BMW Repair: 525i e39 2001 v-belt, v belt, power steering

Question
hi,

i was driving my car today when all of a sudden i heard a vibrating noise like
something is turning but not properly.  the battery light came on and the
power steering died. i managed to drive home without power steering but the
car started overheating. i parked it. i checked what the manual said about
when the battery light comes on and it said that the power steering would go
first, meaning there is a problem with the v-belt. please tell me what this
means and if it a major problem to get fixed and if possible approximately
how much it will cost to get repaired. do you think it is something i should go
to the dealer for, or something than any mechanic can fix? thank you very
much for your time.

Answer
Abdullah, BMW's of this year have a serpentene type belt. Not a major problem as long as the car did not overheat too badly. Please have both belts replaced and realize that a siezed rotating component could be the underlieing cause of a thrown engine belt. Can't really tell you how much it will cost because I can't inspect the car for damage.
-Evan