BMW E46 Alternator Replacement DIY

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This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@speedracer76]

Thank you for this and all the videos you have done on BMW's. Between you and ShopLifeTV I have become very comfortable working on these cars in a short period of time. I how have a great running E46 and just picked up an E53 to fix up. You and ShopLifeTV should do a collaborate video now that he has moved so close to you.

[@reese6385]

Same situtation

[@spacedkowboy7273]

Awesome! Just replaced the alternator on my 2005 E46. This made it so easy! My tensioner pulley was different than yours so thank you for mentioning how to understand mine. Did the whole job in about an hour...not bad for my first alternator job! Love your channel!

[@joec7187]

You’re the man 50s kid! Over the past 4yrs, any new issue/project on my E46 I need to address. You’re the man I come to! Thank you for all you do!

[@sup_ese9870]

Any advice on the fact I changed mine and it started right up and a few more times throughout the night and the next morning not a thing all dash lights no click no nothing same as before I changed it I feel like I’m turning in circles 😢

[@dragosmaciuca1914]

Thank you! This allowed me to save a bunch of money and bond with my son. A couple of points for those with the hydraulic tensioner. Mine has a Hex 8mm. Also, since it's hydraulic, build the torque slowly. It will not respond to quick torque changes like a mechanical system. Also, if you have the manual with electric fan, removing the fan it's a much easier job.

[@haitian_hops]

Someone’s cutting onion my eyes are watering

[@vinnystanley8430]

This guy is an absolute legend always the most helpful videos I’ve seen on KZbin. Even six years later the videos are up to par. Much love the 90s kid you help me fix my car on several occasions where I thought there was nothing I could do

[@aimized1460]

for real man i love this guy no homo

[@MrTinuva]

Also need to say so many thanks to this video. My alternator wasn't working, showing a red light on the cluster. Using the onboard diagnostics menu, it showed the battery is charging at 14.1 volts, but still a red light. I suspected the voltage regulator on mine was fine, but the brushes not. Picked up a new bosch 120a at goldwagen, and used this video as a guide. Thanks for explaining the different methods to take off the belt, when I got to that part, was a bit confused, but realised my T50 torx works, although felt loose, a T55 might have been better but didn't have one, so went ahead. Inspecting my old alternator, it makes strange sounds when you manually turn it, which confirms my suspicion that its the brushes. Will get it refurbished and keep as spare or sell.

[@Pantimoto]

7yrs on and still blessing people with his wisdom

[@ranodeshan9184]

Wow you are the Man. I wish I lived near you. Here in England it's not easy to find anyone so proficient in BMW engineering.

[@danyalybrownrice7841]

Super easy job after watching ur video..couple notes for the next guy: 1.Order the right alternator. There's a sticker on the back of the alternator, if u can see it, u can always try peeling it. I think most are 120amp Bosch units. 2. Get the alternator with the right connection. Oval or square and also 2 or 3 pins. 3. Amazon prime has Bosch reman for $230 plus $75 back for core so $155. Great deal.

[@fjwong7337]

Welcome back Jason. It's been four years since this tutorial. I am seeing more E46 & E39 (which share some parts, and the alternators in general) in the yard, and a higher percentage of them replaced with Bosch remanufactured ones. I have a 2003 330i (108,688 miles, owner since 2004, garaged all the time in Portland Oregon) and luckily the alternator manifests no issues. Nevertheless I saw a Bosch Premium AL0703X (like yours) in fairly decent shape, so I pulled it. Did not recall whether it was attached to an air duct (probably not). The pulley turns smoothly. Took it home, and peaked into the air duct: it was full of junk, cigarette butts, leaves, a few moths. I pulled them all out, and to play safe, open the plastic cover, and found more inside. Since you have opened up a lot of parts, and even repaired them, so do you think I can safely use this alternator? I hope you'll answer this comment, so more people will be aware of potential issues. Thank you for all your good work.

[@digitalcommandos303]

For anyone looking to do this you actually don’t need to remove the fan or use a torx on the tensioner to change the alternator as all videos suggest. Tug the top of the belt towards the alternator it’ll move the pulley and you can slip the belt off the alternator, do the same in reverse to refit.

[@lukeskywalker8008]

Can't get to the pulley without removing the fan, changed my alternator today

[@digitalcommandos303]

@@lukeskywalker8008 i never removed the fan on mine

[@lukeskywalker8008]

@@digitalcommandos303 you must have a different model. My fan cover completely covers the gap to the engine, cant even see my pulleys with a torch with the fan on lol

[@digitalcommandos303]

@@lukeskywalker8008 I was expecting to have to remove it as well after watching all the videos but managed to tug on the alt belt which moved the pulley to get the belt on/off. The expansion bottle tray however is not giving me the same generosity haha

[@lukeskywalker8008]

@@digitalcommandos303 the expansion tank seems to get in the way of most repairs 🤣 I love e46 cars , but they're old and always need bloody repairing

[@dpkumph]

Fantastic video, I thought I had an alternator problem, but after watching this video, I don't think so. I measured 14.01 volts with lights and AC on from the same location you tested under the hood...I previously read 13.9 on the battery in the trunk. I thought this was low based on another youtube generic alternator test video which indicated below 14.2 and above 14.7 was a problem. I trust your info and numbers. Great videos thank you!!

[@abbottcost]

On my 2003 330 Ci the cooling fan is electric & mounted to the shroud, only necessary to disconnect 2 electrical plugs & remove shroud with fan attached just like in the video except the fan (w/electric motor) is attached to it. So check yours BEFORE you buy the POSSIBLY unnecessary special tools!!! Nice thorough video!

[@toniocastro5426]

Master BMW mechanical Engineer. Incredible talented individual.

[@rustystreamliner]

First time on my bmw 330ci this helped a lot ! Thanks for the detail but not rambling about unnecessary stuff. Great video saved me a bunch of headache money and time...thanks

[@RaGe67-l5d]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. The video was essential for me to be able to make the necessary repairs on my 2002 BMW 320i 2.2 24v. My name is RaGe and I live in Brazil, on the southern border with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay

[@danman4652]

I decided to use a crowbar to get the alternator loose and it broke my power steering pump pulley. Still cheaper than the shop

[@matthewhummel3583]

Lmaooo bro sell ur tools and don't touch anymore cars

[@mikroth23]

Keep your tools and keep on working on s*** Dan Man, I’ve had certified mechanics f*** stuff up before, it’s a part of learning.

[@Namgyal]

Cheers to admitting mistakes and sharing the joy! Well done man

[@JaradS99]

@@matthewhummel3583bhjhngi

[@justinivie2811]

Thanks a lot for the help, I did mess up and put the top alternator screw in, without the pulley :( it cracked whatever it screws into, on the back end.. I was just wondering if I should be worried, lol.

[@mavricxx]

Mine was doing the same thing and I replaced it. Man finding then right one was a biotch because there's many different versions of the alternator. Also, I highly recommend you buy it at FCPEuro because then you have lifetime warranty and trust me, it'll go out sooner or later and that lifetime warranty comes in handy! 50skid- why don't you convert it to an electrical fan? It's so much easier to work on and you won't need any extra tools. I did the conversion like 3 or 4 yrs ago and holy cow what a difference it makes working on the engine!

[@andreiput9492]

hello 50's kid. yes i agree, electric fan conversion would be a useful upgrade.

[@Hardy2608]

NutNbutSpeed I have 2002 330ci how can I find electrical fan for my car?

[@pietmarais3609]

Great video!!... thanks!! I bought my bmw 330i 6 speed exclusive new in 2004..and it still looks new!..the altenator becomes noisy now after 289000km...can you replace the bearings or must you change the altenator?

[@jackdarcy6294]

some differences for my 2003 325xi touring. have the newer style belt tensioner, but it was a 15mm nut, and there was no cover on there (the nut's an outie, no cover could ever fit). pulled clockwise to loosen the belt. the power cable bolt on the back of the alternator was a 12mm nut.

[@Leegreen3y]

Thank you! my replacement part will be arriving soon, so will aim to do this within next 24hrs.

[@FishFind3000]

Fixed mine, that collar on the end of the alternator that you popped out on accident would not move on mine. Must be nice working in Cali cars... try your hand at a Chicago rust bucket. Ever bolt and the fan took a shit ton of force. Plus that collar wouldn’t move! Pb blaster tho is amazing and saved the day for me. After 2 hours trying to get that collar off it finally went with pb blaster and it went so much faster after that. Even noticed my accessory belt was bad and totally cracked, should have mentioned in the video to check if it’s good or not since it’s right there and 5 seconds you can change it. Anyway thank you for your video it was extremely helpful. With some finagling I got it done.

[@50sKid]

Doh to all of that

[@simonmadramootoo50]

Nice and clean work and thank you for explain everything tools and how the get the job done by yourself

[@StaticcAnt]

Love your videos man I have no experience working on cars and you made it so easy to just follow along I appreciate all your videos bro ! Keep it up

[@alinaveed1793]

Just a quick question. does the alternator make a squealing sound like a bunch of those screaming chicken going off at once? mines sounds horrendous and yeah it does disappear after after driving around a while. I did recently find my E46 without battery power…

[@SurginersYT]

You saved me a world of pain 😭 Omg I thought my car had so many issues, but the whining explains it all my alternator just went out but I don’t know what amps I need for it to produce, would 240 be okay for me running a 800 watt sub in the back

[@50sKid]

Certainly seems like enough

[@franciscocervantes6263]

It's still not coming off after I hammer it. Can someone help me!!!

[@evbdyjoemello]

Hello, after I removed my alternator and did my valve cover and oil filter housing gasket. My battery light is flashing when the vehicle is on and my positive cable on the battery shows signs of overheating and melting, my battery is testing good. When I removed PS res it leaked a little into alternator. Is it toast?

[@bennyz6308]

Very nice and clear audio and video thanks for the help need to replace alternator on x5 e53 got an idea.

[@MsMatth33]

Hi 50s kid. Looks like my alternator is good but the wiring back to the battery might be faulty. The battery isn't getting charged. Do you know which part of the battery cable does the charging? Or anything else that might be responsible for the charging to not get back to the battery? (Battery is also good, had it tested 3 times). Thanks!

[@kelvinmillis9720]

Onother great video, takes the guess work out of doing these jobs for the first time. Thanks

[@dannyduke4807]

So what are the factory torque specs on those two bolts? I've heard SEVERAL different numbers. By the way, manual transmissions have electric fans which don't need the special tools.

[@robertedwards5456]

According to: www.e46fanatics.com/threads/yatg-yet-another-torque-guide.1277305/ Alternator Alternator to crankcase M8 - 21Nm Idler pulley to alternator - 45 Nm Positive terminal - M8 - 13 Nm

[@davidwilson1952]

cheers mate. just swapped my one in 30mins after watching this. also saved me £££

[@mraldaird]

Hello sadly I have a m56 engine Took the alternator off and saw that there only one wire on a two pin connector? Is that normal Ps the wire is blue

[@tomklar9584]

Do you always get your fan threaded back on so easily or is it some crafty editing? It usually takes me at least ten minutes and a sore back the next day

[@becomematrix]

Tom Klar mine's off and on in 5 minutes

[@elahmadgaming7323]

you can use a thin fishing line or any thin wire but just angle it and spin it on the threads very simple

[@50sKid]

Clever editing. Sometimes I find it really difficult and sometimes it goes right on.

[@JRH087]

My e46 alternator doesnt have air flow going to it its a 316ti compact 1.8 se msport

[@Seekthewillow]

Question:just pulled mine out and it didn't have any air ducting attached. The replacement I purchased came with air ducting. Both Bosh 120a can I pull the duct off the new one?

[@Ride1098]

Thanks bro, you made my alternator job a lot easier.

[@ve2430]

Mine bounces between 12.6 and 13.7 while driving. Is this normal? Alternator is 6 years old, and battery is 1 year old. Thanks

[@robertedwards5456]

I believe that means your brushes are on their way out. You need to replace the voltage regulator module.

[@ve2430]

@@robertedwards5456 it's fine. Battery wasn't fully charged. Bounces between 13.7 to 14.2 today. Same alt and bat

[@Privatericky1123]

Can you replace the alternator without removing the fan?

[@rulerss]

shouldnt we change just the regulator of alternator and not the whole thing? i drive m54b25 and i changed only the regulator 3 years ago. problem is back now.

[@migyg2335]

Hey 50's Kid i was wondering if you can help me out. I have an m56 engine and while trying to remove loosen the tensioner pulley i accidentally stripped the t50 torx screw. I can still loosen up the torx screw but idk what will happen with all the tension if i take it off

[@nicholasnikbin8651]

i dont need the special fan tool if i have a manual right? its just 4 screws?

[@GTRTrance]

Great video. Btw, is there a way to change only the pulley that sits on the altnernator if it is bad?

[@lukeskywalker8008]

Unfortunately that pulley is part of the alternator. So you will need to replace the alternator

[@schubertseven]

Thanks matey - did this the other day... was a great help!

[@cylonred8902]

What is interesting is that my 2001 330i had the torx - so a hydraulic tensioner. I can say it is going to be a pain to get everything lined up and the bolts in. My bolts - especially the lower one has surface rust on it. Should I clean it or lubricate it before putting back in?

[@50sKid]

Always a good idea, yeah

[@cylonred8902]

@@50sKid Got it done and running today. Now I need to have the previous alternator checked and see if it just needs a regulator and if so - I can fix it and have a spare just in case.

[@dannyzamudio1252]

@@50sKid any suggestion on how to get the clutch fan bolt out since my water pump pulley is broken? Like how can i stop the water pump from spinning?

[@50sKid]

@@dannyzamudio1252 I have a specific video on how to get the fan pulley bolts off -- just search my channel for it

[@juantisphillips372]

Whats the name of the fan tools? Anyone know where to get them cheap?

[@ethanmorlan]

HELP!! Just replaced alternator on 2003 325i. Battery is only putting out about 8.4 volts, I jumped the vehicle and car started, but I quickly noticed that it was going super fast and then started smoking 0-0?!? I turned it off and the alternator was SUPER hot and without cables hooked up to it the battery still only puts out 8-ish volts and won’t start the car....

[@DanGalsberg602]

Wait...... what did you call the cutting pliers????

[@weswest8666]

can you do the voltage regular/brushes on the back with the alternator still installed? thanks

[@weswest8666]

I was able to do it, not too tough.

[@armandoarriaga5526]

So did you need to put the insert back on the replacement alternator ?

[@MrCatlover10]

what amp is a bmw e46 alternator just been to price a new one shop want to know if it 90 amp or 120 amp how do i know thanks REPLY

[@jerrylowkz3104]

So what's up with the sensor it doesn't fit

[@impie786786]

also have whistling sound at cold start had my alternator tested and the results was negative belt was pretty much fullof cracks can that also be the reason why i have whistling sound?

[@jungness]

Alternator’s off but no air duct tubing. Completely missing. Anyone know where it leads to? Does it fit to the kidney grill or to splash guard thing in front of driver’s side tire? That part is missing too. Wondering what parts i need to buy. ‘99 328i e46 m52 engine

[@WebbstylesMusic]

gonna be doing this on my car tomorrow. gonna use this video to help me. thanks again

[@oscar.gonzalez]

Was your alternator making a squealing sound or rattling sound?

[@Jordanrevell98]

I’ve got a BMW e46 330D and my battery keeps dying, I’ve changed it about a month ago it’s died again! I’ve checked eveything in car and nothing is left on when the car is off, so I really don’t know what it could be, anyone have any ideas?

[@johnaramirez1816]

Thank you so much this video! Install was smooth. 😀

[@raygarcia403]

Man I jus got me an 02 with an I found you Chanel an with your videos I will be able to fix anything that may come up👍

[@realone2917]

ray garcia did you need the fan tools? I’m about to go work on my 02 in like an hour and I’ve heard I won’t need them

[@chriscanty8214]

I have a friend thinking about selling a BMW 325 ix for 500.00 149,000 miles want go into gear will a bad cv axle cause this ?

[@50sKid]

No, bad transmission.

[@shakeel2473]

Hey 50skid - love your channel! - do you have a video on swapping out a brake caliper please?

[@mcycleserv]

now you can do a video on alternator o/haul ...how to replace bearings and how to check the clip clutch ..starpoints windings for damage ..brushes and slipring redressing

[@50sKid]

Yeah I think I will have to... the "new" used alternator is making noise too!

[@mcycleserv]

have a look at this guys video's he repairs alternators( WestronicsIrl) but I don't like the way he removes the bearings off the shaft..I prefer using a electric welder to heat inner race of bearing and they just falloff with no damage

[@mcycleserv]

hey a tip 4 ya..when replacing alternator brgs we use to flick the bearing seal from both sides but do not damage them and replace the grease and repack the bearing with a product called NULON Xtreme Performance grease which is a PTFE based grease (teflon)..bearings will never wear because the surfaces get coated with teflon also good for inner tierods too

[@austinrollins903]

Hey man, how can I get in touch with you? I’m having a few problems and could really use your advice on them

[@zacharymullings2027]

Your alternator doesn't have a ground wire?

[@vviiper]

When you mention the hydraulic and mechanical tensioner. Mine is a 2001 320i, and you have to remove the cover on the pulley and use a torx bit to remove tension from the belt. I'm pretty sure mine is mechanical and not hydraulic. Could I be wrong? Are mine hydraulic? :S

[@50sKid]

yours is hydraulic

[@vviiper]

Wow you're right. Put VIN into realOEM and they are indeed hydraulic. I thought hydraulics were used way later on like 2004+ or something. Weird

[@mrstevoduct2572]

Mine is 2005, is it for sure the t55?

[@westbuildz1456]

Hey 50sKid I love the videos and find them very helpful and I was wondering if you could make a video explaining how to replace the crankshaft position sensor (reading: P0335) on a 1998 BMW 528i.

[@jenniferlillie3599]

while replacing my alternator the boat that you tapped on snapped the alternator where that bolt holds now I'm getting low voltage could this be because I put the alternator back in but it is sitting crooked please respond ASAP before I go spend 200 + on an alternator

[@VicOrlando]

Lol no response that sux. Yes, has to be mounted right

[@sameyahmed2642]

Does the alternator with 90 amp work with e46 328i ???

[@lazerduck9390]

Hey, how do you know the new alternator will fit?

[@ve2430]

Prob looked at model number

[@lukeskywalker8008]

Buy it, put it side by side with your old one, make sure they look the same and bolt holes in the same place. Of not, take it back, get refund

[@truthkeeperfilms]

Can you replace the regulator without removing the alternator? Thats wait fails, is just the Voltage Regulator unless your bearings are bad.

[@50sKid]

yes

[@VicOrlando]

No coding? Or what the codes were?

[@acigarwilldo]

I have a 2011 BMW 135i M-Package Manual Transmission. Is mine an e46?

[@SG241291]

ANSON HSU no its not

[@leestafford7957]

You are the man! Thanks

[@monicarenteria6078]

Ok but there’s no wires or cables for bmw alternators ? I

[@jenniferlillie3599]

I replace the oil filter housing gasket on my E46 shortly thereafter my abs trifecta came on could this be due to a bad alternator only ask because someone else said ABS problems could be because of low voltage either and battery or alternator

[@50sKid]

you need to use a bmw scan tool to find out what the errors are. No sense in guessing.

[@santosalvarez3607]

Going to unfortunately have to do this next week on my 04 3series

[@Moss.has.paws176]

It took me several hours to remove altonator without removing fan shroud assembly.

[@lukeskywalker8008]

Took under an hour without the fan, that time includes the fan removal too

[@steveholliday6684]

Thanks for the great video

[@AdamAdam-nx8mj]

Wow brother your vedeo really helpful and the information is 💯 work

[@brandonmatz9832]

Looks too easy thnx 50skid...

[@Luckye-pm9id]

great vid love the simplicity

[@AHommieG]

Are the fan removal tools 32mm or 36mm?

[@KAhodde]

32mm

[@KAhodde]

36mm is for the oilfilter cap

[@lilsnuff7987]

Is there a difference between universal and regular alternators?

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

You don't need to remove the fan clutch or shroud to replace the alternator, assuming you are keeping the same belts on

[@sup_ese9870]

I know this video is old hopefully someone sees! I changed the alternator car ran immediately turned on and off a few times just to check it and let it set over night and nothing did the same as before I changed the alternator

[@Chrismis2010]

Where can I buy a replacement cap that you mentioned at the 4:27 mark? Thanks

[@thencnurse]

what’s up man...where have you been?

[@MichaelNovak1987]

With a manual. Don't need the fan removal tools.

[@billmuse9438]

Great video. Thank you.

[@Kimph78]

Thanks a lot sir for video I got bmw 2001 325i battery light on now it time to install new alternator...and new batteries......

[@carlosbetterthanjoeltrujil3324]

Did that and bolt snapped 😢

[@TheFlyingDoobman]

mann, Im having trouble getting my screw in the new insert on my new alternator.

[@50sKid]

Take the alternator out and investigate -- perhaps the screw threads are damaged

[@mcycleserv]

getting an alternator for $25 why would anyone repair them..I had to make up brushes for mine and replace a diode .. but buying a brush set from BMW i needed to take out a loan ..tip for removing the fan without the special tools ...32mm spanner on the fan clutch nut and give the spanner a hit on top so it shocks down on the nut and off it comes.. is that easy

[@waltaMan11]

I think you could actually buy just the pulley for the alternator if you don't wanna buy the whole unit

[@50sKid]

It was the bearings that were bad.

[@Michaelmaxwelll]

thank you

[@YxungHermes]

$25!? I need to find a good junkyard around NYC

[@monicarenteria6078]

That it’s this easy !

[@og7hc534]

Bruh my 2000 328i e46 has that stupid pulley thing needing a t50