Can anyone help find a cheap replacement alternator. :(

[Bmw z4]

Hey guys! First off sorry to ask for help. But I've been reading the forums and it seems you guys are the best at anything z4 and wanted to reach out in hopes you could help. Very happy to be a part of this great forum.

My question:

I'm looking for a new/used alternator as the mechanics let me know its not working and not charging the battery. I'm really low on money atm and i need the car fixed so we can return to normal. Just basically the cheapest way of getting one. I do have what i believe is the part number from the alternator on it just now. 0 124 515 105
But i dont think i need OEM? If anyone can help. I would be forever grateful.

:driving: :| :?

 

[groovy_hippy]

Unless the alternator is physically damaged, ie, can’t spin, you might get away with just replacing its regulator (search ebay for your part number). The regulator is basically all the electrical gubbins - oftentimes it’s that bit that breaks. They look to be about 30 quid vs a whole alternator at 250-300.

Our old 911’s alternator died and we changed the regulator - much cheaper than a whole thing!

 

[Bmw z4]

Unless the alternator is physically damaged, ie, can’t spin, you might

Ahh right. As far as I'm aware it cant spin. I'll double check with the mechanic. Would a used alternator be ok?

 

[Conrod]

There's this one on eBay for £70 plus £10 postage:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E...258212?hash=item3f9cf540a4:g:ym0AAOSwj2Za-~eb

 

[Bmw z4]

There's this one on eBay for £70 plus £10 postage

Thank you so much for your reply. Brilliant! Only thing is the mechanic is saying i needs a fan belt if it has ac. As it can get damaged when re tensioning. I've qutoed his message below. Can anyone help find the right one for the car.

Car: BMW Z4 2.5i se 2004 convertable

Mechanics text message:
I would buy a new fan belt with it as sometimes when u re tension a belt they can damage them. Does your car have air conditioning if it does you would need a belt for one with air con.

 

[Stotts]

There’s this at Euros. Dayco are an ok make. However if you live in Surrey I can get you one at cost and you can pop over and pick it up mate

 

[Bmw z4]

Sorry if im being rather silly ahaha but what is a fan belt then? Is it a drive belt. Ac belt. Whats going with it have a look here.

 

[colb]

Alternator/Waterpump drive belt here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BT33-USA-06-2004-E85-BMW-Z4_25i&diagId=11_3416
Air Con Drive Belt here https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BT33-USA-06-2004-E85-BMW-Z4_25i&diagId=11_2263

 

[Bmw z4]

Nah i ment if he's saying get a fan belt. What belt does he mean. Since im reading fan belt can also mean alternator belt i think but just wondering if they are the same why the prices are different confused.

 

[javis20]

You can replace the voltage regulator, on the rear of the alternator, without removing the alternator. Thus, no need for belt.

 

[Bmw z4]

Its the full alternator that needs changed.

 

[oldgitdave]

Nah i ment if he's saying get a fan belt. What belt does he mean. Since im reading fan belt can also mean alternator belt i think but just wondering if they are the same why the prices are different confused.

Its the full alternator that needs changed.

On early cars, pre mid '80s(ish) the fan belt used to drive the radiator cooling fan. Then came a viscous coupled fans also on the "fan belt" loop. Nowadays the radiator fans are electrically driven as and when needed so the term "fan belt" is just an old school name. The pre-facelift Zed has 2 belts, one of which drives the alternator & water pump, the other does the aircon pump.

Best get is to get a secondhand or refurbished alternator. If yours has seized then the alternator belt will need replacing .

 

[javis20]

Its the full alternator that needs changed.

How do you know, was it electrically tested? 90% of alternator failures are the voltage regulator. It's located on the back of the alternator, under the plastic cover. New ones cost $30 to $50.

 

[brillomaster]

If youre anywhere near coventry i can recommend SAC alternators...?

http://www.sacweb.co.uk/mobile/index.html