DIY - Alternator Removal on E90 320i

[Funky Toyz]

Hi Guys,

It will be my first attempt at an alternator removal on a BMW :fencelook:

I've searched the net for a DIY alternator removal with no joy and was wondering if anyone is able to offer any guidance.

My main concern would be the removal and re-install of the V-Belt and the de-tensioning and tensioning of it.

I need to get my alternator out urgently so I can have the Voltage Regulator replaced.

Also - I've been told the regulator is a sealed part and is not recommended that one DIY this. I remember on my other car changing this part was failry simple.

Any help will be appreciated - I will start stripping the covers this evening and hope to have the alternator out (if time allows) by this evening aswell.

 

[Sankekur]

If the belts work anything like on the e46 it should be the least of your worries as it is pretty easy to get out, with all the covers removed it should not take more than a couple of minutes to do. For the installation it is however good to have and extra set of hands to help get the belts back on. Oh and before you strip off to much make sure that you have all the correct tools as BMW have a tendency to use strange bolts and screws on these things, for instance to un-tension the AC tensioner on my car I needer a T60 (or was it T66) torx bit which not something everyone has laying around. Can't really provide any insights to removing the alternator, but have also heard that this is not a easy thing to do , but still wishing you best of luck and post lots of pics, I am sure others will benefit by it.

 

[Funky Toyz]

If the belts work anything like on the e46 it should be the least of your worries as it is pretty easy to get out, with all the covers removed it should not take more than a couple of minutes to do. For the installation it is however good to have and extra set of hands to help get the belts back on. Oh and before you strip off to much make sure that you have all the correct tools as BMW have a tendency to use strange bolts and screws on these things, for instance to un-tension the AC tensioner on my car I needer a T60 (or was it T66) torx bit which not something everyone has laying around. Can't really provide any insights to removing the alternator, but have also heard that this is not a easy thing to do , but still wishing you best of luck and post lots of pics, I am sure others will benefit by it.

Thanks for the input - much appreciated. I never had time to start on anything this evening but will do so tomorrow evening definately. I'll also try my best to document as much as possible but I will be working againts time as I need to get the alternator sorted so the car can head in for a valve stem seal change, hopefully before the weekend. I'm also doing as much research as possible before I start so any bit of help is appreciated.
:thumbs:

 

[Funky Toyz]

My alternator DIY removal with pics:

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=26978