Alternator Options

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[bigjae46]

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

Either way...GREAT INFO! Thanks!

[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

[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.

[0-60motorsports]

Also no cooling port on the OEM 120a either because the power steering lines are in the way.

Correct. Unless going racing and even then no need for a cooling Hose. LOL

[whoissuprme]

There is no cooling port on the Z4M 150amp alternator either. So this should be fine.

Also no cooling port on the OEM 120a either because the power steering lines are in the way.

[0-60motorsports]

But then no cooling port?

There is no cooling port on the Z4M 150amp alternator either. So this should be fine.

[Shonky]

But then no cooling port?

[0-60motorsports]

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.

Thats Awesome! Thanks for trying it out. I might go this route in the future.

[whoissuprme]

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.

[sapote]

It would not be similar enough to use a 323it as a basis for average mileage was the point.
Sorry, yes you can remove and inspect the brushes. But brushes are only one of several things that can be reason for an alternator to fail.

OK, we're on the same page now.
I still think short worn brushes is the root cause of most alternator failure after 100K miles. Most people just replaced the failed alternator instead of investigate the root cause. I have not seen any reports of either spun bearings, seized bearing, burnt rotor/stator coil, damaged brush slip rings, or damaged rectifier diode bridge.

[old///MFanatic]

How many miles/years are you guys seeing the original alternators lasting on these cars?

..on my 2000 323iT with 180K miles the brushes were still good for up to 200K miles.

There are many variables in use of E46s that would change dramatically the use of the alternator. One who drives to work every day at night, in traffic with seat heaters (multiple accessories).

Ok, so even if the regulator/brushes are different across the different models, why does this affect the brush length checking method?

It would not be similar enough to use a 323it as a basis for average mileage was the point.
Sorry, yes you can remove and inspect the brushes. But brushes are only one of several things that can be reason for an alternator to fail.