X5 3.0 Alternator and belts DIY (with pictures!)

[BohMotorWorks]

First one to write here in 7 years.... But I did this repair successfully over the weekend, happy to report it was one of the few projects that took less time than I was anticipating.

I also would like to share, that I bought the OEM Valeo 140amp (my car has the cold weather package) from Amazon for $250, no core charges! That exact same part was $570 at autozone.... I dont know what keeps stores like that in business, they rarely have the part I need, and certainly not at the best price.....

For those curious my alternator lasted until 213,000miles over 18yrs!