BMW E46 M3 Alternator Replacement DIY (2001-2006 BMW M3)

►Without electricity, your BMW won't function. The alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged, and you'll quickly run out of charge when it fails. Replacing your BMW E46 M3's alternator will alleviate those charging issues and restore your reliability.
Oddly enough, your instrument cluster will light up when the alternator has failed. The low battery will trigger a transmission light in SMG-equipped cars, an abs light, a battery light, and a few others. Other illuminated bits, like the radio and exterior lighting, will dim. Replacing the battery will only buy you another 20mi or so before it's dead again. Luckily, the job is very straightforward.
Follow along with Gareth Foley, FCP Euro's BMW Make Level Marketer tackle an alternator replacement on an E46 BMW M3.
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Tools Needed
01:54 - Job Start/Splash Shield Removal
02:22 - Fan Shroud Removal Prep
02:56 - Voltage Check
03:43 - Air Box Removal
07:36 - Fan & Fan Shroud Removal
09:59 - Accessory Belt Removal
11:42 - Battery Disconnect
12:25 - Alternator Removal
15:29 - Alternator Breakdown
18:17 - Alternator Installation
21:33 - Accessory Belt Installation
23:07 - Fan & Fan Shroud Installation
27:01 - Air Box Installation
28:28 - Battery Reconnect
28:40 - Voltage Test
29:10 - Splash Shield Installation
29:46 - Wrap-Up
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BMW M3
2001 BMW M3 Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2002 BMW M3 Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2003 BMW M3 Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2004 BMW M3 Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2005 BMW M3 Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2006 BMW M3 Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
BMW Z3
2001 BMW Z3 M Coupe Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2001 BMW Z3 M Roadster Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2002 BMW Z3 M Coupe Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
2002 BMW Z3 M Roadster Alternator
120 amp, remanufactured Valeo alternator
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[@ErwinBosma-id3ob]

This was incredibly useful - It would have been very hard to replace the alternator without this step-by-step video. Well explained and it allowed me to successfully replace the alternator in less than 3 hours. The dreaded red battery light has disappeared and I get to ride again with a smile on my face. The e46 M3 is in my opinion one of the best BMWs ever made. So much joy to drive!

[@joshuad1716]

Really no comments? As an e46 m3 owner myself I sincerely appreciate these videos, thank you!!!!

[@11Xshadowolf]

I agree 100%

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@11Xshadowolf]

Gad Damn Gareth you lost some weight my guy... Hope its healthy loss even your voice sounds different hope all is well and bro thankyou for all the videos I did a ground up restoration on my E46 M3 with your videos and bought all I could from FCP Euro just because of your video's .

[@GarethFoley]

It's for sure healthy weight loss. Lots of running/physical activity and eating well. Feel great and that's what it's all about.

[@UGAexploder]

FCP videos always spark my curiosity, but Gareth always gets my attention! You're the best!

[@glockoma2822]

Oh man I remember when I had to change my alternator. That damn top bolt loves to get stuck in there from New England weather... Great video!

[@EnzoCooooolbmw]

I drive an E87, but still, watch this video to gain overall knowledge about BMW s. Thank you guys for making these videos.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching and learning with us!

[@MeeMoo220]

Thanks for making this. I just followed your Coil and plug replacement video, took my car for a victory drive/wash, then got the dreaded battery light. Car's dead today, so I guess I have some alternator shopping to do. Lol.

[@petrolnate6766]

Always great content from FCP Euro! thank you!

[@alexsalazar4121]

crazy this video comes out right when I buy a new alternator for my e46 m3

[@fcpeuro]

We were waiting for you.

[@HorsepowerIndustries]

I just did this job yesterday on a customers car and I didn’t remove the fan or shroud 🤷🏻‍♂️. had plenty of space to loosen up the serpentine belt tensioner, idler pulley and get the bolts off the alternator.

[@MowingMichael]

Thank for posting this content

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for hanging out, Michael!

[@legambaz]

Excellent clip

[@genghiskhan5158]

Great video but could you please send me the recommended torque wrench measurements. I had difficulty understanding you clearly. Thanks

[@fernandochavez6089]

Awesome thank you g 👏🏼

[@fcpeuro]

Anytime Fernando.

[@cdh76]

Interesting. I'm pretty sure I didn't remove the fan and shroud etc when I did mine 4 or 5 years ago. Is that even possible? Maybe I did but based on some on other history when I think I removed it the first time (for VANOS) I'm somewhat sure I didn't for the alternator. Heh the reverse thread got you at first. I definitely did have to have the oil lines temporarily disconnected. Field winding went open circuit on mine.

[@Driver_407]

You are correct, there is no need to really remove the fan clutch or anything with rad. I replaced my alternator a month or so ago. I have large hands and could do it fairly easily. Im always one repair behind the E46 FCP video release train.... Ha. Great videos for the chassis tho!

[@ml-rs9tt]

you look good 😊

[@Bigsky1991]

47 inch pounds...or foot pounds? Just saying "Newton meter" means nothing

[@INTERLAGOS54]

I miss the days when you could call and talk to someone. Now you have that shitty chat window which is unfortunately what most lazy websites do. A simple 5 minute conversation now turns into a 30 minute back and forth chat so I shop elsewhere now.