N55/54 alternator replacement hack to save you time and thousands.

The BMW N55 engine is a fantastic engine, but as it ages it will require maintenance just like any other engine. certain repairs will come with additional challenges. Lack of access is always a challenge and sometimes a simple repair turns into a time consuming and unnecessary expensive fix.
This is the case with the n55 alternator replacement (assuming n54 as well). The alternator is fairly easy to access with removal of minimal parts. It's fairly easy to get to the bolts and even to the tensioner to tale off the belt. However, removing out of the car is a massive challenge, requiring to the remove the oil filter housing, which requires the removal or atleast movement of the intake manifold, and disconnecting of a radiator hose. Not do you need to remove these parts, you have to drain the associated fluids and replace the necessary gaskets during the reinstall. All of this additional work requires additional time and expense, especially if you're paying someone to do this job for you.
Luckily there is a hack or cheat to remove the alternator without all of this additional work. But warning it does require some cutting. I hope this helps you and keeps saves you some money.

[@luisvargas4577]

I removed my old alternator by cutting plastic from intake manifold but still kept the nipple without fully sawing it off. The plastic nipple is where the engine cover bottom right corner snaps in to. I also cut 1/2in from connector that’s on the alternator that sticks out. Then I removed the alternator. I had to sand down bottom right and top left corners from new alternator at least 1/16th. So that I had enough clearance for the OFHG (top alt.) and also allowing bottom side of alt. to slide in to place easier. I did not have to remove a/c compressor Or metal bracket behind a/c compressor. I made sure not to sand off too much so that the new alternator fit nice and snug. I used a rubber matter to line up the alternator bolt holes. I did not have to cut connector from new alternator. Took me 1 hr to do this job without removing intake manifold. 2014 bmw f30 n55

[@thegamingducks2191]

You video was awesome! Totally helped me get it out but can’t get the new one in, any tips?

[@doktorzojberg7867]

thanks for the tip (hack), my tip is to replace the voltage regulator first

[@driverswantedtv]

I had the system tested 1st. But yes, one of the fail points as well.

[@jeepml5624]

How the heck did you get the new one BACK IN ??? Ive gotten the old one out via the hack and shaving some plastic off of that plastic post. But i CANNOT get the new alternator to slip back into the "bottom bracket".

[@driverswantedtv]

Honestly it's been a while, but just had to fiddle with it. I think there was only one way

[@thegamingducks2191]

Any tips to get the new one in? Tried for a hour and still can’t get the new one to fit

[@30guarino]

@@thegamingducks2191 How did you do it??

[@freddymandry1128]

No you don’t need to cut nothing bro just take the air compressor out than the plate and the alternador

[@driverswantedtv]

Not on this car. You have to remove, oil filter housing and cooler.

[@hamishewart5984]

24 mins THEN you drop the bombshell….hmmm

[@driverswantedtv]

I know hard ask now a days.

[@aSASa45454]

​@@driverswantedtv Appreciate your time helping out strangers on the internet!