E86 alternator voltage regulator, which one?

[PaulHR]

As the title suggests can anyone advise me which voltage regulator is fitted to my 2006 coupe. Done the realoem thing and it seems to throw up a couple of different options, see attached pics.

Also can anyone tell me if the regulator is replaceable without removing the alternator from the car.
Thanks.

 

[Jl-c]

It probably depends on the one they fitted. I know that sounds crass but manufacturers use multiple equipment suppliers and they will supply alternator 80A etc but the parts on each alternator may be different. I'm afraid the only sure answer is get it off and look. Sorry !

 

[PaulHR]

Thanks for that, I had a horrible feeling that's what I was going to have to do. Out with the tools then.

 

[Jakg]

I'm assuming you've got the N52 engine, so my experience on the M54 engine isn't directly comparable.

You can check the type of alternator without removing from the car - either use a mirror or just put your phone behind it and take a pic, once the airbox is removed.
Plus if you can read the numbers off the regulator as well and put that in eBay to make it easeir.

It's quite easy to remove - just a couple of screws and a bolt - and there's plenty of space behind for you to work, so you can do it in situ.



But as I'd never done one before and wanted to check the rest of the alternator, I removed it from the car - disconnect battery and alt battery cable and plug, remove aux belt and then two bolts to remove and it wiggles free.
Easier if the radiator cover is removed (two bolts and some little fiddly plastic pop pins).

Plus you might want to change the aux belt anyway.



Again the above is for the M54 so not directly comparable.

 

[PaulHR]

Thanks, airbox off first then so I can hopefully identify the part then proceed from there. Thanks again all.

 

[PaulHR]

Right, I've managed to get a pic of the label on the alternator but I'm damned if I find a number for the regulator using the alternator number.

Plus I don't think I'm going to get the back of the alternator off in situ' as there appears to be a bit of inlet manifold very close to it. Bugger!
So this looks like it's going to become rather time consuming . I really want to have the new regulator to hand when I do this as my coupe is my daily drive, so don't want to be taking it apart and then having to waiting days for the part.
So if anybody can point me at the part number for the regulator I'd be very grateful.

 

[davidmudley12]

Apparently it is possible to change the voltage regulated with the alternator in place, but i can’t vouch for it (as you say it looks tight).

I have an E85 3.0si and ordered an alternator yesterday (part number 12317543083), got the number from RealOEM.

I’m planning on sticking a new belt on but if you’re reusing the same one and can keep it in position I’m guessing it could be relatively easy; air box out, loosen off the belt using the tensioner, remove the alternator cables and fixing.

 

[PaulHR]

Thanks for that. When I look up my alternator on Realoem it doesn't list the voltage regulator as a spare part but does list single use mounting bolts as it would appear my alternator is attached by four of these bolts. Other alternator options do shown the regulator as a spare. :x

 

[davidmudley12]

Thanks for that. When I look up my alternator on Realoem it doesn't list the voltage regulator as a spare part but does list single use mounting bolts as it would appear my alternator is attached by four of these bolts. Other alternator options do shown the regulator as a spare. :x

I also ordered this alternator voltage regulator after finding the part number on Real OEM (E85 3.0si N52)

Bosch voltage regulator: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123696414920

Real OEM voltage regulator part number 12317540657: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU52-EUR-06-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=12_2545

You’ll see that the alternator is the same part number on the Z4 E85 Z4 3.0si Alternatore di rotazione - Ricambi Usati part (https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU52-EUR-06-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=12_2541) as it is for the more obvious alternator link for the Z4 E85 Z4 3.0si Alternator (https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BU52-EUR-06-2006-E85-BMW-Z4_30si&diagId=12_1198)

 

[PaulHR]

Thanks for the info'.

 

[colb]

Quick check searching ebay using your alternator part number 0124525083 brought this one back
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Voltage-Regulator-Alternator-Regulator-Replacement-For-Bosch-F00M145881/113983635065?epid=5042467265&hash=item1a89f43e79:g:ahAAAOSwvDpa-U0R
Downside is a German supplier in Berlin so postage delay no doubt.
Seems like the season for duff alternators, it was starter motors in the last few weeks, on another thread someone sourced their replacement in the UK somewhere up North if I remember will have a look to see if I can find the post.

 

[davidmudley12]

Quick check searching ebay using your alternator part number 0124525083 brought this one back
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Voltage-Regulator-Alternator-Regulator-Replacement-For-Bosch-F00M145881/113983635065?epid=5042467265&hash=item1a89f43e79:g:ahAAAOSwvDpa-U0R
Downside is a German supplier in Berlin so postage delay no doubt.
Seems like the season for duff alternators, it was starter motors in the last few weeks, on another thread someone sourced their replacement in the UK somewhere up North if I remember will have a look to see if I can find the post.

It is making is a little harder to source bits (I’m not the best at being patient and waiting 5+ days for delivery and running the risk of the customs fees).

 

[Jakg]

Right, I've managed to get a pic of the label on the alternator but I'm damned if I find a number for the regulator using the alternator number.
IMG_20210123_111828.jpg
Plus I don't think I'm going to get the back of the alternator off in situ' as there appears to be a bit of inlet manifold very close to it. Bugger!
So this looks like it's going to become rather time consuming . I really want to have the new regulator to hand when I do this as my coupe is my daily drive, so don't want to be taking it apart and then having to waiting days for the part.
So if anybody can point me at the part number for the regulator I'd be very grateful.IMG_20210123_170845.jpg

I think your looking at the part number of the alternator, not the regulator.

Theres a little plastic cover on the back of the alternator, behind that is the regulator.

EDIT - Again this is M54 so might not be applicable blah blah blah.

 

[colb]

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=97004
This was the thread detailing a supplier, it was for a starter motor but maybe worthwhile asking about a alternator regulator
West Lancs Auto Electrics - http://www.westlancsautoelectrics.co.uk/

Jakg, When searching ebay for a regulator search using the alternator part number and the word regulator view the results and check that your part number is listed as being compatable with the regulator in the results detailed description. Worth noting same part is fitted to more than one part number.

 

[Old-Duckman]

Wouldn't it be easier (and more sure) to call a BMW dealer, give them the car's VIN and ask them what the part number of the regulator is?

 

[mmm-five]

Wouldn't it be easier (and more sure) to call a BMW dealer, give them the car's VIN and ask them what the part number of the regulator is?

A dealer over here will probably just claim it's part of the alternator and can only be bought as a single unit - at £500-£750.

I took my last one to a Bosch service centre to identify, and ultimately fix instead.

The whole job was less than £100 (for a service and a new voltage regulator). But that was a good few years back.

 

[davidmudley12]

Wouldn't it be easier (and more sure) to call a BMW dealer, give them the car's VIN and ask them what the part number of the regulator is?

A dealer over here will probably just claim it's part of the alternator and can only be bought as a single unit - at £500-£750.

I took my last one to a Bosch service centre to identify, and ultimately fix instead.

The whole job was less than £100 (for a service and a new voltage regulator). But that was a good few years back.

Once I fit the new alternator I’m going to do the same with my current one, effectively recondition and then sell.