Alternator Options

[sapote]

No they are not. M52TU uses a different one from M54s and also S54s.
Besides that, there are so many variables in use of E46s that would change dramatically the use of the alternator. One who drives to work every day at night, in traffic with seat heaters (multiple accessories) simple example. That’s not even factoring extreme heat/cold climates.

Ok, so even if the regulator/brushes are different across the different models, why does this affect the brush length checking method? IOW, why the brush length method works for M52TU alternator but not for S54?

[old///MFanatic]

Both have similar design if not exactly the same, so the brush checking is similar.

No they are not. M52TU uses a different one from M54s and also S54s.
Besides that, there are so many variables in use of E46s that would change dramatically the use of the alternator. One who drives to work every day at night, in traffic with seat heaters (multiple accessories) simple example. That’s not even factoring extreme heat/cold climates.

[sapote]

2000 323iT uses a unique and different regulator than our M3s.

Both have similar design if not exactly the same, so the brush checking is similar.

[sapote]

If you go to the trouble of removing the regulator...why not just replace it.

I don't replace thing unless I know it will break down in near future. By checking the brush length, I have a good idea of how many more 1000s miles I need to replace down the road. Removing the alternator is not a big deal.

[bigjae46]

I don't know how long the M3 brushes will last, but on my 2000 323iT with 180K miles the brushes were still good for up to 200K miles. The best way to find out is to remove the regulator/brushes and check the protruded brush length: Just replace the brushes or the whole regulator (with brushes) if they are less than 4mm. No reason to replace the whole alternator as long as the brush slip rings are in good condition. I don't trust re-manufactured alternators.

If you go to the trouble of removing the regulator...why not just replace it.

[D-O]

Doing a little digging it seems like the plugs on the back are slightly different. I believe you can just swap plugs but would need confirmation with someone who has done it already. I did end up ordering the 140a X5 alternator last night so we'll see what happens when it comes in tomorrow.

Pics of 120a (OEM e46 m3 alternator) vs the 150a (OEM z4m alternator)

Thanks for investigating. I am in for the results as well.

D-O

[old///MFanatic]

I don't know how long the M3 brushes will last, but on my 2000 323iT with 180K miles the brushes were still good for up 200k.

2000 323iT uses a unique and different regulator than our M3s.

[0-60motorsports]

Doing a little digging it seems like the plugs on the back are slightly different. I believe you can just swap plugs but would need confirmation with someone who has done it already. I did end up ordering the 140a X5 alternator last night so we'll see what happens when it comes in tomorrow.

Pics of 120a (OEM e46 m3 alternator) vs the 150a (OEM z4m alternator)

Thanks for doing this. Looking forward to the results.

[sapote]

I don't know how long the M3 brushes will last, but on my 2000 323iT with 180K miles the brushes were still good for up to 200K miles. The best way to find out is to remove the regulator/brushes and check the protruded brush length: Just replace the brushes or the whole regulator (with brushes) if they are less than 4mm. No reason to replace the whole alternator as long as the brush slip rings are in good condition. I don't trust re-manufactured alternators.

[bigjae46]

Looks like the electrical plug is different.

[whoissuprme]

I'd also like to know this. I've been searching for a Valeo, but can't find anywhere. The Z4M alternator is available (150A) however. On a side note, Valeo still lists the 439317 as "in production" so maybe these are only run in batches at certain times of the year by Valeo.

Doing a little digging it seems like the plugs on the back are slightly different. I believe you can just swap plugs but would need confirmation with someone who has done it already. I did end up ordering the 140a X5 alternator last night so we'll see what happens when it comes in tomorrow.

Pics of 120a (OEM e46 m3 alternator) vs the 150a (OEM z4m alternator)

[PSUEng]

I confirmed with Valeo today that 439317 is just backordered--not discontinued. They state they should have more in December.

[Nico]

I had a Bosch replacement and that lasted me a year somehow. Also, the car would shake on idle with it. Not sure if it was the installer or not. Had a new OE unit installed and the idle shake stopped

[eacmen]

Yes I noticed this as well. The Valeo unit is backordered everywhere.


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[PSUEng]

Has anyone ran the X5 140a alternator? Part number 12317551253. I've read somewhere that these will bolt right up and give you a little extra juice. My alternator just crapped out and the new 120a Valeo units aren't available anywhere. Would really rather not buy a remanufactured unit especially one that bosch did. From the little bit of investigating I did it looks like they are the same plug on the back between the stock 120a and the "upgraded" 140a from the X5

I'd also like to know this. I've been searching for a Valeo, but can't find anywhere. The Z4M alternator is available (150A) however. On a side note, Valeo still lists the 439317 as "in production" so maybe these are only run in batches at certain times of the year by Valeo.