BMW Alternator Removal and Replacement DIY M54 E39

[@BIMMERZEITT]

NEW M54 ALTERNATOR: amzn.to/1MbimcN BMW TOOLS: amzn.to/2mwwf9R

[@MattTheriot]

Amazon says "This is not compatible with your 2002 BMW 530i" Despite the fact that it is an E39 Chasis with an M54 engine. I also see comments saying it does not fit their 1998 BMW, so I assume Amazon is wrong and this WILL fit an M54 in and E39?

[@xaviercruz5328]

Hands-down best alternator BMW five series replacement video that I've ever seen thank you so much for your time and effort in making this video you have saved me $600

[@Milaldinho]

This was for sure the best guide of any kind that I've ever seen. Amazing filming, amazing verbal explanation, wonderful quality and BRILLIANT structure. Props to you for giving me the balls to go down to the garage and replace my alternator. Thanks man, thanks.

[@Milaldinho]

Update: I replaced it without any problems whatsoever, apart from the belt coming totally off it's track so to say, requiring me to use my own mind for a little bit.. :D

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Miladi thanks a bunch, happy to help!

[@ddrt8824]

Your E39 vids are the best! I hope you still have your E39 and keep it forever as I enjoy learning so much from your videos. Awesome work and much appreciated!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

thanks, I appreciate that! I still have the 530i for now, just picked up a 335i E90 to expand into newer models for the channel!

[@axz0]

Just wanna say thank you for this video. It helped me and my father to replace the regulator inside the alternator. We did it in like 2 hours, would have taken A LOT of more time if the video wasn't here. Thanks, now I can use my car again :D

[@refuge2412]

This video helped me! I did mine yesterday and only took less than an hour. I didn’t take the radiator hose off,manouvered the rachet under and walah!! I even changed the top pulley,now my car runs great again.. Thank you for this,looking forward for more video’s..

[@edjackson9365]

Such an amazing video. His details and explanation are so on point. Just changed the alternator in my fathers BMW and everything he is explained was so pinpoint. Made things really really easy.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Jackson! Thanks so much, glad to hear this went well for you!

[@chriswade42]

Came for an alt swap video to confirm what i thought was needed to swap mine. This was the first one i clicked and it was the perfect video. Well done, thanks bud!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

I appreciate you

[@Mickers44]

By far this is the easiest to follow guidance video that I’ve seen. And he made it seem to easy, and to my surprise it really was. And just to add, he mentioned that the tensioner pulley may require a Torx t-50, mine needed a Torx t-45. Thank you again for making this DIY video.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

thanks man! appreciate that

[@han7l]

Very good tutorial. Visibility, steady camera, good voice and comments without flashy bullshit. Professional quality!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Ray happy to help!

[@mathistubechannel8238]

What a beautiful train sound at 5.09. greetings and thx from Bavaria

[@mazi1135]

Even after 7 years since add the film, great know-how step by step. Thank you!

[@jinkly]

One of the best and easy guide a've ever seen. Your car looks amazing too, it seems to have a lot of attention... Thanks.

[@DieselandGasoline]

I love the train sound in this video! I used to live near some tracks where an old steam engine would occasionally come by, and it was always a treat to hear it in the distance

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Essex Steam train in Connecticut!

[@jaredmac11]

Impressively clean E39. Great video.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Jared, thanks man

[@josiahgeorge6652]

Brother this is the best video ever. I fixed my car because of you. Thank you. You are best

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Nice work! Happy to hear it helped.

[@Redragonz99]

Awesome...another simple, nice, and clean DIY video by you. Needed to replace my alternator today and this helped to simply the process without having to remove any other unnecessary parts. Great job bro!!!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

thanks brother!!

[@superjamesworld]

Nice clear video man. I just followed this and swapped the alternator on my E53 X5.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Jabo awesome!! 😎

[@MarcelHVAC]

Everything is clear, great video and a great clean car, cheers.

[@bennyz6308]

Well done, very clear audio and video the best, I have and idea to replace alternator on x5 E53,

[@alfacorse]

So clear, so well explained...I´ll have to replace the alternator next week in my 530i and this video makes me looking forward to do it! Thanks man.

[@terenceobrien5878]

you make it look sooooo easy plan on replacing mine next week wish me luck!!!

[@Vike29]

Great video. Followed it to a T and replaced mine earlier today in about 2 hrs. Although it turned out all I really needed was the deflector pulley on the top alternator bolt (which I replaced 60k miles ago with the cooling system overhaul grrr....)....For a vehicle with 151k on the original alternator it was time anyway. New one seems to push a few more amps than the old one (according to the onboard test it seems to anyway)

[@hitty9]

Most would take the fan and shroud off for much easier access to all the bolts in the front of the alternator and pulleys. Then you wouldn't have to open your coolant system. Also just to be safe, because you've got the potential for PS fluid, coolant and/or oil to leak down, I'd put a towel over the new alternator to avoid any drips down into the unit. Thanks for the effort!

[@jlo3384]

Just did this on my 2002 530i E39 and I didn't even have to remove the upper hose!

[@94Whiskers]

My alternator may need to be replaced. The steps on your video gave me the confidence for DIY. Thank u!

[@Boyzee355]

Thanks mate. I have a 2003 520i here in England and broke down with the alternator. This video just guided me through a simple swap. Thanks dude 👌🏻👌🏻 awesome vid 🤜🏻🤜🏻

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Nice work! 😎

[@dunkoholic]

Best tutorial ever! Thanks man!

[@jermaka]

I just finished replacing mine 30 minutes ago. Great tutorial.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Awesome!

[@MuntiionCars]

Excellent video (Y) Very detailed and easy to follow.

[@oskarpatocki1815]

Had different idea, but your is way better. Everything is so clear!

[@mannyreyes9077]

You are the MAN!!!! Perfect Explanation!!

[@Salty_Legionnaire]

Good clear vid, but no need to remove the coolant hose and/or the PS reservoir. You can just easily maneuver your way around it.

[@fjwong7337]

For the uninitiated. I think it's great that Zeit shows us a clearer picture! Thanks.

[@jeffreyjacobs5738]

Great video. Can you describe any other symptoms that helped you to determine a failing alternator? Thanks.

[@DiehardSportsCardCollector]

I know your question is 4 years old but if you disconnect the positive battery cable while the car is running and the car dies thats a clear sign that your alternator has failed

[@chrimson8598]

I like your videos but one critique, please mention torque values for tightening bolts.

[@Fkverndal1]

Very good and professional made tutorial! Good Work mate :) Helps me out alot :)

[@OfficialXtraload]

Very nice and clear video! :)

[@alexlt007]

Excellent no nonsense instructions. My tips on M52, 4/1997 528i build. My Bentley repair manual says to remove fan shroud and fan. this isn't needed. you can remove the alternator belt and bolt without removing the fan/shroud, by using the methods in this video. I did remove the upper coolant hose, however removal might be possible by just unbolting the power steering fluid tank and moving it aside. Both of the bolts and the belt tension bolt head are all 16mm on my car. I didn't have a 16mm socket, so I used a 5/8" sae. this is basically the same size.

[@82lowe36id]

Great video. With removing the upper radiator hose, does the system need to bled?

[@willduran8800]

Did mine all with this video. Thanks man!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

that's awesome Will!

[@lamoresk4470]

This video is NEAT. Everything is explained, you are giving tips and explanations 👌 Thank you very much

[@woodst408]

thanks for getting back to me and making sense at what I was trying to ask... I apologize the for the typos....i got everything off but was not able to release the tension from the tensioner.... we'll try again....thanks again great video

[@BIMMERZEITT]

of course!

[@SJ-vy2tu]

Thanks for the great video! One question; should I remove the negative terminal first before the postive terminal on the battery?

[@ruudvanrooijen8216]

Nice video, also a great help to change the oil filterhouse gasget!

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

This was great, will this work on e53 X5 3.0 without removing the shroud and fan blade??

[@gianluca1ism]

Very usefull ! Greetings from Holland

[@juyeoncho6441]

what a nice really good video. It would be helpful for e39 series DIYER.

[@WSY01]

Thanks this helped me!👌🏼

[@WSY01]

I have no experience working on cars but this e39 523i is my first car ever (im 19) and always when something needed to be done on it I let my cousin do it because he knows all about e39's but he didnt have time to do it for me so this video saved my weekend!

[@petecosta9154]

Great video ! On point & well done 👍

[@johnszoke586]

nice sound from a stream locomotive...where do you live where you can hear that

[@BIMMERZEITT]

good catch John! This is at my old house near the Essex, Connecticut steam train. One of the last operating daily in the country I believe. It was always a great sound.

[@geo86able]

I was wondering if we need to install the 8mm bolt from the bottom of the airbox? Great video and explanation!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

George C. Perez I assume you mean the hard to reach one that attaches to the silencer on the intake. It’s going to be fine without it, but obviously I’d do your best to put things back the way they came from the factory

[@geo86able]

@@BIMMERZEITT Thank you, very well narrated!

[@harjitgrewal]

Hi it is really a nice and detailed video, do you have a DIY video for changing alternator/voltage regulator on 2009 e70 BMW X5 4.8i. Thanks

[@slyromeo79]

Thank you very much for your insights i have just installed an alternator in my E39 successfully....Next is the silly belt it was loose and i need to put in properly ...

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Sylvester Kasepa Great to hear that Sylvester! Just take your time and you'll be at 100% in no time!

[@slyromeo79]

Thanks ..my E39 is a project tomorrow I am changing the belt replace it with a new one. I have gutted the whole vehicle to replace the wiring loom. Thanks to guys like you I have been managing to tick off the list

[@slyromeo79]

+Sylvester Kasepa I managed to fix the belt and all, put in a battery tried to start nothing but silence...investiagtions have relieved that all my fuses are gone plus the information strip...so i dont know what fuse voltage wise gones where ?? totally lost i need help..

[@Ronny.DailyAutoCare]

Very nice and clear DIY!

[@petercourtney4749]

Great video had mine done in no time, thank you

[@GLent08]

Awesome video!!

[@fjwong7337]

The old alternator you replaced looks like new (as others had commented about the immaculate condition of your car). Maybe you should do a short video on how you renewed your old alternator, among other things. I was at the yard harvesting one identical like yours today AL0703X (with a much higher serial number), but after removing the two bolts, I was stymied by the alternator not yielding, though moving sideways. Bimmer Zeit came to the rescue (KZbin), wiggling and freeing the alternator! BTW, mine is an E46 2003 330i, and the original alternator, among other things, is still going strong. Will use the "new" alternator as a back up (so cheap $27), and to practice what I had learned from a master. Planning to replace the gasket of the Oil Filter Housing gasket at the same time. Thank you.

[@luissalazar2021]

Nice job, was wondering if you still have your BMW car , it’s looks nice .

[@padue2503]

I was having flashing lights and battery was not charging. Going to change my alternator. Yep the best vid. On e39 alternator replacement.

[@scarfacegr]

well done and presented

[@becomematrix]

Love that train sound in the background. Where do you live?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

this is the steam train in Essex/Deep River Connecticut. See it up close in my latest video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laKpgZ6Lr5lqjKc

[@Leprovocateur]

Thank you for your very descriptive video. It helped me tremendously. My 2003 530ia with 139878 miles on it thanks you also! Ron

[@BIMMERZEITT]

You are welcome!

[@blackcatpinball]

Going to mess with mine this weekend. A few weeks ago I heard a very similar screach/squeal that sounded like brake noise, but wasn't. Glad I found your symptom video because I am pretty sure either the alternator or idler/tension pulley has gone bad.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+KSpit4 Great! Definitely check the idler 'deflection pulley' first. They seem to wear out just as frequently as the belts do.

[@jerryhamptonjr73185]

forgot to mention on the deflection pulley, there's a notch needs to be set in place on the alternator bracket, if not set in place the belt would be out of line on the pulley system, belt can fly off and even wear faster. great video sir, just on bmw it is fine detail.

[@alexbernard2622]

how do you adjust the clotch from been to soft fron pusshing the pedal Ihave 1997 bmw 528 i..and you are one of the best mechanic I seen very explainatory and easy to undesrtand

[@elahmadgaming7323]

@BIMMER ZEIT I see that you used a 80amp unit, and I have an 02 530i which had the original 120amp unit that came with the car did going from 120 to 80 amp change anything for you? Just want to make sure before I buy this one in the amazon link.

[@DiehardSportsCardCollector]

Wow. Very nice and simple! I will be using this video to replace mine

[@SurfItable]

Soothingly beautiful and aesthetic

[@gvergel74]

Great video... Thanks

[@90OscarS]

Really great video, thanks! :)

[@kamallierobinson2822]

Definitely did the job today, thank you

[@farzadjahangiri2834]

You get A++++++++++++++++++++++ thumbs up, excellent step by step how to. Thank you

[@DragonTailDiabloBlkDT-ACE]

Thank you! I follow your video and I fixed my alternator. The only thing I don’t know is the air flow. I just want to know where does the alternator duc go? I know it connects to the back of the alternator but where does it connect to or does it just flows through the other side? Please help… I guess my question is where does the other side of airflow duc connect to? Does it connect to anything or nothing? It’s just flow through the other end?

[@jean-jaquesrousseau4712]

Very useful video and shot in a professional way! How long did the job last effectively? Nice green one, yeah!!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Jean-Jaques Rousseau thanks! You should be able to complete this job in under two hours.

[@fjwong7337]

It's almost six years since you replaced the alternator with a re-manufactured one. I read somewhere you still have the same car. Care to comment/update whether the Bosch alternator is still running? Not many demonstrators follow up on the longevity of the replaced product, especially a remanufactured one! Thank you.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Hi Frank, yes my parents own this car now, they still have it. Alternator is still good, has not been replaced since this video!

[@GrzegorzDurda]

I dont see why you removed the upper radiator hose. You then have to refill the coolant and and bleed the system properly. Also that flexing will stress the plastic connect joints as well as the hose itself. The airbox comes out with all the components attached to it upto the throttle body. Thanks for posting the video. Still very informational.

[@DaytonCarCare]

You don't have to remove the hose but helps with providing more room to work. I would replace the hose if it's old anyways since those plastic fittings end up cracking eventually.

[@thesevensaint49]

Thanks this really helped me!

[@mehmet-eminturel1330]

Danke für das Video 👍🏽❤️

[@enrique967]

First off, stellar video! Best out there. One question...My alternator is not wanting to go. It will slide side to side but I feel like I am lifting the entire engine when trying to get it out. I've taken all bolts and connectors as the video indicated. Before I try to force it out, anything that might be in the way?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Thanks Eric! Yeah the alternator can be tough to get out, they corrode onto the bracket and feel like they're stuck. I would spray some WD40 on the bracket and let it sit for a few minutes. Then continue to rock it back and forth until it comes free.

[@mortalens]

awesome video thanks for the help! is that the essex steam train i hear?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Yes it is!

[@mortalens]

@@BIMMERZEITT haha no way! i miss living there this time of year

[@polomeat6435]

Could you tell me where is the alternator fuse located on a 2002 BMW 530i

[@nathanielmyles4614]

Outstanding content!

[@1955porsche]

very impressed

[@3eezie483]

great vid! easy to follow. thanks dude!for some reason amazon the amazon link says it does not fit my e39. do they have this wong? it looks exactly the same. the one they recommend is almost $100 more than the one in the link below.

[@julienkaram3581]

4:06 can someone please tell me the name of the tool he talked about

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Julien Karam T55 male torx bit or an 8mm Alan socket

[@EliasRizk53]

Is a 80 amp alternator good ?

[@senadselimovic8649]

Does the sound disappear when the engine is warm? Or does it sound allways?

[@bossxcino8187]

Is this the same process for an e60? A reply would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Lucino Pliego it should be the same on an e60 with m54 (this engine) yes.

[@bossxcino8187]

@@BIMMERZEITT thanks brotha! Appreciate it

[@antiochiaadtaurum3786]

Are you not meant to remove the negative cable first from the battery?

[@ajimenez999]

can the alternator be a leading issue to the famous "trans failsafe prog". i got this car a couple months ago with 149K miles and no issues. this has been showing up and even got a new battery and oil change but that didn't seem to resolve the issue. a couple days ago when i was starting up the car i noticed the interior/dashboard lights didn't turn on along with not being able to turn on the car, could it be the alternator?

[@AdamAus85]

Hmmm, nice. Last time I did this I removed the shroud and had the car jacked up at the front. Same thing, but more effort. I have to travel and replace my sister's one tomorrow. I'll use this technique and won't have to bring ramps down. Nice!

[@angelperez5125]

Is it okay to remove the alternator while I wait for the new one? Great video 👍🏾

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Angel Perez yes it is, but you won't be able to drive the car without it (or the drive belts).

[@angelperez5125]

Was also wonder what coolant should I buy to refill sorry New to this I have 2002 530i

[@acadiapope]

Thank you on behalf of myself and my 1998 528i.

[@dansklaire4275]

I have a PCV/CCV vacuum leak as well as a bad alternator, which will be replaced immediately. Do you know if the removal of the alternator will make access to the PCV/CCV hoses and value easier, such that once the alternator is removed, the PCV/CCV can be more easily replaced? Seems like it would give access to the right area.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Hi Dan, yes actually it will make the CCV kit installation easier. You will be removing the airbox and part of the intake anyway so it would be fine to tackle those two repairs together. Good luck!

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

thanks for the video, need it for my alternator replacement. just wish it would have happened on a saturday, not Sunday at 5pm....jajajaja

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Patricio Garcia hope you get it squared away tomorrow!

[@drnubb762]

Any idea how to tighten the alternator pulley? My new alternator did not come with one so I had to recycle the old one, however it won't tighten without the blades spinning. I thought about sticking in a flathead screwdriver to stop them from spinning, but it seemed pretty risky.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

+Hunter M That is kind of unusual for an M54 alternator to come without a pulley. I know my E30 M20 didn't come with one, zipped it off with an impact gun and torqued it on the new alternator. What vendor did you order from? You could try calling Bosch customer service for torque specs and procedure. Hope that helps.

[@stephenjackson5628]

Dumb question for you, I removed the upper radiator hose from the wrong side, and lost a ton of coolant and it is still leaking. Is it easier to replace the part or am I missing a crucial step in putting that back on?

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Stephen Jackson how old is the radiator hose? They are plastic and rubber both of which degrade over time. If it’s 4 years old or more I say replace it. Though in the mean time, double check your work and see that it is fully seated onto the thermostat and radiator. Pop the clip up with small flathead screwdriver and push the hose on so it’s fully seated then push clip back down. If you removed from the radiator side and radiator is old, it’s also possible that it cracked with hairline fracture while removing. Old plastic is brittle.

[@stephenjackson5628]

@@BIMMERZEITT looks like its oem, but I am not sure. For 33, I'll go ahead and replace it. I'll take some pictures of the underside to make sure I didn't crack the radiator port, thanks for the ideas.

[@davidantonovschi7803]

Hey I see u live in ct would u be able to help me with my bmw if I have questions

[@ch47av8r]

Sounds like a mournful steam whistle in the background at 5:09! (cool)

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Essex steam train! Essex, CT

[@djpresc2008]

what do you do if the check engine light and transmission fault gear dash light come on after changing the alternator? is there a reset icon use from the turn signal button?

[@ryandelacruz4740]

How did u get rid of the lights?

[@ryandelacruz4740]

Hey when i change my alternator am i going to get the transmission fault light and cel??

[@TerrybleGamer]

Ryan, I don't know if you still need this info, but the reason why this is happening is because the voltage to several components is too high. The alternator is not regulating it's voltage output anymore. My transmission went into it's emergency mode, even though the transmission was not broken.