Valeo alternator "upgrade" from Bosch 155A for N52 / 3.0i/si?

r3vmatch

Member
Hey all,

Maybe this will sound a bit crazy, but has anyone looked into using a Valeo 180/185A alternator to replace the factory "OE" Bosch 155A alternator? I THINK this should work as the Valeo was used on 2006 N52 325i and they use the same bolts and visually looks to be the same physical layout as the Bosch.

Why? :
I'm planning to do a hydraulic converstion on my 3.0si Roadster and "at the same time" I wnted to service the alternator -- replace the INA clutch, voltage regulator, internal bearings and ideally the slip rings in addition to a new belt, tensioner, etc. I've had a VERY hard time finding places near me who will service the alternator and are willing to use OE parts (Bosch regulator, INA overdrive, not-made-in-China bearings, etc).

So I went down the route of considering a "new" alternator from Bosch (AL0842N <-- n for NEW) for ~$400 and I've read some mixed reviews from other people who bought the N(ew) and not the X(reman'd) Bosch alternators and ran into longevity issues, see this thread : https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/...8-bosch-alternators-thoughts-on-current-batch

I was considering (hoping?) that maybe Valeo is doing a better job than Bosch

BMW P/Ns :
Valeo : 12317525376 , Bosch : 12317543083

FCP Euro links on fittament:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-alternator-530i-525i-530xi-525xi-439560#fitment
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-alternator-325i-325xi-330ci-330i-330xi-z4-al0842x#fitment
 
Another possible alternative from Denso : https://spareto.com/products/denso-alternator/dan3006

Supposedly made in Japan!
 
So I think the Valeo 180A might be compatible based on something I've also read in another thread:

https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/e30-technical-forums/24v-engine-swaps/n54-n52-swap-forum/10136723-n52-alternators
 
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