BMW N47 / N57 Alternator Removal & Replacement

[@ollifromlowersaxonygermany5030]

To separate the alternator from the motor bracket, first unscrew the upper (SW16) screw approx. 5 mm, then unscrew the lower long (SW 16) screw 5 mm. Then, using the short 1/2" extension and a hammer, tap the head of the lower screw until the alternator dangles loosely in its holder. Rust remover and hot air on the rear bracket connection will help the threaded bush to slip out of the engine mount.

[@t5jerry]

bloody hell ! that`s gotta be the quickest/easiest alternator swap ever !!!!!

[@AndrewHiscoke]

Thats the 2nd of your videos rhat has helped me out no end. Thanks a million. Keep up the good work!

[@GeorgeAusters]

You’re welcome!

[@AutoFixChannel]

Do you have a video on BMW F10/F11 N47 Engine - Replacing oil cooler gasket?😊

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yes

[@AutoFixChannel]

@ Link?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Search on my channel N47 Oil Filter housing gasket replacement

[@CostelTarata]

I have the same issues and i noticed the voltage dropping intermittently since I replaced the battery…not sure if that is a problem or not, or perhaps the battery being 95amps instead of 80 (original) My mechanic tested it and said there are jo faults on it. Yet I’m planning on replacing it soon. Cool informative video mate!! Keep on doing!!!

[@GeorgeAusters]

Well worth replacing the alternator if you’re still on the original👍🏻

[@jimtaylor431]

Did you code the new battery to the car (assuming it’s a similar generation BMW)

[@CostelTarata]

@@jimtaylor431 yes i did, coded and registered with ista

[@thejudge-kv2jk]

Class mate. Think mine is on its way out. Definitely looks like something can do at home.

[@markhorridge7104]

Another great vid George, Thanks!! Thinking I may need to replace alternator on my 2007 M47 as have just replaced battery 3 days ago after replacing Starter motor (again) and already car wont start. This is after buying a brand new battery from BMW last december. The Joys LOL

[@nickolasseesannyland6355]

Good video!

[@GeorgeAusters]

Thanks mate, much appreciated!

[@calogerobonello2756]

Nicely done George 👌

[@GeorgeAusters]

Thanks man!

[@FiscalWoofer]

Another super video! I think my output Volts are fine but I’ll know what to do now if not. I changed the battery in 2019, and one that came out was original! I did get BM to code it in. But if these cars don’t get the Voltage needed they go nuts I couldn’t close the sun roof! Not ideal!

[@kardan1984]

That's interesting. I have large sun roof and sometimes I cannot close it when car is not moving. But when I drive even 5kmh I can close it with no issue? No voltage drop occurred while I tested it. What do you think?.....alternator is 15 years old 😬🤔

[@FiscalWoofer]

@@kardan1984 that sounds more like the battery I think? I also cleaned the rubber seals to reduce friction it been great since. Just need to do the Velcro to get rid of little creaky noise with shade closed.

[@kardan1984]

@@FiscalWoofer Thank you reply. Battery is one year old, registered via Ista so baterry should not be issue...hope so 🤞😊

[@FiscalWoofer]

@@kardan1984 yeah that should give plenty of service. Does your roof kind of try to shut then bounce back? As if something is stuck in the way but obviously nothing is there!

[@kardan1984]

@@FiscalWoofer exactly, its trying to close then bounce back but havent find anything there 🤷‍♂️

[@MarkKerton]

Brilliant video. Thanks for the help👍🏻

[@GeorgeAusters]

You’re welcome!

[@censorshipBS]

Changed mine today thanks for the video 😎❤

[@erlendjj]

Thank you! Im doing the same to my car and this helped a lot! Appreciate it!

[@GeorgeAusters]

You’re welcome!

[@kardan1984]

🙌 another exceptional video and job done 👌

[@GeorgeAusters]

Legend cheers mate, another job ticked off!

[@bekimgashi8164]

Super gemacht

[@GeorgeAusters]

Thanks

[@daviddorado5632]

By the way, how do you get that nice shine on plástics? The engine cover looks brand new

[@martincebulla9263]

Are you sure, that the drops in the alternator voltage isn't caused by the brake energy recuperation BMW is using? (Efficient dynamics)

[@GeorgeAusters]

This isn't an efficient dynamics model

[@AlexGnok]

Exactly that

[@GeorgeAusters]

@@AlexGnok No it’s not

[@FiscalWoofer]

I think that only came on f10/11 models? So after these.

[@mrwannamakeyousmile1001]

Thank you Marin for this comment, I've got same 'issue' with voltage drops but I do have brake energy recuperation (efficient dynamics model, bmw e90 2009), should I be worried? Sometimes it's ~14.7 and sometimes ~12.6 while the car is running.

[@patrikdaniel9379]

Hi mate wonderful video 👍🏻🙌🏻 !! I got question i got bmw e90 3 series lci 2010 plate i got faults on diagnostic altonar pre heading what’s the mean i need to change same the altonator or not ?

[@jimtaylor431]

I never noticed the placement of the alternator on my 520d but could this possibly be the easiest alternator swap out there?! I did it on my E39 and had to get a bit of stuff out of the way.. this is a cake walk in comparison! Thanks for the vid, George!

[@GeorgeAusters]

This engine in general is very easy to work on!

[@allothernamesbutthis]

e46 M47 layout is a joke, so many parts have to be removed to access the rear bolts for the air filter housing.

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yep N47 is much better

[@jimtaylor431]

Loved working on my E39 530d… thought that was well designed for working on!

[@alexanderstefanxandraswedi5835]

Nice video brother

[@GeorgeAusters]

Thanks mate👌🏼

[@dogbite5509]

Fantastic maintenance "how to change" video. Definitely worth doing to keep your battery fully charged and your headlights bright. Good thing you noticed the issue and changed the alternator before winter. I love this content from your channel but the downside is you are constantly forking out money to produce this footage for us.

[@GeorgeAusters]

Thanks man and its all good!

[@mohammedalharbi6864]

Thank you for sharing the video. Do you need to re-register the battery after replacing the alternator and reconnecting the negative terminal battery?

[@GeorgeAusters]

No need👍🏻

[@markpuffett2442]

Got the same prob on my n47 did it solve the problem ??

[@garycook1517]

another good video, keep it up buddy

[@GeorgeAusters]

Cheers Gary, appreciate it!

[@masbol80]

Hi how You pully the belt?

[@AJHVideo]

Hi, quick question about the alternator.. My n47 engine seems to drop revs from idle at about 730rpm to about 680rpm just for a split second when i first get in the car no matter what time of day, also when setting off from a stand still and revving to pull away, the revs seem to always go down to about 1000rpm asif i havent put enough acceleration on, would the alternator cause the revs to drop on idle and also when pulling off? Due to lack of voltage? As i have a feeling mine is on its way out Thanks

[@andreykins]

Hi George, thanks for video. Bottom bracket is stuck. Did anyone with similar issue manage to pull out alternator?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Give it a few taps

[@andreykins]

Thank you.

[@andrulyn1843]

Are m47 and N47 engines Altenator the same ?

[@avxez5284]

Awesome tutorial had a quick question Is this the same method for the 530d f07 2010?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yep

[@AMOKPLN]

Hey, Did you notice any change because the old alternator had a stiff pulley and the new one was a freewheel. Does not interrupt you when you turn the steering wheel?

[@mihaivlad9315]

what code does the pulley have?

[@Saqib.S]

Such a great video George! Thanks mate! Btw, do you know if E91 N47T 320xd alternator works on E91 N47 318d?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Check realoem.com for part numbers👍🏻

[@WildlifeWithCookie]

George a big lad

[@GeorgeAusters]

Cheers Cookie lad

[@liamcrow1298]

Hi mate great video does the new alternator need to be coded ? Thanks in advance 👍

[@GeorgeAusters]

Nope👍🏻

[@arnietwo11]

I like easy jobs like that !!

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yep very satisfying!

[@arnietwo11]

@@GeorgeAusters today i replaced the fuel lines from the pump to fuel filter on the merc slk. Easy enough but i got some drips of petrol in my eye !!! Ehhh geezzzz had to run to the tap !!!

[@GeorgeAusters]

Good work, damn always wear goggles when working under the car👍🏻

[@waynekerwin8891]

you really need to change that soundtrack good grief reminds me of the old top gear tapes i used get for xmas in the late 80s 90s 🤣 or some alan partridge sketch 🤦‍♂️😂

[@jonowen6612]

So the battery survived a bad alternator? Good video, George.

[@GeorgeAusters]

Not quite Jon, a couple more videos coming soon regarding the matter👍🏻

[@RoobehTunes]

My little electrical connector is very stubborn!

[@neillers100]

My alternator just went today, great video George. One question, I’ve got a new 180amp 12v and the old was 180amp 14v. Would that cause any issues?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Don’t imagine there should be any difference mate

[@officialwillieg2001]

Is it heavy?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yes definitely!

[@officialwillieg2001]

@@GeorgeAusters 😂great vid👍

[@kardan1984]

🤣 really heavy? In your hands it looks like child stuff 😅

[@Nutzername1273]

@@kardan1984 These things are quite dense ;)

[@AlexGnok]

The alternator voltage "dropping" is because it's supposed to do so. Google the "bmw brake energy regeneration" . I have exactly the same thing going on my e92 n47 and was freaking out and ready to replace the alternator until I found out - it's a "feature", not an issue. Don't forget it's not a Ford or something, these cars have smart charging systems in place. Sorry to tell that you replaced the alternator for nothing (almost)

[@GeorgeAusters]

It's not, this is not an efficient dynamics model. The alternator needed replacing because the issue is now fixed

[@brendan171]

@@GeorgeAusters Did you get the alternator tested to see if it was actually going bad?

[@AlexGnok]

@@GeorgeAusters mine is not efficient dynamics as well, it's m sport highline but when you put you vin into the vin decoder it shows you that it has that "feature". Did you check yours?

[@AlexGnok]

@@GeorgeAusters Because just like you said in the video mine behaves exactly the same - variable charging voltage and etc but nothing is wrong actually

[@AlexGnok]

@@GeorgeAusters look for "S1CD Brake Energy Regeneration"

[@E30_Sunny]

I have the original alternator with the non clutch pully . Everything I start the car the belt would sqeek . I replaced the pully with a clutch pully and it's so much better .no more belt sqeek

[@hman05]

How long did it take you mate?

[@E30_Sunny]

@@hman05 around 30mins you will need a special socket to undo the alternator pully

[@TheRlobrien]

Quality video again👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@GeorgeAusters]

Thanks again!

[@sujeet6635]

my e60 2009 is hitting voltage around 15.2v, Do you reckon i could just change the vcoltage regulator without taking he alternator out from the car?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Upto you!

[@sujeet6635]

@@GeorgeAusters thanks for quik reply mate

[@benward9597]

On my E82 N47, there seems to be an AC pipe stopping my Alternator from being able to tilt far enough right to be able to free it. Is it safe to breifly remove an AC pipe? Do they contain coolant?

[@GeorgeAusters]

DO NOT remove an AC pipe.. It will need draining and filling again if you do

[@benward9597]

@@GeorgeAusters Cheers for the response George

[@franciscocorralesdomingo6410]

Perfecta explicación. Gracias.

[@markwood2280]

Hey George is this link still applicable to the (my) 520d 2009 just checking as it comes up as a 3 series 180amp.? Cheers boss

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yes mate exactly the same👍🏻

[@donkhan1593]

Have you ever had issues with your glowplug relay for the N47 engine? If so, would you recommend a second hand part or getting a brand new one?

[@GeorgeAusters]

I've replaced all 4 glow plugs and the glow plug relay already

[@donkhan1593]

@@GeorgeAusters Ok Il'll have a look for the video

[@donkhan1593]

@@GeorgeAusters Another question mate, my exhaust tips are completely blacked out in a day after cleaning it up, does this mean someone's gutted the dpf already(I've got some backpressure after checking on Carly). Or have I got other issues?

[@uniqplayer]

Thanking you 🎉❤

[@GeorgeAusters]

You're welcome!

[@HDSlimex]

This is not actually a fault it’s supposed to be doing that to save fuel

[@jimmygent007]

hi george . can you answer me to a question , i change myself the alternator with one exactly like yours , i have the same n47 , and i notice that the alternator is working very good but is getting very hot ,like you can t put your hand over . now, the question , is this normal ? yours is getting that hot too ? can you check for me please ,i need help 🙏 thank you ✌

[@GeorgeAusters]

Haven't noticed really

[@jimmygent007]

@@GeorgeAustersplease, can you check after a short drive and let me know cuz I am scared to drive like this. I just want to know if is something normal o I have a electrical problem. the thing is that I never checked before if is getting hot or not, even the belt is getting hot. thank you ✌️

[@OleBentel]

Did you loosen the negative battery terminal before you shot the video? Seemed to be loose in the video.

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yes

[@zakstratton37]

Your replacing parts for the sake of replacing them now mate 😂

[@GeorgeAusters]

Definitely not mate, this needed replacing. You’ll see why in a video soon too👍🏻

[@GeorgeAusters]

I’d recommend replacing it if your car is 10 years old or so and you’ll see why in a video coming soon👍🏻

[@siemanko1233333]

Bro in E92 N57 there is a 150AMP Alternators.

[@khaledhelal6688]

Are you sure the voltage drop was not because the belt slipping because it was fitted backwards?

[@GeorgeAusters]

It wasn’t fitted backwards

[@raheelosman7523]

DOUBLE SIDED BELT

[@khaledhelal6688]

@@raheelosman7523 thanks alot, i was about to lose my mind 😅

[@mwh2412]

These cars have a battery management system that adjusts the voltage based on the battery state of charge… probably nothing wrong with your old alternator…

[@GeorgeAusters]

There was mate, I have another video coming soon👍🏻

[@alinduta5398]

the computer adjust voltage around 13V when alternator is very hot,but if goes under 13V is not ok

[@MiracleMitch]

These cars do usually have an IBS sensor which in conjunction with CAS and battery registration regulates the charging of the battery (smart charging as some call it) based on age, health of the battery and so forth which is why battery registration is so important. If the alternator regulator fails however it may behave in a similar way but not intentionally and may cause random electrical issues, overcharging, voltage spikes, burning and other unwanted problems. It is obvious that George's alternator regulator had probably failed or the regulator brushes had worn out and putting a new unit in solved the issue (you can replace the regulators easily enough and more cheaply). Our 2005 320d has just had multiple electrical issues as the alternator was overcharging and needed replacing / repair. All sorts of ABS DSC faults, yellow battery and other warning lights just because BMW modules don't like excess voltage (and can be fried).

[@85AndreasLH]

Looks really easy - I feared the computers would go apeshit when you pull the power from the battery, forcing you to do all kinds of resets with scanner tool. But that doen't seem to be the case. How come?

[@GeorgeAusters]

Nope, no issues👍🏻

[@HeadshooterGTAS]

more accessible than in a m47 engine

[@daviddorado5632]

it is a nightmare to put it back on the engine. The lower bolt hole is so tight to the engine block that takes 4ever to align

[@GeorgeAusters]

May have to knock in the dowel

[@daviddorado5632]

@@GeorgeAusters i did. But no way josé

[@rafh2753]

Omg I'm struggling so hard to get it back in. Tried for over an hour earlier. The bottom bolt is ridiculous, it doesn't align and the alternator doesn't move in place, it's like jammed. Any advice is welcome.

[@ScottToomeyy]

@@rafh2753did you fix this? I am in the same position currently

[@rafh2753]

@@ScottToomeyy I did yes. Get sand paper (80 or 120grit) and sand down the contact points on the bracket until smooth to get rid of corrosion. Also sand down the left side of the alternator and the bottom parts. Or use a drill wire brush attachment. Once done, align with your hands and then you'll need a rubber mallet to whack it in to place. Align the bottom screw first. Use your phone video camera with torch light to view exactly where you need to tap the mallet and direction to get the holes to align up and then insert the screw and keep spinning it with one hand whilst tapping until you feel it bite on the thread. It took me about 30-40 mins after I bought the mallet.

[@markymark7200]

Running on low fuel....naughty boy. Half tank+ 👍

[@GeorgeAusters]

Yeah I usually top up as soon as I hit a quarter. Needs to be half full+ if you have DPF in place though👍🏻

[@DanielleAusters]

🙌🏼

[@nnunness1]

thanks a lot

[@GeorgeAusters]

You are most welcome

[@gudmundurjonasson1334]

very good video, but put a diesel on your car its low on. fuel

[@paulrichards6201]

Your belts on the wrong way fella😂

[@GeorgeAusters]

It’s definitely not.. This belt has grooves on both sides👍🏻

[@evertdekwant1163]

Ha george, i really like your videos but the way you name them makes absolutely no sense. Whenever i wanna find a video about something on my bmw i have no idea which video i need. Maybe you could name this video for example: how to replace the alternator on the N47. This would make the proces of finding the right video very easy

[@GeorgeAusters]

It's sometimes how youtube works mate. If you have a boring title then nobody watches

[@evertdekwant1163]

@@GeorgeAusters haha you're the youtuber so you probably know best ;) Keep up the good work!

[@GeorgeAusters]

@@evertdekwant1163 Thanks man!

[@gerri6760]

Hai fatto un grosso e pericoloso errore. Il cavo positivo dell'alternatore deve essere isolato nello smontaggio perchè se viene a contatto con massa o telaio grosso pericolo. Corrente diretta da batteria!!!!!

[@RTB-1157]

Replace the brushes on the regulator at the back? Cost about a €10 as long as there's still copper left, usually is plenty, and also the bearings ok in the pulley your good! I always have a spare regulator ready to go in for when the battery light comes on!

[@GeorgeAusters]

You'll see in a video soon why it's best to just replace the whole alternator!

[@RTB-1157]

@@GeorgeAusters I know its only a long shot if its just the brushes that are worn and nothing else? but if that's all that's worn and there's still enough copper above the ceramics it can be a really cheap fix that'll get ya out of a hole! Alternators are crazy money here!