Alternator?

I was driving home from work this afternoon when my battery light came on the dash. The car continued to drive fine (i.e. no loss of power steering). When I got home I had to wait for my in-laws to move their car so I could pull into the garage. While sitting at idol, other dashboard lights lit up (PSM and ABS off) and the car began to sputter then died. Any attempt to start didn't work and the car now acts as though the battery is dead. Checking the owners manual lists the possible causes for the battery light as: 1) Defect in the battery charging system; or 2) Broken belt drive.

I have not checked the belt yet, but since I still had power steering and the car was not overheating, I do not think the belt is the culprit. I am leaning to a faulty alternator.

Does this sound like I am on the right track? If so, has anyone replaced an alternator and what is the difficulty level? I have the Bentley Manual and it appears pretty straight forward, but wanted to double check with others who may have done this.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Colin

It does sound like an alternator. They are a pain in the butt to get back in lined up correctly.

Finally had the time!

Took the day off from work today to get to my alternator replacement. It was a pretty straight forward job, just very cramped. Not only in the engine bay, but I didn't have the torex socket needed to remove the seats, so I was a little cramped behind the seats too!

Here are a few pics.

Gonna be doing mine too - thanks for sharing your experience and pictures!