Alternator Options

[fourmula1]

So finally was able to tackle the x5 140a alternator install tonight with some help from a couple of buddies. Great news... It bolts right up! All you have to do is swap the back covers and you are good to go!! this seems like a great alternative.

bigjae46

0-60motorsports

PSUEng

D-O

Here are some pictures

This is the new 140a X5 alternator. As you can see there is a port for cooling


Back of the OEM 120a alternator


X5 alternator inside the engine bay with the e46 rear cover on.

Nice! Thank you!

Pulley is the same diameter? No issues running? I'm going to warrantee my just installed remand bosch...might replace with this on my track car.

[whoissuprme]

Nice! Thank you!

Pulley is the same diameter? No issues running? I'm going to warrantee my just installed remand bosch...might replace with this on my track car.

The car started right up no issues. But my car has been off the battery tender now for like 3.5 weeks so I'm pretty sure I killed my battery lol. I have it on a trickle charge hopefully it comes back to life otherwise I'm going to replace it with an odyssey

[bigjae46]

The plug is the same? If it wasn't I think you can swap the voltage regulator.

Either way...GREAT INFO! Thanks!

[old///MFanatic]

Pulley is the same diameter?

Was wondering this aswell. Are they same diameter and/or same spline so they be swapped?
The offset looks to be about same when installed so that’s not an issue.

[sapote]

Great find for second source!

Hint for ease of alternator removal: use a socket as spacer around the colored nut and use one of the alternator bolt to pull the nut rearward to free it from the oil filter housing bracket, then it can be lifted out easily. Don't tap on the front bolt using hammer to move the nut rearward as this could dent the radiator or crack the alternator ear where the nut is embedded.

[heinzboehmer]

Hint for ease of alternator removal: use a socket as spacer around the colored nut and use one of the alternator bolt to pull the nut rearward to free it from the oil filter housing bracket, then it can be lifted out easily. Don't tap on the front bolt using hammer to move the nut rearward as this could dent the radiator or crack the alternator ear where the nut is embedded.

That's a great tip. I've also learned (the hard way) that tapping on the alternator casing can unalign both halves of the alternator casing and cause the bearings to bind. So yeah don't tap it when installing or uninstalling.

[whoissuprme]

I was away for a little bit and the car is still at my buddies shop. I will be going there tomorrow (10/13/22) and will take measurements on the pulley diameter to make sure it's the same. While I was swapping in the new alternator I decided to swap out all the pulleys with new ones and do a belt service and a new clutch fan. Stay tuned for more info. I'll report back with my findings!

[eacmen]

Picked up a new Valeo unit from Bimmerworld. The unit I pulled out was also Valeo. I assume it was the original alternator on the car. We'll see if it solves my voltage dip problems!

[D-O]

Were you able to get the "correct" alternator, or did you get the X5 version?

[eacmen]

Were you able to get the "correct" alternator, or did you get the X5 version?

I got the correct one from bimmerworld. They are back in stock


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[PSUEng]

Also in stock at RockAuto--I grabbed one.

[eacmen]

Anyone aware of how to read Valeo date code? This is what I pulled. I assume since the BMW logo is on it that it was original to the car.





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[heinzboehmer]

Anyone aware of how to read Valeo date code? This is what I pulled. I assume since the BMW logo is on it that it was original to the car.





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Valeo is a french company so I'm assuming S = semaine (week). An is year. So 26th week of 2004.

[eacmen]

Valeo is a french company so I'm assuming S = semaine (week). An is year. So 26th week of 2004.

Wow, 4 years of french and I would have never made that connection. Thanks!


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[Shonky]

My old one from my 08/2004 build car is marked S29AN04 so that would appear to line up.