1999 BMW 740

May I ask where these alternators are from? The failure rate for the alternators from questionable rebuilders is very high. I have even had to start checking known good sources for bad rebuilds.

Autozone is usually a good source of parts, I have not tried them for BMW stuff. I usually use the Bosch remanufactured parts, but even with a nationally recognized and branded unit, you might just be getting some unit that got cleaned up and re-boxed, I have had this experience, yes I have. And it ticked me off too. Open up a brand new box, new looking part inside, take apart the new looking part and all that it was in the container, was a repainted unit, no other new parts. There may be a reason for the failure, excessive load or loose wiring or?.