Alternator Options

[Shonky]

A multimeter won't really give enough detail for show a bad diode. Basically it can be detected by looking at the ripple on the output which will be what the tester is looking at. Cheap battery testers often can do a ripple test.

If you put the meter on AC volts, what do you get?

[Maxima SE]

A multimeter won't really give enough detail for show a bad diode. Basically it can be detected by looking at the ripple on the output which will be what the tester is looking at. Cheap battery testers often can do a ripple test.

If you put the meter on AC volts, what do you get?

I took it back to autozone today and had them connect the tester to the battery directly. Both battery and alternator came back good.

[Amos]

So just to add a data point:

My original alternator died at 195k km.

I guess I didn't do my research at the time because I went with a Bosch reman from FCP Euro but it's still running fine 5 years and 20k km later. Time will tell I guess.

[Tbonem3]

I think the bosch alts, in my own experience and seeing others', either are bad pretty much immediately, or you get a good one that lasts. It took me 2 duds initially, but my 3rd bosch reman has also lasted me the last 5 years or so.

[Maxima SE]

According to FCP the M3/Z3 Valeo are discontinued. Shocking ! It is too early for these things to happen. There are still plenty of these cars on the road.

[eacmen]

According to FCP the M3/Z3 Valeo are discontinued. Shocking ! It is too early for these things to happen. There are still plenty of these cars on the road.

I got mine from Bimmerworld: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Alternat...831-436_2.html

They were out of stock then came back in stock recently. Maybe its discontinued just at FCP?

[0-60motorsports]

There are plenty of them online in stock around the world. No need to worry. Im sure they'll be back i stock at FCP sooner or later.

[bmwfnatic]

According to FCP the M3/Z3 Valeo are discontinued. Shocking ! It is too early for these things to happen. There are still plenty of these cars on the road.

I bought one here in Europe last week, was freshly made, not some old stock. Pretty sure FCP is just wrong.

[mrgizmo04]

FCP going downhill

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[eacmen]

FCP probably not liking the price or contract terms they can get for them to allow them to warranty.

I often wondered if FCP returns the warrantied items back to the manufacturer. If not where do they go?


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[eacmen]

PSA: Just got notified that Bimmerworld has the Valeo units back in stock if anyone is looking for one:

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Engine/Alternators/Alternator-120-Amp-12-31-7-831-436_2.html

[bigjae46]

FCP probably not liking the price or contract terms they can get for them to allow them to warranty.

I often wondered if FCP returns the warrantied items back to the manufacturer. If not where do they go?


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I’m sure they do whenever they can.

Id be inclined to buy a BMW reman from the dealer. Limited lifetime warranty.

If the dealer installs a BMW part and the customer pays something then there is a 2 year parts and labor warranty.

BMW provides a limited lifetime warranty on specific parts - IIRC, it’s alternator, water pump, starters, ac compressors, shocks and struts. Might be a few other things. This warranty covers the part only.

Talk to you dealer first but you’d need to show the failure. Typically a screen shot of the fault code works, just depends.

I’m thinking about getting an OE alternator and keep my Bosch as a spare.

[0-60motorsports]

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!

Any updates?

[ZiMMie]

Any updates?

its a 55mm diameter pulley same with any M/S 5x motor..

as for the alternator, any m54 alternator should work if you switch the back cover.

I ran a 90amp(less drag) version in my E36/S54. For an e46 120amp+ unless you have A/C,radio etc. electronics deleted.

[0-60motorsports]

its a 55mm diameter pulley same with any M/S 5x motor..

as for the alternator, any m54 alternator should work if you switch the back cover.

I ran a 90amp(less drag) version in my E36/S54. For an e46 120amp+ unless you have A/C,radio etc. electronics deleted.

Thanks for the feedback. I am not sure whether to stick to the 120amp or go to a 140/150Amp alternator. In our summer with the AC blowing and 125F+ plus high humidity the aux fan running at full speed the 140/150 Alternator might be a better choice?

Then again never had issues with my original alternator until now, the battery monitor today shows its making 12V instead of a Minimum of 13V up to 14V+. I am sure the alternator is on the way out.