BMW Starter Motor Generator - Genuine BMW 12318490540

Product Information

BMW Alternator diagram for 540i, 530e xDrive, M440i xDrive, 530e, 540i xDrive

If your car is running out of power (literally) it's likely due to a worn or failing alternator. Your vehicles car battery is responsible for storing enough energy to start the car while the alternator powers all the vehicles systems with the engine running while maintaining a battery charge. If your car dies while driving and the battery has little to no charge it's most likely due to a failed or failing alternator. Before condemning an alternator you can perform a simple test with a DVOM (digital volt meter). Also make sure the belt which drives the alternator is properly tensioned as well.

• Battery drains while car is running
• Low voltage generated while car is running
• Dim or flickering headlights
• Dim or flickering interior lights
• Electrical systems such as the radio, power windows, sunroof do not function

About Genuine BMW

The original parts used by BMW to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine BMW” brand. When ordering a Genuine BMW part you are guaranteed to get the same part that you would pick up from your local dealerships part department. Genuine BMW parts have been built to BMW’s stringent standards and are the same quality of the original parts used to build your Ultimate Driving Machine.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your BMW are not necessarily manufactured by BMW. No cause for concern, as BMW designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for BMW for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine BMW parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a BMW logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.