Alternator Options

[bigjae46]

On a side note, why are people interested in using any other alternator than the one specifically made for the e46 M3? What are the advantages?

Availability and cost. For me, I keep and rotate cheap spares for track use. I wouldn't mind rotating old X5 alternators through my spare parts bin.

[whoissuprme]

Any updates?

I've been running this alternator since October with absolutely 0 issues. Go with the x5 alternator if you need a replacement

[0-60motorsports]

I've been running this alternator since October with absolutely 0 issues. Go with the x5 alternator if you need a replacement

Thank you, already on the way

[whoissuprme]

Thank you, already on the way

Good to hear! Sorry about the late response I haven't been active on the forums lately.

[ARCHBID]

The issue with the reman Bosch units is they licensed the business to a Chinese firm that substituted shit Chinese components, notably the bearings. New Bosch has quality bearings.

Valeo is OE and great, though most times you don't need an alternator, just a voltage regulator.

[nahvkolaj]

Fantastic info! Thank you!

I just confirmed on the Valeo link you provided. Interesting that the Bimmerworld part number is actually a Re-Gen and the unit from Rock Auto is an Origins and cheaper.

Just looking at the available Valeo parts myself as mine is struggling to break into the 13V range. The Bimmerworld page claims they are selling the brand new Valeo unit, but the part # they list suggests it's a reman. I've had bad luck with Rock Auto parts in the past.

[Slideways]

Just looking at the available Valeo parts myself as mine is struggling to break into the 13V range. The Bimmerworld page claims they are selling the brand new Valeo unit, but the part # they list suggests it's a reman. I've had bad luck with Rock Auto parts in the past.

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

[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).

[Norocehcap]

Voltage regulator failed in my Bosch after 15k miles

[0-60motorsports]

Installed the 140amp X5 alternator. Perfect. Thanks whoissuprme

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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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