Alternator Options

[bigjae46]

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.

[ZiMMie]

has anyone see the voltage regulator that comes equipped with Bosch (#AL9407x) remans?
there is no listing of them anywhere.

[nahvkolaj]

I do have an overheating issue though, when the AC turns on a hot day I will ready 96deg coolant temp.
Otherwise Im usually around 90C . Most other cars Iv seen are around 86C

What's your ambient temp? In 113F/45C ambient heat I'm regularly seeing 92C/198F to 96C/205F in city driving depending on if I'm moving or not.

This is with a new (~1yr old) cooling system: pump, hoses, radiator, fan clutch and blades, 50/50 BMW coolant. Condenser may be a bit dirty, but I'm not too worried about these temps.

[0-60motorsports]

I do have an overheating issue though, when the AC turns on a hot day I will ready 96deg coolant temp.
Otherwise Im usually around 90C . Most other cars Iv seen are around 86C

That's exactly what was going on with me but at one point I went up to 98c. Check the other things first like clean radiator, fan clutch etc.


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[kkkk]

No that sounds good. Get it checked nonetheless


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I do have an overheating issue though, when the AC turns on a hot day I will ready 96deg coolant temp.
Otherwise Im usually around 90C . Most other cars Iv seen are around 86C

[nahvkolaj]

Just got my Valeo from Bimmerworld. Yes I know it was cheaper elsewhere, and I ordered it before reading up on Valeo part numbers. Figured I'd try to negotiate with them if their description was wrong and it ended up being a refurb. But good news is it's the -17 PN, so the description is accurate but the PN is wrong.

[Shonky]

My car shows a voltage of 13.9V / 14.0V when I pull up the OBC hidden menu with engine on and driving. Do I need a new alternator?

That's what my Valeo outputs. Replaced new about 5 years ago and battery lasted longer than that.

I know everyone talks about 14.4 ish volts but my old E36 M3 was the same. About 14V max. And batteries last a lot longer than other cars which I suspect is the slightly lower voltage not over charging causing too much gassing in the battery.

[0-60motorsports]

My car shows a voltage of 13.9V / 14.0V when I pull up the OBC hidden menu with engine on and driving. Do I need a new alternator?

No that sounds good. Get it checked nonetheless


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[kkkk]

My car shows a voltage of 13.9V / 14.0V when I pull up the OBC hidden menu with engine on and driving. Do I need a new alternator?

[tlow98]

Sorry if this had been discussed before: what is the reason why we can't use any Valeo or Bosch 120A alternator with square 2pin connector from the non-M car? If mechanically they fit to the M3 then I don't see the reason why we can't use them.

Mid the connector shape is the same my understanding is you can use them. People are also using e53 X5 alternators. The 140amp one, fwiw.

I tested fitted my 330i alternator. Fit fine and connected but I never tried it as the motor was out of the car.

[sapote]

Sorry if this had been discussed before: what is the reason why we can't use any Valeo or Bosch 120A alternator with square 2pin connector from the non-M car? If mechanically they fit to the M3 then I don't see the reason why we can't use them.

[sapote]

Does anyone have experience with rebuild kits from Maniac Electric Motors (link)?

Individual parts available, or kits like this for $55, too:

I just bought this kid without the regulator for $23 as spare parts for my car.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275280176748?hash=item4017fa266c:g:II4AAOSwDRdiYHDZ&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwGoaofelQvmfpaMIPico7vg9o8r6KG5bgUyPUoEF8P3kKwg217BL0idIQYbE9BI7z%2BUS4nFE%2FQ%2BkMn2lZsTiMtNjgzvV12biSDu6sAigvzZIIgWEXs0ccYkHVzjShKCK0Z6HjzzBtyzEpGDUE8hZ0JCo9Sf%2BX%2B6DOy160W7msOdmf8bScGU1MmmpOW8FUiXICO2E9wK1Mns0DOlpmHl7EW7bIMDC%2BBlfsGNVZQwmsYbnzv5Z9pnkglZpmbvbxQCnvw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_KItZixYg

Replace the brushes (and the slip rings if needed) is a fairly easy process. Have done this before.

[0-60motorsports]

Installed the 140amp X5 alternator. Perfect. Thanks whoissuprme

[Norocehcap]

Voltage regulator failed in my Bosch after 15k miles

[old///MFanatic]

The voltage regulator wears out over time and might be causing the low voltage. They are should be less than 100 bucks.

Yeah the OEM Valeo regulator (made in Poland) is $79 and Genuine BMW regulator is $149 (from FCP).