BMW 525i 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 525i Ballast Resistor Replacement is $430 with $335 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$784.53Shop/Dealer Price$969.42 - $1484.70
1994 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$949.45 - $1464.75
1993 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$949.45 - $1464.75
1989 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$949.41 - $1464.68
1991 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$949.47 - $1464.80
1992 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$764.53Shop/Dealer Price$949.45 - $1464.75
1995 BMW 525iL6-2.5LService typeBallast Resistor ReplacementEstimate$769.53Shop/Dealer Price$954.21 - $1469.33
Show example BMW 525i 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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168
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168
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Joshua

13 years of experience
41 reviews
Joshua
13 years of experience
BMW 525i L6-2.5L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Durham, North Carolina
Joshuas was very good, he is very knowledgeable as well, the job didn't take him long at all, and saved money!

Joshua

27 years of experience
709 reviews
Joshua
27 years of experience
BMW 525i L6-2.5L - Automatic Transmission Fluid Service - Brentwood, California
YourMechanic is a great idea! For a first time customer, I did not know what to expect. But after the first appointment for a car diagnosis, I am convinced that YourMechanic is one of the best home service of our time. I had a great encounter with my first mechanic. He knew what he was doing, explained the services well, and all at a very reasonable price. I was so impressed with the quality of service that I will use YourMechanic from now on.

Wayne

10 years of experience
7 reviews
Wayne
10 years of experience
BMW 525i L6-3.0L - Radiator Hose - Douglasville, Georgia
Straightforward and Knowledgeable.

Mario

9 years of experience
55 reviews
Mario
9 years of experience
BMW 525i L6-3.0L - Alternator - Bellflower, California
Mario was actually early, and the service provided was excellent.

Excellent Rating

(184)

Rating Summary
168
6
2
0
8
168
6
2
0
8
Number of BMW 525i services completed
2024+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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