Even a small rattling sound coming from the engine can be an indicator that your alternator is failing. As soon as the engine starts, electrical power is generated by the alternator and supplied to the battery to recharge it. If the hose is stuck on one of the fittings, use a flat blade screwdriver to gently pry it off. Take a $50 hit on restocking and shipping because of the wrong damn part, even though they said it's compatible? The alternator in your vehicle keeps the battery at full charge when your engine is running. Replacement Alternator for BMW 3 and 5 Series X5 E46 E39 $16761 FREE delivery May 18 - 22 Only 20 left in stock - order soon. If using a JDM K24A engine, you will likely want to switch to a USDM K24 water pump housing and alternator. BMW OEM Part Number: 12317501599, 12317501597, 12317501690, 12311432980, 12311432981, 12311432979, 12311432985, 12311740631, Preferred Aftermarket Brands: Bosch AL0703N, Valeo 439234. yeah.. Based on part # on alternator, nade assumption was a bosch. People with the V6 engines have replaced the Valeo alternators (slightly more amps) with autozone reman units with no issues. Bently manual says should be at least 12.7, so I think It is finally fixed! Turns out it is a valeo. While you have to disconnect the battery from the engine, you do not have to replace the battery when replacing the alternator. I would check charging system voltage. Nice write up and photos. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. I am having similar issues with my E-46. I found the problem. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Any other thoughts out there? How many amps is my alternator???? - E46 Fanatics Forum I have a new battery, less than 4 months old. Are all E46 alternators the same? [FAQ!] - Carolina's BMW - Nick at Pelican Parts, Good day. I dont have torque information. BMW Alternators - Bosch & Valeo | BimmerWorld The battery also supplies voltage to the ignition system, the fuel system, lights, HVAC system, windows, door locks and multitudes of other components that consume the available electrical power throughout the car. Battery fully charged. Performing a BMW E46 alternator replacement is a relatively easy procedure for the home mechanic with average ability and can save a very expensive trip to the dealership or local repair shop. Qty. Do you find yourself frustrated and unsure of the proper way to unlock it? Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair. FREE delivery Dec 19 - 22 . Cleaning the alternators is pretty good to help maximize its performance. . Help. Is it worth replacing the alternator?? Another indicator of a charging system problem is that the headlights or the radio volume will be lower when lowering or raising your electric window. In my case, alternator fried - and of course car keeps running as long as battery lasts - and when voltage drops low enough - all sorts of warning lights come up on the dash - looks like a Christmas tree - good time to pull over and test battery and alternator voltage ! My 2002 325i just happens to only have one wire green coming out of the altetnator plug harness. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. How To Put Bmw In Neutral? Torque specs for tightening down alt bolt/idler pulley? Can a weak alternator cause poor engine performance? #1 Any input on using E46 alternator? I am an engineer so I hooked up a data box to it and recorded the output from the + terminal with reference to the alternator case ground, voltage spikes to about 15 every 1.8 seconds at idle. We appreciate it. see our Pelican Parts Technical Article on Replacing Your Drive Belts. BMW E46 vs BMW E90: Which is Better? Junk Autozone alternator and Bosch/Valeo interchangeability The question is - has anyone replaced the voltage regulator without removing the alternator out of the car? That all seems pretty straightforward. Mar 24, 2010. Tension needs to be removed before the idler and alternator are unbolted. Bosch & Valeo alternators interchangeable? | E46 Fanatics Forum I got a rebuilt Bosch from Max at Oembimmerparts for far (far) less than the numbers you're quoting. In looking, it appears ECSTuning doesn't even sell the correct voltage regulator for me (oval plug), though. With many BMW E46s passing the 20-year mark in age, a fair share of them is still running with their original factory alternator under the hood. very much appreciated. Provide to get notified when a staff member responds to your question. Youre not alone. How To Jumpstart BMW? You need to confirm it is the root cause.- Nick at Pelican Parts, Also abs lights on air con not working all happening after driving for 15 minutes marg, You may have lost a drive belt. BTW, this thread may be a good reference for the "which parts are best to buy OEM" thread: I don't think you can go wrong with brand new Bosch especially from ECStuning. - Nick at Pelican Parts, Have a E46 325i got a new alternator alternator new one has two wires and my work connects to the car only has one wire and the plug doesn't fit into the alternator to different shape what do I do, Sounds like you received the incorrect part. How Long Does A BMW Last? When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown. g35. My a/c would work intermittently, the abs light was on, the service engine soon light was on and the vehicle speedometer fluctuated, the car also drove like it didn't want to go anywhere at times. I havent replaced the one in my BMW but I put a Bosch alternator in my mercedes a long time ago. Grasp the hose and remove it from the vehicle. Any input on using E46 alternator? with 2 pin plug connector However, for most vehicles, expect as much as two hours of run time and as little as five minutes. Can You Jump Start A Car With A Bad Alternator | TechForkClub Cracks can appear on the back of the belt from dry rot caused by exposure to engine heat or age. For more information, please see our article. Low voltage generated while car is running, Battery drains even while the car is running, Dim or flickering exterior or interior lights, Radio, power windows, sunroof do not function. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is held in place with two plastic rivets. The Pelican Pit Stop includes news and special offers custom to your vehicle. The only way to tell is to remove the air cleaner, and use a flashlight and a mirror to read the label on the rear of the alternator. With everything connected, you will want to check charging voltage and current, no load and loaded. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Bullshitkorner and Bsk Garage Be safe! My buddy also told me that putting a new alternator on with a low battery will likely kill the new alternator. - Nick at Pelican Parts, If I unplug the alternator feed wire from alternator the light goes out, Then voltage doesn't go high enough to turn it off. - Nick at Pelican Parts. There are a few signs and tests you can perform to determine if the alternator is the root cause of your problem. Check the voltage of your charging system under load. In this video on how to replace an alternator pulley (warning: this is for an E90), but it's well done and I thought you could use this to troubleshoot your E46 and find out if your alternator is making the same noise. Privacy Policy. Be sure to work with a cool engine and disconnect the battery before beginning. New JDM alternators aren't available in the U.S., and the belt routing is easier with the USDM parts. You may cause damage to the alternator or other electrical components from the surge in amperage. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By switching regulators if . Alternators have an impressive lifespan of seven yearsor between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. It happened in hot weather and once the engine heated up the light would go on. Signs of a Bad Alternator Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. Switched 2nd one into it yesterday, ran fine, checked voltage at the +terminal on the alternator and it was 13.28 charged fine, drove it 14 miles at 25mph through neighborhoods with the A/C anf fan on MAX, passenger seat heater on high, RW defroster on high, high beams on most of the time. Started the car, the BATT light is flashing intermittantly, I measured voltage at the alternator terminal, and it had an average voltage around 9 volts! 2001 325Ci Convertible - After installing a new alternator AL0703N bosch 120amp that replaces replace old alternator TYC 120amp, the red battery came on when engine started. Do not disconnect a battery cable while the engine is running to test the alternator. You can find the belt procedure in our drive belt tech article. In this article, I will go over the steps involved with replacing the alternator on the BMW M52 and M54 engines. zersys said: Need to buy an alternator. Like all mechanical parts in your E46's engine, the alternator has a definitive life cycle and eventually needs to be replaced (no part lasts forever). Sounds the issue is the new alternator. This is because there is more electricity involved compared to an older model. An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. Bullshitkorner and Bsk Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. But, I really don't think it matters what is currently on the car. I would start there. Can a bad alternator destroy a new battery? Is it alternator faulty or some other things? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Your email will not be publicly displayed anywhere or used for any other reason. Didnt realise until i pulled it out. Content on bimmerfest.com is generated by its users. Use this information at your own risk. It is mentioned in step 1: It's easy to see when the belts are beginning to wear. It has 2 pins and is rectangular but don't know what brand is it. Why do they even have different plugs?! And depending on where you get the auto service, labor can cost between $85 to $800. The answer is that a bad alternator, does not always affect the car battery, especially if the battery is new. The remaining bolt does not match up to any bolt in my spares box, and is not listed on realoem or the at dealer. When this happens, your symptoms will be present when the electrical system has the highest load, like at night. One is likely normal. I checked the connector for the alternator u were talking about. The top bolt also serves as the idler pulley mounting bolt. This is the same factory alternator that would be installed at the BMW dealership. When I stopped at stop signs, no battery light. What is causing the drain on the alternator at those specific rpms? Since alternators are only $25, I'm thinking of buying one instead of rebuilding my own (or maybe rebuild mine after I take it out). When the alternator can no longer charge the battery, you may park your vehicle and not be able to start it. Can you simply bolt the bosch in and play as stats are the same? Reddit, Inc. 2023. I have an E46 330 ci 2003. recently had to change batterybad cells and charging light on, investigation found burning in alternaor, so replaced also with correct spares. It can be replaced on most vehicles, but it is important to be aware of the process and what to expect. While you can technically still drive with a bad alternator, it is not advised. If you dont register it with the car, it causes the car to charge it too much or too little. Therefore, you dont need a specific BMW car battery if your car doesnt have sophisticated car accessories or a start-stop system. Which Lug do I loosen to release tension on the alternator? Mark direction of belt rotation before removing if reusing belt. How do I know if my alternator is bad BMW? Then the belt would not reach the pulley, short by two inches. If you do a search for "Valeo", the thread (s) should come up. S4 - car will be in the shop more often than it will be on the road. i have a 2004 bmw 325 xi and i am replacing the alternator would 120 voltage be the alternator to buy? G35/37 - probably the closest competitor to the 3-series in terms of performance. It takes about 2 hours for an alternator replacement about as long as a driveline repair and a little quicker than a clutch repair. Battery light coming on - could it be battery and / or alternator? How To Change BMW E46 Alternator ShopLifeTV 166K subscribers Join Subscribe 831 Save 78K views 6 years ago E46/E39 Tutorials How to switch to an Electric fan. I also thought it was the new Bosch alternator that may be defective, but it turned out to be the fuse that burnt for some reason. When a capacitor is used with a factory electrical system it is kinda like a band-aid. Specializing In Breaking Things Professionally. Thanks for your reply Nick. BMW E46 Alternator Replacement | BMW 325i (2001-2005 - Pelican Parts ya that's what i figured. See our Tech Article on how to disconnect your battery for more info. i installed Bosch "Made in Mexico" 2 weeks ago. S2000 - 2 seater convertible. Stay tuned as the project continuesDISCLAIMER: Due to factors out of the control of Bullshitkorner and Bsk Garage, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Can either get a re-manufactured genuine BMW 120A Bosch alternator for ~$500 from Tischer or other maybe slightly cheaper from other less reputable BMW "Online Dealers", or a brand new Bosch OEM 120A alternator for about $250 from ECSTuning. CN90 , I was stuck in Las Vegas visiting a friend when my Valeo Alternator went out in January 2012, I found a Autozone that had a remanufactured Alternator in stock with a lifetime warranty, but I had to go through three Valeo's before I got a Bosch Alternator, each were bench tested at Autozone and put out the minimum voltage of 13.5 - 13.6 volts, but my current Bosch Alternator I tested had a output voltage of 14.1 volts under full load. Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. I was hopeful that the fault was'nt in the Red cable as the only possible break in that circuit would be at the starter, and I can't even see the starter. At 2000 rpm it should be above 14VDC. Good Alternative to E46? | E46 Fanatics Forum So, it's one of those thingsI had no time to shop around when my original Bosch kicked the bucket hence the Duralast saga After a DAY of trouble shooting I finally determined that there had to be a ground fault somewhere. - Nick at Pelican Parts, I have a 325ti I have just upgraded my alternator to a 180amp from a 120d however my old alt had 2 wires number 1 and number 2. You should give him a call and ask him. When the engine starts the blue wire will go from around 0.5 volts to charging system voltage. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Many people wonder though, whether BMW battery replacement and registration is a simple DIY process or has to be done by an expert technician. E46 Alternator Problem. 12-31-7-551-153-M262. Replacing your 20+ year old cables provide the following (www.bimmerforums.com): In this video on how to replace an alternator pulley (warning: this is for an E90), but its well done and I thought you could use this to troubleshoot your E46 and find out if your alternator is making the same noise. This is a good indication that the alternator cannot handle the excess load. Automatic tensioners are used to maintain belt tension and an idler pulley is used on the accessory belt to achieve proper belt wrap. This part main function is holding the back cover to the alternator as you can see in the image above. Most E90 models pick up some extra horsepower and torque compared to the previous E46 generation. I mean, where's the power come from when the cap dies? After the fuse is replaced, the battery light turned off. was fine until now. This is especially true in newer vehicle models. There are a few issues that could make the alternator go bad, such as jump-starting the car the wrong way or installing an accessory that overloads it. not ready to give up on my car just yet : I would test the battery and charging system. Only the frequency changes at higher speeds. If youre thinking about doing it yourself, you should consider watching this video on how to replace an alternator on an E46 2002 330i. with 2 pin plug connector 08-16-2011, 11:54 PM I have a Valeo 120amp alternator from an E46 I'm planning to use with an S50 harness. The whole connection to the Airconditioner compressor must have been the regulator's responce to the compressor going off, and the voltage would stabilize properly. A faulty or failing alternator can cause many problems; from a simple discharging of the battery to an engine drivability problem. With the pressure removed from the main accessory belt, pull the belt off of the idler and alternator pulleys. MAY BE JUNK! I was able to fix my alternator on my 2001 330i without removing it from the car. LS Accessories All LS Accessories; Alternators; Power Steering Pumps; Water Pumps; AC Compressors/Fittings . Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time. That, of course, would always end up with the customer saying "You guys just fixed my alternator and now it's doing the same thing!" .