N47 Alternator Died RIP :( what to do with it

[_Sa'oodSheik_]

Long story short: my 320d F30 is creeping up to 300,000 km. It’s been trouble-free so far, but last week the alternator gave in.

My mechanic tried to recon it, but the last piece missing was the regulator. He explained that aftermarket regulators usually cause current spikes, which can create future problems. He fitted one temporarily, and the alternator worked, but long-term it would cause issues. Since we couldn’t source an original regulator anywhere (without BMW charging silly prices), I decided to just go with a brand-new alternator.

That obviously left a dent in my pocket, and now I’ve got a reconned alternator lying around. I’m thinking I might as well get some cash for it—anything is better than nothing.

So here are my options, and maybe the more experienced guys can advise if it’s worth it or if I should just bin the thing:

1. Sell it as is to a BMW scrapyard or mechanic, and let them sort out the regulator.
2. Try to source a regulator myself, fit it, and then sell the alternator as a 100% working unit.
   • But if my mechanic couldn’t find one, and I couldn’t either, how realistic is it for me to track down an original regulator that isn’t BMW money?
   • Would fixing it even increase its resale enough to justify the cost and effort?

What would you guys recommend? Also, if anyone knows where I could get a regulator or who might buy the alternator as it sits, please let me know.

 

[Mytfine]

What brand was the regulator that came out of it ? Usually its just the brushes that are worn on a regulator, so maybe juat replace the brushes on your old one and go from there. Personally i think that if you bought a decent brand aftermarket part it will be no issue at all.

 

[_Sa'oodSheik_]

What brand was the regulator that came out of it ? Usually its just the brushes that are worn on a regulator, so maybe juat replace the brushes on your old one and go from there. Personally i think that if you bought a decent brand aftermarket part it will be no issue at all.

will give it a check and see. Wondering now if my mechanic changed his story and just couldnt recon it :0

 

[calem_chetty]

I went to Caelex in Pretoria and got a new voltage regulator for the alternator on my n47d20.

Honestly, I don't fully agree with the whole "current spike" thing, unless you're buying a voltage regulator that's made with cheap materials. In-fact it is a worn/failing voltage regulator that causes voltage spikes which in-turn causes current spikes (Ohm's law)... Save yourself the wallet-damage and chest-pain by buying the voltage regulator and fitting it yourself, it's a 30minute job to take out your alternator, replace the voltage regulator and re-fit the alternator.

I think I paid less than R600 (I asked politely for a discount) for my voltage regulator a few months ago and I have not had any battery related issues since then.

Side note: Caelex has a machine there that you can connect your current voltage regulator to and it will run a test to determine if it is indeed the voltage regulator that has failed. Take our alternator with when you go, just for peace of mind.

Honestly not sure why more people haven't heard of Caelex, their range for electronics is so broad.



New Voltage reg. - Valeo brand


Top - Old voltage reg.
Bottom - New voltage reg.

 

[Nastaliq]

Valeo is OE for BMW, so youre solid there.

 

[_Sa'oodSheik_]

I went to Caelex in Pretoria and got a new voltage regulator for the alternator on my n47d20.

Honestly, I don't fully agree with the whole "current spike" thing, unless you're buying a voltage regulator that's made with cheap materials. In-fact it is a worn/failing voltage regulator that causes voltage spikes which in-turn causes current spikes (Ohm's law)... Save yourself the wallet-damage and chest-pain by buying the voltage regulator and fitting it yourself, it's a 30minute job to take out your alternator, replace the voltage regulator and re-fit the alternator.

I think I paid less than R600 (I asked politely for a discount) for my voltage regulator a few months ago and I have not had any battery related issues since then.

Side note: Caelex has a machine there that you can connect your current voltage regulator to and it will run a test to determine if it is indeed the voltage regulator that has failed. Take our alternator with when you go, just for peace of mind.

Honestly not sure why more people haven't heard of Caelex, their range for electronics is so broad.

View attachment 30414

New Voltage reg. - Valeo brand

View attachment 30416
Top - Old voltage reg.
Bottom - New voltage reg.

will try and find someone alittle closer but if I don't ill have to pop by them wish i attempted this myself before purchasing a new one thank you so much.

 

[Mytfine]

will try and find someone alittle closer but if I don't ill have to pop by them wish i attempted this myself before purchasing a new one thank you so much.

Every town will have an auto electrical shop, what area are you based in ?

 

[_Sa'oodSheik_]

i reside in the westrand area but i do normally go up and down to joburg aswell

 

[Mytfine]

i reside in the westrand area but i do normally go up and down to joburg aswell

Autozone is your friend.

There is a little spares shop in gillview, south of Jhb, Chohans motors spares.

Whenever i battled with spares he always got what i needed with a day or two in the brand of my choice for a reasonable price.

 

[_Sa'oodSheik_]

Autozone is your friend.

There is a little spares shop in gillview, south of Jhb, Chohans motors spares.

Whenever i battled with spares he always got what i needed with a day or two in the brand of my choice for a reasonable price.

thnxs for this advice ill gladly take it and see where it leads me next