Auto Parts: bmw 2000 528i problem., bmw 2000, bmw engine

Question
I recently had my 2000 BMW 528I checked out because I thought my battery was bad, but was told that it way my alternator that was draining my battery and that to replace it would cost around $700.00. Does the altrnatiors cost that much?

Answer
    That depends on who's replacing it.  If you bought it yourself, rebuilt, you would have to pay between $200 and $250.  Buying it from the shop is probably going to be more like $400.  They are not ripping you off at this price, they have overhead and markup that they have to make to stay in business.  Installation is hard to pin down, I don't have a labor guide that covers this model.  I do know, from time spent under the hood, that the BMW engine compartment is very crowded and difficult to work in.  Add three or four hours at sixty to eighty dollars per hour (it's that overhead thing again, this is a fair price).  All of a sudden you're up to at least $600.  Throw in a new belt, or belts (it makes excellent sense to replace them while they're off the car) and you have a good-sized bill.  You might want to get a couple of other estimates, but they probably won't be much less.  If you trust this guy to do good work, I'd go with it.  If you don't know him from Adam, then shop around.