X5 3.0 Alternator and belts DIY (with pictures!)

[Bimmer Ese]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

In regards to your post about why the alternator died prematurely, I dont think the country where it was made had anything to do with it. I had my Valeo 140amp alternator die at 60K and it was made in Germany.

Well said. From the pictures, the alternator didn't come apart, which leads me to belive that it was an internal failure in a component that was probably manufactured elsewhere.

[ekvals]

Great post.


The alternator from pelican, was it this one?http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...and%3A%20Bosch

I live in Norway and wont be able to get the core refund, but can i deliver it to another shop to get the refund.?

The price of the alternator in Norway is about 800us...

[generx]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Ese

Well said. From the pictures, the alternator didn't come apart, which leads me to belive that it was an internal failure in a component that was probably manufactured elsewhere.

You may be right but the fact remains that it failed prematurely. I just didn't have time to mess with replacing just the voltage regulator (which does come apart) I did bring it into Autozone to satisfy my curiousity after I did the swap, the test they ran on it was inconclusive since it failed all 3 tests, this may have been due to the clueless person who hooked it up to the testing machine since he did not really seem to know what he was doing and would not let me troubleshoot.

ekvals:

Yes, that is the alternator (my X5 is a 2003) however I needed it right away and I found the same unit locally which allowed me to return the core. I think you have to return your defective unit back to Pelican in order to get the $85 core charge. With shipping to Norway, I'm guessing it would still be less than $800 (which is just robbery)

[cascios]

How do you test the voltage regulator?

[LeiZ]

Mark!!!

[bmwmcrzy]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

What probably went wrong with your alternator is the voltage regulator was worn out or faulty. Changing that piece may have solved your issue. Thats what I changed out and found it to solve my alternator issue. This was after purchasing a new alternator since I didn't have much time to be without a car.

Is the Voltage Regulator on the alternator itself? Part Number ?

I replaced my alternator back in Jan 2016 with a Duralast one from AutoZone.
It has a lifetime warranty.

This past Saturday my instrument cluster lights keeping going and off for DSC 4x4, Battery, ABS etc.

With a miles from my house I decided to park it immediately.
Should I also test the battery ?
When I head to AutoZone for an exchange.

[dandog96]

Just an update to those who may find it interesting or useful. What I ended up doing was replacing my voltage regulator as well. Mine was the 3.0 model. It is much more affordable than replacing the alternator and almost the same amount of work. And, yes, it sits right on the alternator so removal just involves removing two screws after taking the alternator out. My regulator cost $25 online and immediately fixed my 4x4, abs, etc lights.

[Stewthebassman]

Terrific DIY....thank you!

[Weasel]

It is possible, but a bitch! The reason for removing the fan is to get to the belt tensioner and alternator bolts easily. You'd spend more time fighting past the fan and cussing it than it would take to remove it.

[SLX5]

Excellent Post.....Very Well documented.......It will come in handy to a lot of people....thanks