Dead Alternator.

J

Jakg

Member
 Suffolk
One dead alternator...

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It's got a 120A unit fitted.

A new one is more than I expected, but the 155A E46 US unit (12317541696) seems cheaper.

2004 3.0 M54

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALTERNATOR-BMW-5-SERIES-E60-E61-520-525-530-2-2-2-5-3-0-PETROL-2003-2010-150amp/254679025459?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Any other ideas?
 
Not a lot of difference in price between New or Recon, I would go for the New one.
 
Why not just replace the voltage regulator. 99% of the time that's the failed component. If you have very nimble fingers, you can replace it without removing the alternator.
 
javis20 said:
Why not just replace the voltage regulator. 99% of the time that's the failed component. If you have very nimble fingers, you can replace it without removing the alternator.
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I'll remove it from the car and have a look - it doesn't look too bad to remove.

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Easy enough to get the belt on, use an extension pipe on the ratchet and pull from the left hand side of the big coolant pipe or the ratchet will foul it and get stuck.

Beware of buying the Chinese alternators from ebay, my 3.0 had one fitted and it felt fine - I was chasing a rumble around the engine bay, it turned out that the actual shaft had failed and was making the noise when under load. I paid for a Bosch one for the peace of mind.
 
Voltage regulator is a piece of cake.
 

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Whats the easiest way of checking the voltage regulator? I assumed it'd be as simple as checking for an open circuit or something, but I'm not getting much on Google...
 
Jakg said:
Whats the easiest way of checking the voltage regulator? I assumed it'd be as simple as checking for an open circuit or something, but I'm not getting much on Google...
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Unfortunately you will specialist garage equipment to test the volage regulator.
 
When I checked a voltage regulator on an alternator on an older car, then found the brushes and tracks were also all worn out, it wasnt worth anything than a new alternator replacement.. If it has done a reasonable mileage then I wouldnt bother and just get an exchange and be done with it. Mine was for a Honda S2000 and the regulator was more expensive than a replacement alternator also. Just my 2p worth :D
 
I would agree with @Thrustyjust if its a high milage car there is going to be wear in the other parts and bearings to consider not just the regulator and brushes. Exchange unit probably the best to go for.
 
Despite the suggestions to the contrary, I think I'll risk the regulator - £30 vs £130.

The alternator feels ok when you spin it, so I think the bearings are ok.

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Brushes and contacts look reasonable, you might get away with just the regulator
 
My Z3 Alternator packed up at around 40k miles, replaced with a replacement unit, still got the old one in the garage may try replacing the regulator in it as the bearings are ok, it was only putting 12v out when charging. After that episode I put in a voltmeter with twin usb connections into one of the spare switch positions on the dash so battery state can be monitored. Also put one in on the Z4 when I got that.
 

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