WTB Working Alternator for m54

[BJerolimic]

Wife's e39's alternator is failing. It had a bunch of leaves packed in the back and the air ducting to the alt, I cleaned it out and it worked again for a month or two but now the red light is on again. I haven't checked the car yet (she is at her moms currently) but I'm guessing I'll need to throw in a working alternator so let me know what you have available. Thanks!

[edw1]

The last time I looked, there are four different alternators used on the M54: Bosch/Valeo and low current/high current. They are not interchangeable.

[BJerolimic]

The last time I looked, there are four different alternators used on the M54: Bosch/Valeo and low current/high current. They are not interchangeable.

just got back from wrecker in Whippany where I learned the same thing... some have different shaped pluggs too. I need a 120 amp Valeo with rectangular plug

[colin]

I found a video that can help fix your problem.

http://youtu.be/7cG97osQ560

Best part is that this works with any kind of alternator, and you don't have to buy anything.

[edw1]

Try Autozone or some other parts chain for rebuilds of questionable quality.

[BJerolimic]

Try Autozone or some other parts chain for rebuilds of questionable quality.

indeed I have been trying to avoid that temptation


do you think a rebuild from a local place like J&C Starters & Alternators in Chatham would be better?

https://plus.google.com/102657238912028 ... l=us&hl=en

[RonG]

IIRC as long as the output capacity and connectors are a match, you can go with either supplier. Don't know if you've checked already but BavAuto carries the 120A Bosch unit (rectangular plug) for $203 after return of your core. The Valeo does not come up for an '01 525iT and they are usually right about what fits.

If you get rebuild quotes for much over $100 but the vendor doesn't give you that warm and fuzzy feeling, the peace of mind might be worth the extra coin.

[edw1]

My E46 shows only Bosch on Realoem.com but I have a Valeo. I think the correct alternators went in the trash next to limited slip diff internals.

[BJerolimic]

IIRC as long as the output capacity and connectors are a match, you can go with either supplier. Don't know if you've checked already but BavAuto carries the 120A Bosch unit (rectangular plug) for $203 after return of your core. The Valeo does not come up for an '01 525iT and they are usually right about what fits.

If you get rebuild quotes for much over $100 but the vendor doesn't give you that warm and fuzzy feeling, the peace of mind might be worth the extra coin.

from searching the interwebs it seems the Bosch uses a different pulley than the Valeo, and the rebuilds don't come with a pulley and I couldn't use my Valeo pulley on the Bosh alternator. Also the Bosch supposedly uses a different sized lower mounting bolt and with a nut to secure it (or maybe the guy had to use a nut due to the different sized bolt)

the BavAuto and other online vendors all seem priced around the same of the autozone/pep boys rebuilds and I'm guessing they are similar 'chinese' rebuilds?

[colin]

So, all kidding aside: I'm on my 3rd alternator in my M54 325Ci. The first BMW one lasted five years and about 75,000 miles. The 2nd BMW one (with a massive one-year warranty!) lasted three years and 50,000 miles.

Six years and 80,000 miles later, I'm still happily using my AutoZone Valeo alternator with its lifetime warranty. And you guys know I don't exactly baby my car.

Your mileage may vary.