Alternator Options

[simon_c]

I went through 3 bosch alternators before I got a good one. Originally bought from FCP euro so they replaced for free but man I wish I knew this awhile back.

[OldRanger]

Update: AutohausAZ cancelled my online order "We regret to inform you that our stock for the following part number(s) has been depleted and no longer available"

So, I ordered one on Amazon via Newparts (Gordonsville, TN). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seems funny that FCP, Bimmerworld, and other online merchants don't have this alternator, but "Newparts" on Amazon does. I'll see what actually shows up on my doorstep.

[jet_dogg]

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

[bigjae46]

Probably not - I would just replace the brushes if I had the patience. They are cheap ($10-$20) and easy if you have the correct solder (probably some kind of high temp) and soldering iron to do the work.

I did not. So I bought new, but kept my failed alternator.

On another note, a Geniune BMW alternator has a limited lifetime warranty. It cannot have been fully covered by a BMW warranty. If a genuine BMW alternator was installed and paid for by a 3rd party warranty or insurance claim, it has the warranty. Just has to be paid for by someone other than BMW.

Very few dealership know about this...because they are dumb.

[OldRanger]

I think that's evidence that Bosch does NOT replace the regulator on a reman.

Probably not - I would just replace the brushes if I had the patience. They are cheap ($10-$20) and easy if you have the correct solder (probably some kind of high temp) and soldering iron to do the work.

I did not. So I bought new, but kept my failed alternator.

[bigjae46]

I was curious so i opened up my Bosch alternator to see what type of regulator was used.

To my surprise, it is actually a VALEO alternator refurbished by BOSCH.

It had a Valeo voltage regulator on there.
Ordered a replacement. For anyone that need a replacement Valeo Part number for the Voltage regulator is 593423.

I think that's evidence that Bosch does NOT replace the regulator on a reman.

[ZiMMie]

The Valeo regulator fit. The Bosch one did not…I think it was a non-M part. It’s also ECS so it’s 50/50 whether anything fits

I was curious so i opened up my Bosch alternator to see what type of regulator was used.

To my surprise, it is actually a VALEO alternator refurbished by BOSCH.

It had a Valeo voltage regulator on there.
Ordered a replacement. For anyone that need a replacement Valeo Part number for the Voltage regulator is 593423.

[Slideways]

My original BMW, Valeo alternator just failed Friday while on track. It lasted 19 years and 166k miles.

I took it apart to determine what failed. One of the brushes in the voltage regulator was not making contact with the slip ring and was fully worn. The slip ring actually looked pretty good. So I debated just buying the brushes and fixing it…but I was having some challenges melting all the solder and didn’t want to buy another, higher temp soldering iron. The bearings also need to be replaced which looks like a challenge on the pulley side of the alternator.

So, I ordered a new one from AutohausAZ P/N: 12317831436 Valeo OEM for $267. This is my first time using this merchant.

Anyone know of a repair shop than can rebuild these things? I’d like to have a spare.

Just replace the voltage regulator. Skip the bearings unless they are making noise.

[tlow98]

My original BMW, Valeo alternator just failed Friday while on track. It lasted 19 years and 166k miles.

I took it apart to determine what failed. One of the brushes in the voltage regulator was not making contact with the slip ring and was fully worn. The slip ring actually looked pretty good. So I debated just buying the brushes and fixing it…but I was having some challenges melting all the solder and didn’t want to buy another, higher temp soldering iron. The bearings also need to be replaced which looks like a challenge on the pulley side of the alternator.

So, I ordered a new one from AutohausAZ P/N: 12317831436 Valeo OEM for $267. This is my first time using this merchant.

Anyone know of a repair shop than can rebuild these things? I’d like to have a spare.

autohausAZ has been awesome to me in the past!

[OldRanger]

My original BMW, Valeo alternator just failed Friday while on track. It lasted 19 years and 166k miles.

I took it apart to determine what failed. One of the brushes in the voltage regulator was not making contact with the slip ring and was fully worn. The slip ring actually looked pretty good. So I debated just buying the brushes and fixing it…but I was having some challenges melting all the solder and didn’t want to buy another, higher temp soldering iron. The bearings also need to be replaced which looks like a challenge on the pulley side of the alternator.

So, I ordered a new one from AutohausAZ P/N: 12317831436 Valeo OEM for $267. This is my first time using this merchant.

Anyone know of a repair shop than can rebuild these things? I’d like to have a spare.

[pawelgawel]

just sell it

[y2k_o__o]

I had 2 reman and both failed at load.. ended up buying one from FCP just before covid. Can't believe how expensive some things got. Valeo is OEM fyi so its same as BMW branded

I had a debate between a reman Bosch vs a brand new Valeo as I thought the core charge would be a waste.
In the end, I opted to go for a brand new Valeo for $355CAD taxed & shipped to my door since the saving isn't very significant.
If a reman failed, the time just isn't really worth the $100 differences.

Now, I don't know what to do with my good working reman BBB alternator that has only 50-60k km on it. Most shops don't just take the alternator without purchasing a reman from them.

[bigjae46]

Are you saying that a valeo regulator did not fit a Bosch reman? Was the Bosch reman specifically made for the e46 m?

The Valeo regulator fit. The Bosch one did not…I think it was a non-M part. It’s also ECS so it’s 50/50 whether anything fits

[ZiMMie]

I used the Valeo regulator - valeo part number 593423. The only place I could find it was FCP Euro. I ordered one from ECS tuning and it was the wrong part.

Are you saying that a valeo regulator did not fit a Bosch reman? Was the Bosch reman specifically made for the e46 m?

[pawelgawel]

I had 2 reman and both failed at load.. ended up buying one from FCP just before covid. Can't believe how expensive some things got. Valeo is OEM fyi so its same as BMW branded