft alternators and back in 2021, I purchased one for my 2016 5.0 Lariat.

I also noticed that the alternator looks like a remanufactured unit. I’ve been reading about how these PCMs really don’t like reman units that are not built perfectly to spec. It’s best practice to replace these with only motorcraft units.

Been there with a Motorcraft alt. 181K miles. She stopped charging. No batter light on the dash. I laid it to rest and paid my respects.

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.

It's a dice roll. I've had some success with them, but when I put a reman one in my Focus, it only lasted 2 weeks.