X5 3.0 Alternator and belts DIY (with pictures!)

[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.