X5 3.0 Alternator and belts DIY (with pictures!)

[Stewthebassman]

Terrific DIY....thank you!

[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)

[ekvals]

I agree, it is robbery..

the thing is, it is a time issue with me as well..

Me and my girlfriend are expecting our first child any these days, and i need the car to be working.. So i guess ill just have to take it up the xxxx and pay the 800 bucks...

[Thom]

Great post. If I just want to change the alternator and not the pump, do I need to remove the fan ? i.e. will the alternator get out past the fan ?
Thanks.

[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

[GXL]

This procedure applies to the 4.4 as well?

What about the special BMW tool? Where can you get it besides the stealer?

Any links you can provide?

Thanks in advance.

[generx]

Nope, this is for the 3.0 I-6 motor. Ernest did a DIY on the 4.4 t-stat and water-pump, it's very well documented and judging by the pictures
the alternator is in the same place so it seems like a very similar procedure. Anyone care to chime in on this?

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ght=water+pump

There are quite a few results if you just Google "BMW fan tool" and even one on eBay which includes the 32mm wrench --all around $40. I haven't gotten around to fabricating one yet but it's apparently easy to make your own. All you really need is a sturdy piece of metal and a drill to fabricate one (and maybe a grinder)