BMW M6 Ballast Resistor Replacement at your home or office.

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Ballast Resistor Replacement Service

How much does a Ballast Resistor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW M6 Ballast Resistor Replacement is $430 with $335 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1988 BMW M6L6-3.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$784.53Shop/Dealer Price$976.92 - $1497.83
1987 BMW M6L6-3.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$956.96 - $1477.90
Show example BMW M6 Ballast Resistor Replacement prices

What is the Ballast Resistor all about?

Modern ignition systems use electronic circuitry to control voltage during engine starting and operation, but it wasn’t always this way. Older vehicles with points and coils did not have the benefit of circuit boards and computers, so another way to control voltage was needed. The ballast resistor coil was the solution. Think of it as a giant fuse in a way, although it serves a much greater purpose.

The ballast resistor coil plays several roles in your engine and charging system. In terms of position, it’s located between the ignition switch and the positive battery cable. During engine operation, the ballast resistor is responsible for lowering voltage applied to the coil to ensure that it doesn’t overheat and burn out, or damage the battery. During cranking, the ballast resistor allows normal battery voltage into the coil to ensure a good, strong spark for starting the engine.

The ballast resistor is subjected to significant amounts of heat during operation (the resistor’s resistance level increases or decreases with the application of heat and voltage). Over time, it will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

  • The ballast resistor is not inspected during normal maintenance.
  • The ballast resistor is subject to significant amounts of wear and tear.
  • Ballast resistors are not generally found on fuel-injected engines.

How it's done:

  • The Ballast Resistor is verified that it needs to be replaced. The battery and battery tray are removed.
  • The defective Ballast Resistor disconnected and removed.
  • The new Ballast Resistor is installed, secured, and connected.
  • The battery tray and battery are reinstalled. The Ballast Resistor is tested for operation.
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the Ballast Resistor and road tested to ensure fan operation.

Our recommendation:

Over time and through normal use, the ballast resistor is subject to a great deal of wear and tear, and heat. This can cause it to fail unexpectedly. When this happens, your vehicle will experience unwanted, and perhaps dangerous, operation. It may crank but then stop running immediately after. Have any starting problems immediately diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ballast Resistor?

  • Engine cranks, but dies immediately when the key is moved back to the run position from the start position

How important is this service?

Without a ballast resistor, your engine will not operate unless you jump the resistor, which is dangerous, as it will eventually burn out the points, and is not recommended. If your engine dies immediately after turning the key back to run from start, likely the ballast resistor needs to be replaced. If the engine runs with the key in the run position, you may have another issue. Have it properly diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics immediately.

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Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(20)

Rating Summary
18
0
1
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1
18
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Kevin

24 years of experience
554 reviews
Kevin
24 years of experience
BMW M6 V8-4.4L Turbo - Car AC Repair - Duluth, Georgia
Kavin got the job done fast and always come on time.

Lucas

21 years of experience
893 reviews
Lucas
21 years of experience
BMW M6 V10-5.0L - Alternator - West Hollywood, California
Thanks Lucas! Booked for an alternator replacement and he was excellent, will book again for sure.

Benji

22 years of experience
277 reviews
Benji
22 years of experience
BMW M6 V10-5.0L - Electric Problems Inspection - Phoenix, Arizona
Benji arrived about 15 minutes early, which was a nice surprise. He asked me to describe the car's issues and it was immediately clear that he was an expert and was very experienced with high-end cars and electrical problems. Even though he quickly diagnosed the crux of the problem(s), he still took the time to check and rule out (or in) other potential sources and related system failures. This type of analysis never seems to occur at dealerships--instead, they jump to a conclusion (usually the most expensive) you are stuck with. The problem isn't solved or fully solved or some new problem crops up, and they explain why you now need to get more things done as well even though they supposedly weren't wrong with what they "fixed" first. Benji's approach was nothing like that. He was straightforward, logical, honest and smart. I also like knowing who is working on my car--which dealerships don't usually do. Instead, they put a "service advisor" buffer (and BS-er) between the car owner and the person actually doing the work--which leads to miscommunication and dissatisfaction. Customers don't need some bogus translator as though the techs can only speak in russian or some obscure language. Benji also showed me some of the read-outs he got as he tested things--which was helpful too. He understood the car's computer system and coding too--which is not simple in an M6. I would trust Benji with anything from a beloved 20yr old family volvo or pick-up truck to a Bugatti.

Maxwell

18 years of experience
390 reviews
Maxwell
18 years of experience
BMW M6 V8-4.4L Turbo - Engine is misfiring Inspection - Humble, Texas
6 out of 5 stars. Amazing experience, Maxwell is top notch.

Excellent Rating

(20)

Rating Summary
18
0
1
0
1
18
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Number of BMW M6 services completed
220+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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