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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions Faulty Alternator at 500 Miles?

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      02-25-2021, 05:33 PM   #1
VooDooM4
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Faulty Alternator at 500 Miles?

I bought a new 2021 M340i on 1/29/2021 and after 500 miles the engine light comes on. The advisor told me the car needs a new alternator and had to get the part from Germany.

At this point I was shocked and couldn't believe an alternator is bad after 500 miles. I don't even want this vehicle at this point. My F10 never once had an engine light come one and I bought it brand new as well.

What are my options, if any to get a new vehicle at this point? The sales advisor said it's a warranty issue, not their problem. Thanks.
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      02-25-2021, 05:38 PM   #2
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BMW doesn't manufacture the alternator.These things happens while unfortunate isn't a reason to draw any meaningful decision regarding the car's perceived reliability in the future.
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      02-25-2021, 06:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EXE46 View Post
BMW doesn't manufacture the alternator.These things happens while unfortunate isn't a reason to draw any meaningful decision regarding the car's perceived reliability in the future.
Why does it need to be shipped from Germany then?
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      02-25-2021, 06:13 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBlade-Tx View Post
Why does it need to be shipped from Germany then?
Because the fault is ultra-rare and as a result, they don't stock the part.

Things happen, even if it was a BMW made item, theirs always going to be a failure rate % no matter how reliable or well built the part is.

On my F30, 50 miles on the ODO and the rear diff seal failed, spewing oil all over my driveway and exhaust. Never had another issue with the car.

Last edited by TheDudeMan; 02-25-2021 at 06:25 PM..
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      02-25-2021, 06:23 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDudeMan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBlade-Tx View Post
Why does it need to be shipped from Germany then?
Because the fault is ultra-rare any as a result they don't stock the part.

Things happen, even if it was a BMW made item, theirs always going to be a failure rate % no matter how reliable or well built the part is.

On my F30, 50 miles on the ODO and the rear diff seal failed, spewing oil all over my driveway and exhaust. Never had another issue with the car.
Have to agree with this, don't let it ruin your enjoyment of the car. It's fantastic!
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      02-25-2021, 06:38 PM   #6
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The alternator on the '21 M340i also serves as a Starter for the Start/Stop function. It's far more complex than the alternator on the '20 model year cars.

https://www.greencarcongress.com/201...-conti48v.html
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      02-26-2021, 08:40 AM   #7
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I feel your angst. Fortunately, it is a fluke you will joke about. You will really enjoy the car.
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      02-26-2021, 10:59 AM   #8
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BlackBlade-Tx:

I certainly can understand your frustration as I would probably feel the same way being in that situation. Hopefully once that alternator is replaced and you're good to go, there will be many happy miles ahead in that car. I generally tend to believe that will be the case based on most owners' experiences shared here on this forum.

Did your dealer at least put you in a loaner until the issue is fixed?
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      02-26-2021, 11:20 AM   #9
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Wife’s brand new Dodge Stratus blew the motor first time merging on the freeway. Manufacturing isn’t perfect and there are ranges of expected failure. Get a loaner, get it fixed, move on with life

I’d be more upset about the dealer being unwilling to give a loaner in this situation than one of thousands of car parts failing randomly
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      02-26-2021, 03:38 PM   #10
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Had the water pump pulley on my 21' with just 5k miles snap right off. A little over two weeks later for parts. New water pump, radiator, fans, hoses and belt that all got tore/beat up. Talk about disappointment, but now its back to business as usual, it's an afterthought. The brand new 21 M550i they put me in for that time was kind of nice too haha
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      02-26-2021, 03:50 PM   #11
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My buddy's 2021 X5 had some faulty issue with the exhaust pop up a week into ownership and the dealership kept his car for almost a month because they couldn't release it to him until it was fixed. It really soured his faith in BMW since it was the first BMW he ever bought. It's frustrating, but as others have said, these things happen.
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      02-26-2021, 04:17 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Laylo21 View Post
Had the water pump pulley on my 21' with just 5k miles snap right off. A little over two weeks later for parts. New water pump, radiator, fans, hoses and belt that all got tore/beat up. Talk about disappointment, but now its back to business as usual, it's an afterthought. The brand new 21 M550i they put me in for that time was kind of nice too haha
Awesome. I don't think I would complain TOO much if my dealer loaned me an M550i
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      02-26-2021, 07:18 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TiMSport View Post
BlackBlade-Tx:

I certainly can understand your frustration as I would probably feel the same way being in that situation. Hopefully once that alternator is replaced and you're good to go, there will be many happy miles ahead in that car. I generally tend to believe that will be the case based on most owners' experiences shared here on this forum.

Did your dealer at least put you in a loaner until the issue is fixed?
Yea they gave me a 2 series. We will see how it goes after they repair it.
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      02-26-2021, 07:35 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBlade-Tx View Post
Yea they gave me a 2 series. We will see how it goes after they repair it.
Hmm not quite an M550i but a car nonetheless. Keep us posted on how this turns out.
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      02-26-2021, 08:19 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greekcs View Post
The alternator on the '21 M340i also serves as a Starter for the Start/Stop function. It's far more complex than the alternator on the '20 model year cars.
Overengineered to save a penny on gas.

Rob
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      02-26-2021, 09:37 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_G77 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by greekcs View Post
The alternator on the '21 M340i also serves as a Starter for the Start/Stop function. It's far more complex than the alternator on the '20 model year cars.
Overengineered to save a penny on gas.

Rob
With all the new tech in these cars it's going to be interesting to see how this fares in terms of long term reliability. I wouldn't want to own mine when it is out of warranty TBH.
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      02-26-2021, 11:51 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TiMSport View Post
Awesome. I don't think I would complain TOO much if my dealer loaned me an M550i
I figured it would be a while to get the parts over, told em to give me something nice and boom. Comes back with a brand new 21 M550 1800miles. Given the huge amount of snow we received here in Chicago I did not complain about having my car sitting inside a warm shop during all the harsh weather. That loaner tho... let’s just say it went through some rough times that I would never have taken my car out on haha
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