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Hello Martin:
A little legwork on your part can ensure that you don't get ripped off, even if somebody else does the work. Do you own a multimeter (volt/ohm meter)? If not, buy a cheapie-- you can get a basic digital one for about $10. They are very useful!
First, cover the charging basics-- are the belts to your alternator snug? They should deflect about 1/2" when pushed firmly midway between the pulleys. If they are too loose, they slip and you don't get a charge.
Second, are all the wires still attached to the back of the alternator? There should be 3.
Third, get the car jumped so it will start and measure the output of the alternator across the two battery terminals at fast idle-- it should measure between 13.7 and about 14.3V. If it doesn't, you probably need a new brush/regulator pack for your alternator. Unless the alternator bearings sound bad, you really don't need to replace it. You can buy genuine Bosch brush/regulator replacements for around $50, less for aftermarket parts. FCPgroton.com carries them, as do many other online sources.
You can try recharging your existing battery. If it doesn't hold about 12.6V overnight after charging, you will want to replace it. I buy mine at the junkyards for about $30-- usually they have nice clean new looking ones with manufacture dates that are easy to see...
Goodyear and Firestone are good places to buy tires (OK, maybe not Firestone), but I'd look for an independent who does European cars for real work...
Good luck!
--
Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi
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