Alternator Options

[Slideways]

Update: mine is over charging the car, again. This one lasted from summer 2021 until now. And this is the 2nd Bosch unit I have to pull and replace now.

The real question here is this. Are we finding the OEM / Valeo unit for $550 to be longer lasting? I will be able to get credit back from FCP on my replacement.

So which is better, spend a little less and probably have to do the job again in two years? Or spend more and maybe(?) not have to do it again, even though yes I would get the next replacement also covered by warranty?

$235 - https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...generator,2412

[Slideways]

Update: mine is over charging the car, again. This one lasted from summer 2021 until now. And this is the 2nd Bosch unit I have to pull and replace now.

The real question here is this. Are we finding the OEM / Valeo unit for $550 to be longer lasting? I will be able to get credit back from FCP on my replacement.

So which is better, spend a little less and probably have to do the job again in two years? Or spend more and maybe(?) not have to do it again, even though yes I would get the next replacement also covered by warranty?

You want a new Valeo unit, not remanufactured by Bosch.

[Nate047]

07-20-2022, 05:19 PM
I replaced the one my car came with with a Bosch unit a couple years ago. Came to find It was overcharging the car, and I replaced it again with the same (FCP) No issues so far on round 2 of Bosch, maybe they fixed the problem.

Update: mine is over charging the car, again. This one lasted from summer 2021 until now. And this is the 2nd Bosch unit I have to pull and replace now.

The real question here is this. Are we finding the OEM / Valeo unit for $550 to be longer lasting? I will be able to get credit back from FCP on my replacement.

So which is better, spend a little less and probably have to do the job again in two years? Or spend more and maybe(?) not have to do it again, even though yes I would get the next replacement also covered by warranty?

[dukeofchen]

For those of you that want to buy new, complete alternators, as of the time of this posting:

1. FCP Euro doesn’t have the Valeo, they lost it NLA. But they do have Genuine BMW reman for $550
2. Bimmerworld carries the Valeo in their catalog but doesn’t indicate “In Stock”
3. ECS Tuning has the Valeo in stock for $395
4. Amazon merchants, AutoZone, etc. have the Valeo 439317 for about $290. It’s a new one, no core charge.

Also the 140A Valeo 439507 which is $234 new at RockAuto. I picked it up from eEuroParts which supposedly offers their own 2 year warranty vs. standard valeo 1 year warranty, but who knows how legit that is.

Considering how long the original lasted I feel much more comfortable with new vs. reman regardless of who did it.

[bigjae46]

Even if you install it?

Yes, just need the receipt. Parts should get a shop foreman to warranty the part. Might need some proof that its bad - play in the shaft, a diagnostic code or bad regulator.

[Slideways]

I'd do the BMW reman for $550. BMW limited lifetime warranty

Even if you install it?

[bigjae46]

For those of you that want to buy new, complete alternators, as of the time of this posting:

1. FCP Euro doesn’t have the Valeo, they lost it NLA. But they do have Genuine BMW reman for $550
2. Bimmerworld carries the Valeo in their catalog but doesn’t indicate “In Stock”
3. ECS Tuning has the Valeo in stock for $395
4. Amazon merchants, AutoZone, etc. have the Valeo 439317 for about $290. It’s a new one, no core charge.

I'd do the BMW reman for $550. BMW limited lifetime warranty

[OldRanger]

For those of you that want to buy new, complete alternators, as of the time of this posting:

1. FCP Euro doesn’t have the Valeo, they lost it NLA. But they do have Genuine BMW reman for $550
2. Bimmerworld carries the Valeo in their catalog but doesn’t indicate “In Stock”
3. ECS Tuning has the Valeo in stock for $395
4. Amazon merchants, AutoZone, etc. have the Valeo 439317 for about $290. It’s a new one, no core charge.

[bigjae46]

A voltage regulator is less than $100. I’d rather do that than mess with soldering brushes on…and you should also replace the springs on the brushes.

[OldRanger]

I was under the impression the voltage regulator was an easy swap and someone had mentioned the brushes were soldered so I thought they were divorced from the regulator.

I also didn't bother to look at etk 😂

To confirm: The brushes are in the regulator, soldered in via a wire lead, but very easy to get to. They can be replaced with a bit of a bother, for a fraction of the cost of a complete regulator. Since they wear out over time they are the most likely cause of a voltage problem on high mileage cars.

in retrospect, if you’ve still got an original alternator on an e46…and don’t want to risk loss of your vehicle for a few days or more when your alternator fails…just buy brushes and have a high temp soldering iron/solder. The repair is probably a 5 minute job once the alternator is on the bench.

[jet_dogg]

The brushes are part of the voltage regulator.

I was under the impression the voltage regulator was an easy swap and someone had mentioned the brushes were soldered so I thought they were divorced from the regulator.

I also didn't bother to look at etk 😂

[Slideways]

In an effort to have a comprehensive catalog, Bosch will purchase parts from other suppliers and put their names on them.

Also brushes are paramount to service life. These are absolutely a wear item and should be replaced along with the vr, bearings less so since they provide audible indication of failure but still permit the alternator to function.

The brushes are part of the voltage regulator.

[jet_dogg]

The regulator is not a low cost piece unlike the bearings. My guess is Bosch (or whoever they contract) cleans up the housing, replaces some of the low cost parts and bench tests the units. Unfortunately, when some of those alternators get installed, they don't pass a long term test, so they are a gamble.

Having replaced a higher mileage voltage regulator (one brush completely worn and not making contact) on another car, I would always start there when there is a voltage issue. The regulator is less than half the cost of the whole alternator.

As you said, if you get a refurbed unit, inspect the voltage regulator brushes. Rebuilding these alternators is not that hard and it is annoying that Bosch can't do a better job at refurbing them. Guess it is a cost thing. Other than the brushes and bearings, I don't know what else can wear out on these alternators.

In an effort to have a comprehensive catalog, Bosch will purchase parts from other suppliers and put their names on them.

Also brushes are paramount to service life. These are absolutely a wear item and should be replaced along with the vr, bearings less so since they provide audible indication of failure but still permit the alternator to function.

[Slideways]

Very possible but I've seen newish remans with obviously old or damaged brushes which are part of the regulator. So I very highly doubt that Bosch replaces the regulator. I'd at least remove and inspect the regulator before installing a reman alternator. It takes 5 minutes and will save you time, hassle, and a battery.

The regulator is not a low cost piece unlike the bearings. My guess is Bosch (or whoever they contract) cleans up the housing, replaces some of the low cost parts and bench tests the units. Unfortunately, when some of those alternators get installed, they don't pass a long term test, so they are a gamble.

Having replaced a higher mileage voltage regulator (one brush completely worn and not making contact) on another car, I would always start there when there is a voltage issue. The regulator is less than half the cost of the whole alternator.

As you said, if you get a refurbed unit, inspect the voltage regulator brushes. Rebuilding these alternators is not that hard and it is annoying that Bosch can't do a better job at refurbing them. Guess it is a cost thing. Other than the brushes and bearings, I don't know what else can wear out on these alternators.

[bigjae46]

Bosch also buys parts from part manufacturers and puts their name on them.

Very possible but I've seen newish remans with obviously old or damaged brushes which are part of the regulator. So I very highly doubt that Bosch replaces the regulator. I'd at least remove and inspect the regulator before installing a reman alternator. It takes 5 minutes and will save you time, hassle, and a battery.