Save your alternator with this cheap part! - E46 Alternator Rebuild DIY

Checkout www.oembimmerparts.com to get the part you need to rebuild your alternator rather than having to replace the whole thing. Make sure you buy the correct one that matches the connector shape on your existing alternator! Oh, and if you just want to replace the whole alternator for some reason (maybe the bearing is noisy and you don't want to or can't replace it), you can also get that from them as well.
E46 Common Repair Steps: • BMW 330i 325i E46 Comm...
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:55 Special tools & common repair steps
00:01:33 Disconnect the battery!
00:02:06 Remove the belt, alternator pulley, and lower alternator bolt
00:03:46 Disconnect alternator power cable and voltage regulator
00:05:00 Remove power steering reservoir & pry out alternator
00:05:48 Replacing voltage regulator
00:13:14 Reinstalling the alternator
00:17:11 Reinstalling the belt
00:19:06 Wrap-up
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.

[@ubaldc]

If only BMW needed people to communicate how to repair their cars, I'd say you'd be the guy. Well done as usual.

[@antanasrapkevicius3897]

best video ever. 'Save you alternator' and proceeds to install brand new one.. True magician :D

[@TomasLineros]

Thanks for the video; So useful. It’s great to see the E46 back🤘🏻

[@AlecKristi]

Looking forward to the E90 alternator bearing replacement video ))

[@SakhrHendawi]

I faced the same case on my 04/2004 330Ci (MS45.1) I noticed that my alternator looked different than what RealOEM was showing, so I pulled my alternator to check the part number for the alternator and the voltage regulator, when checking those part numbers it was from an E60! Love the channel btw, you helped me a lot, and I’m watching your new videos “just because”, I’m even watching the E90 videos although I don’t like it and don’t plan on getting E9x ever

[@nicholastuga1562]

Glad you did a e46 video!

[@jonowen6612]

Good video, Jason. Thanks. For those of you replacing the belt tensioner, please get a BMW part. I had a new tensioner break on two different BMWs during installation. Never happens with a genuine part.

[@michaelblacktree]

The classic reach-around always does the trick. 😉

[@320iguy]

DADDY NOOOoooooo!!!! lol

[@lexiaontube]

man , such a relief that you're back !!!

[@dusting025]

Thanks for all your videos most detailed how to for bmws on any platform

[@petepenn1]

This video is for Entertainment and SAVING all of us Time + Money! Thanks 24Karat Kid you are Golden!

[@jessesward9429]

Thanks for making quality videos

[@mikelm7398]

Jason, it was another great job of yours, thank you

[@50sKid]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FishFind3000]

You got lucky with that sleeve. On my car that was a 2000 323i with 250k miles and spent its whole life in the rust belt. It was a few hours of hassle to try and get that sleeve to move for the alternator to come out. Plus it happens in the middle of winter here in Chicago in a unheated garage so that made is so much better.

[@jon-xq2lc]

After you break your bolts and have them half way out take a small hammer and tap them sliders. I PB blast them before hand. also idk if that helps but can’t hurt.

[@bobgreene2892]

You explain everything but (1) how to determine exactly the parts needed and (2) where to obtain them.

[@ProperRepair]

In the next iteration of this issue you can just replace the diodes/brushes :) And it could be that BMW used a different alternator (different on the outside, not really inside) for the 4/6 cylinder engines, petrol/diesels, pre/post-facelift. And if the donor E46 already had a replaced unit from a Mexico-imported E53, no surprise that parts don't match anymore.

[@MrCuckoobox]

Thanks for sharing. My e39 which also has the M54 Engine and had a Valeo Alternator had the alternator light come on too - the brushes were worn out. You can just replace the brushes, but you have be able to solder. Getting the Brush Cover off on the Valeo Alternator is a real PIA. It requires careful cutting of the plastic cover and I tried to min. the cutting so it could be reused. (supposedly it can slide off, but good luck...to me it looked like one time use. The brushes are part of the Regulator and you can not change the brushes without removing that brush cover.)The Regulator on Valeo Alternator is more expensive: about twice the price of a new Bosch Regulator. Plus the fact that my slip rings were heavily worn (the copper discs that you were sanding that the brushes ride on) I just opted to replace with a new Bosch Alternator. The new Bosch Alternators are made in South Africa....So far no issues, but I wonder how long it last over the original European made Bosch (I think most Bosch Alternators on these Era BMWs were made in Great Britain).....Rebuilt Alternators - there is no telling how long they will last. Most Re-manufacturers are using inferior Chinese Bearings (if any new bearings at all) and you may only get a couple of years and/or 50k which is not worth the price. Most of the alternators I found in the Salvage Yard needed Bearings. The Bearings can be swapped out but the time to do that all that work and the cost of the bearings, you don't real save much plus removing them you may end up damaging the alternator casing.

[@bogusienombre355]

Great info! on brand names! Thanks

[@50sKid]

High quality bearings of any type can be purchased from McMasterCarr or other such industrial supply websites.

[@timothyer2447]

I did this job just a few days ago! Was actually looking around on your channel for a video on voltage regulator but was surprised you hadn't covered it. So I just watched your video on alternator replacement and looked on E46F for voltage regulator instructions haha. Also +1 to the connector type. What's weird is that my ZHP has the oval connector which is common to the Z4s. FCP's website didn't even have the oval connector listed for my car so I had to pull the PN from realOEM. I nearly ordered the wrong connector at first, luckily I realized it 5 minutes after placing my order so I quickly cancelled it and re-ordered the right one.

[@50sKid]

The oval connector is on newer cars, I believe. What year is yours?

[@timothyer2447]

@@50sKid 2004. I've heard of some other ZHP owners having the same conundrum

[@timothyer2447]

@@50sKid oh and what sucks about the oval connector is that there isn't any vent connecting to the brake duct for alternator cooling, which is interesting. I guess it was cheaper not to include that with the later cars

[@cheffywest]

E46 FOREVER ❤❤

[@ApaX1981]

Rust, how can that be? The alternator is right below the general purpose anti rust oil resevoir....

[@benjaminsmith4519]

Looks like they should have put in some kind pan/shield over it to prevent dripping getting in it

[@ironnerd8336]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@AdamMarriyati]

Lmao I read it more humorous. I misinterpreted the comment. I thought he was saying how it would be possible to rust, when the entire engine leaks oil so it basically should be covered for rust problems. 🤣

[@ApaX1981]

@@AdamMarriyati the powersteering oil resevoir is right above the alternator. Those leak on every single E46 that I have seen.

[@woodst408]

Dude I just enjoy your instructional videos...BMW should pay you for helping fixing their ALTIMATE LEAKING MACHINES...GOD KNOWS THEY ALL LEAK. I have a whole epoxy floor for my e60 and e 46. Another great video Jason.

[@herrbrahms]

17:00 I couldn't agree more about the flex head. I prefer the standard head since I can apply more torque and also stay squarer on the bolt heads which keeps them from rounding off. For me, the flex head is a special tool that I only get out for sticky situations.

[@50sKid]

Well it's the opposite for me -- I love my flex head as my primary, but sometimes it gets in the way!

[@eleonik76]

​@@50sKidWow! Using power lug nut for an old and brittle plastic without loosing them a bit...only American can do that. No wonder you guys have stickers on your microwaves " do not use for tumble dry "

[@cylonred8902]

The combinations of different parts in different E46s strikes again... Found the pain of that early when I tried looking to se the model number for a radio I have in my E46 - what a nightmare.

[@tinajohnson7534]

One week too late for me! Mine was going out as well, but I couldn't find any great videos to fix, so put in a new one. And of course, your video was my go to how to! Question for you though, ever since taking out the alternator and replacing, the clock on the dash won't work. I've searched the forums, but can't find a concise answer. Thanks as always for your vids- they keep my car on the road!

[@FishFind3000]

You might just have to reset the time if it looks like - -:- - the way you set the clock is make sure the menu shows the clock with no time and turn the one of the two sticks that poke out the instrument cluster. I believe it’s the right one. You twist it to adjust the clock.

[@50sKid]

Yeah, you have to reset the time IF the little wings are not broken inside of the gauge cluster and you can no longer set it.

[@TheHeretic435]

this takes me back to my m52TU alternator failure. The slip ring copper had worn right through. yours looks 80% gone. Replace it or it may leave you stranded. That reg. is normal, yet everyone selling the other type. It was weird.

[@gladiatussparta]

I had the same problem with the regulator, and you can't find the part code only if you take it out from the alternator, the regulator for my alternator brand new was from PSA :D

[@mostafaaaaaa3801]

Such a nice guy thanks so much

[@paulkile9998]

My 2003 330ci has a Valeo alternator, you have a Bosch regulator. Bosch vs Valeo may explain the different parts.

[@audiosolutions1373]

Hi there great video mahn, would u know the wireing diagram for that 3 pin connector

[@LeverPhile]

@ 9:50 ... call up Bosch USA with the old VR part number (the Bosch pn) and they will tell you what the newer superceding part number is. Part numbers can change over 20 years, but for some reason the BMW pn will lead you astray. You may need to leave a voicemail with their tech support number, but they should get back to you within a few busuness days.

[@320iguy]

bmw ended that regulator a few years before this video. As i recall the ones on Ebay arent bad, but arent "Bosch" quality, so buyer beware. you can use the superceded part you have there, and they are a direct fit. hope this helps some that are watching this and are confuzzled..

[@bobbyr8071]

Bro u can go even one step further and change inner bearings and the pulley if ur alternator has one of those overrun or decoupler pulleys. There are kits available on eBay for $40-60 for most alternators.

[@bogusienombre355]

I'm wrong. Found it. My bad. Just excited.

[@PatrickTheJudge]

Don't you have overheating issues with the electrical fan? I learned that the clutch fan generates much more airflow and higher cooling performance, necessary for the automatic models.

[@fastlanenigeria]

My 2005 330Ci ZHP has just one wire going into the connector for the alternator voltage regulator. Is this normal for any e46? Every other one I've seen has two wired pins, whether oval or rectangular connector.

[@paulgilliland2992]

Curious about that part number , how many amps is it . I can’t find a Bosch branded unit with those numbers and your boys at oem bimmer don’t have that unit. At least not under M54 e46. Also is it rebuilt or reman . Whatever that means .

[@anthonyleung4943]

You are the best

[@Staygoldfarms]

How do you check the correct amperage? It seems there are 3 different types. Thanks

[@mvc2177]

Not sure if you’ll respond but here is a try, I bought the special tools to remove the fan in order to access the water pump and alternator but the fan bolt is smaller than the 32mm special wrench I received. Any recommendations?

[@zongquantang]

I am having an issue with my alternator in my 2008 335xi (N54). There is no voltage output before, after replaced the voltage regulator with a new regulator, I got voltage from alternator but it always stop working after several minutes, and voltage may come back then go away. Not sure whether I should replace the while alternator or there could be some other issues? The connector is tight (checked).

[@jp-yv7hl]

I made the same mistake getting my replacement from the junkyard. Had to go back and get the correct connector. I think maybe the changes the connected for 2004.

[@jeromeestrada6366]

Whats up Man! my alternator and battery work good, sometimes when im at full stop my car shuts off, any idea what it can be?

[@deltacharlieecho4732]

Stupid question here but I need to swap the voltage regulator from an e46 into the alternator in my e83. Can this be done without pulling the alternator out of the car? I've got an alternator sitting in my storage unit that I could swap in but I'd really rather just toss in the regulator to prepare for the ms43 loom and DME.

[@MrHansSchuman]

is possible replace these copper rings? Valeo

[@carlosdeleon9593]

Thanks. I had like 5 dash lights go on while driving but at idle they disappeared

[@adamgutierrez6408]

Hello I have replaced my alternator and battery on my 2004 bmw 325i . And I’m still having the battery light on intermittently when the car is at idle and it goes off when driving . The first alternator I bought from oriellys my mechanic installed for me and a day later the battery died again . I went back to oriellys and got another alternator. Still noticed the battery light and I replaced the battery .

[@AlexRz_m]

Does the 3 pin alternator works on the 2 pin one?🤔 I see that you removed a 3 pin and installed a 2 pin, also your connection is for 2 pins, obviously has the space for the third pin, but doesn’t even have the same connection like the other 2 pins

[@MrToranaGuy]

Did you ever work out why the alternator you pulled out was different? To me it looks like it was a e39 style.

[@chrisbarnhart4178]

the timing for this is actually wild. i was going to buy a new alternator today...

[@Bussdownbandit]

Looks like that new regulator looks like its for the e90

[@Atom_gun]

Dude you posted this a week after I fixed mine 😭

[@phatcowboy76]

Correction. It's not a commutator. It's a slip ring. The alternator generates AC voltage. That's why there are diodes. To rectify AC into pulsed DC. DC motors have comutators. AC generators have slip rings.

[@StoneOcean92]

Do I need to have the duct for the alternator? Mine only has the 90 going down and nothing after it. ..I’ve been dealing with eml light and am about to give up on my e46

[@danialkaaho1337]

doesn't need a duct but if it does have one make sure to cap it or put somthing over it to stop leafs and that getting onto the voltage regulator and fuseing it out. my e46 has the same alternator in the video but the ducts connected to nothing and I had leafs get sucked in and burn out my voltage regulator. the duct doesn't matter so long as it's the alternator is the same brand, valeo or bosch (they're not interchangeable) aswell as the plug in the back is the same shape you can go up in amperage from stock but not down so when replacing it you need to make sure same brand same plug and the same amperage or higher the duct doesn't matter as long as you cap it

[@mariodelcampo8164]

Anyone knows where to buy "Bosch AL0703N" in Europe? Really hard to find on the Internet

[@drago22alina22]

Hey Jason, i have a bosch alternator and its missing both upper and lower air ducts for cooling, and the alternator doesn't have the right plasic cap with thr hole that connects into air ducts, will it fit if i buy the alternator cap with the hole in it? Im not trying to buy another alternator, i just wanna put everything back like from factory

[@50sKid]

I’m not sure but if I were to guess I’d say no

[@drago22alina22]

Thanks

[@Sam-ph2re]

Hey man, my alternator makes scratching noise when turning by hand. Any idea how to fix that?

[@mattspangler170]

I would check the bearings, there are videos out there of replacement, but it is a huge pain

[@markt9438]

You did not show a test before and after ! WHAT

[@justinarnold6044]

My 02 vert is a manual trans with a mechanical fan. Any ideas as to why? I’ve searched the forums but haven’t came up with anything.

[@EasyAchiever65]

Possible swap? Either the gearbox or the fan

[@justinarnold6044]

@@EasyAchiever65 I ruled out a manual swap with a vin decode. It’s a factory manual.

[@50sKid]

Weird, never seen that

[@julianpark93]

Nice to see the e46. Have you reinforced your rear subframe yet? Would hate to see your car go if the subframe cracks :(

[@50sKid]

Unnecessary unless you've got the earlier 328 or an M3. For the most part.

[@TedSchoenling]

Take a shot everytime you hear Pulley!

[@bogusienombre355]

Link to second video is sadly missing.

[@50sKid]

I put the link in the description to the common repair steps video. Was I supposed to link another one? I forget.

[@bogusienombre355]

@@50sKid no you had it linked when I over looked it. I just missed it. Thanks for your detailed explanations. Your helping me save my e46 325i 89k mi. By knowing how it's done and argue down repair shops. Apparently they really like to over charge my girl.

[@AnthonnyAndria]

In my e46 there is no pulley on the upper alternator bolt so the belt goes straight from the water pump pulley to the alternator pulley (european car)

[@50sKid]

Oh is it a diesel or inline 4?

[@AnthonnyAndria]

@@50sKid no it is a 320i m54 inline 6

[@Rohan-fx3xz]

Mine does not come with one either. I read somewhere that not all E46 M54's came with an idler pulley.

[@50sKid]

@@AnthonnyAndria Oh interesting. We never had those here in the US

[@crazzy88ss]

I did this about a month ago. You don't need to remove the alternator to replace the regulator. Whole job took less than an hour.

[@50sKid]

I didn’t even consider that, doh

[@maxon887]

Uuuuiiii 46 videos again)

[@cylonred8902]

I get to do this job in the next day, so I lived with the hell of trying to figure out what alternator I had. But in this video you do not hit the lower bolt with a hammer for some reason like you do in the original video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqOolpuggpqnnbM Any particular reason you didn't do that this time?

[@50sKid]

I actually did do it but cut it out because it’s never been effective for me. There’s just not enough room to get a full swing. I always end up prying it out

[@cylonred8902]

@@50sKid I pried mine out as well though I did try and hammer tap but didn't ta hard enough... :) Being in Ohio - I am jealous over the look of the bolts where I have surface rust on all of mine. Hopefully my alternator comes in today and I can slap it in after exercising. I plan to get some penetrating oil in the threads on the engine and brush the bolts clean and wipe down with penetrating oil as well. Hopefully to try and protect them a bit. According to ECS the one I bought is a new unit - not a rebuilt (they were listed separately) so I am hoping - I don't have to send back mine to be rebuilt - so if I can get the old one tested and fixed - I can have a spare.

[@xmusicplace]

I believe this is the BMW part number for the voltage alternator: 12311713491

[@user-ym5mw8ft6d]

I'm a simple man, when I see a new 50sKid video i'm just instantly clicking the f0cking Like button

[@mariodelcampo8164]

But... why don't you just replace the brushes instead of the whole voltage regulator?

[@benjaminsmith4519]

I cant lie I have a bigger garage than you and I still cant understand how you can work on cars in that tight of a space. If I didnt have a home gym in my garage I would have it made

[@50sKid]

I really have managed to get a ton of stuff done. Some how!

[@julianormandin]

I’m missing the air scoop to the alternator is that important?

[@50sKid]

I think it is

[@youxiyuan3155]

I replaced my regulator, battery get constant 14v. Advanced auto tested BSC timeout, bad regulator.? Parts from Amazon.

[@han7l]

The new VR looks identical to the one I just replaced on my 120 amp Bosch, AL0703X for E39 M54 engine. 12-31-7-559-183-m14 Pelican nr.