When did BMW Change to Air Cooled Alternator?

[blktoptrvl]

I have a 2006 4.4i. I was surprised to learn that it has an air cooled alternator.

Does anyone know when they switched from the water cooled on the older 4.4i X5?

[killcrap]

all new generation v8 X5 engines are air cooled. do you need one?

12 31 7 540 994, Alternator $317.37

[blktoptrvl]

Thanks, but no, I had it replaced... But I was under the impression (from the repair manual) that all v8s had water cooled.

Had I known beforehand I would have saved a few hundred bucks and done it myself.