Alternator replacement DIY? '01 3.0L

[DillonInCO]

I need the X back up and running ASAP---if it snows I am going to be in some real trouble by missing work---so I don't think I have the luxury to wait for parts to ship unfortunately. Was just going to go with a remanufactured alternator with a lifetime warranty, from whatever parts shop has one in stock. Oil filter housing gasket, if I do that I bet I can get it from a local dealer or maybe NAPA? I know there is a leak there...needs to be done at some point anyway.

Is there anything other than a 32mm wrench I need to get the clutch fan off? The eBay kits have some bar that comes with the wrench, not sure what it's for? Also, mine is a 5-speed...I read some things about how on E46s, only the auto tranny needs to have the clutch fan removed. I assume that's not true for our cars?

And, are you guys saying that the oil filter housing needs to be removed to get to the alternator? I've seen conflicting opinions on that.

[lhordmclain]

Before you purchase a RMFD alternator from a nearby parts store, please check your orig alternator brand, amp (120? or 140?) and water cooled versus non water cooled.

GL!

Originally Posted by DillonInCO

I need the X back up and running ASAP---if it snows I am going to be in some real trouble by missing work---so I don't think I have the luxury to wait for parts to ship unfortunately. Was just going to go with a remanufactured alternator with a lifetime warranty, from whatever parts shop has one in stock. Oil filter housing gasket, if I do that I bet I can get it from a local dealer or maybe NAPA? I know there is a leak there...needs to be done at some point anyway.

Is there anything other than a 32mm wrench I need to get the clutch fan off? The eBay kits have some bar that comes with the wrench, not sure what it's for? Also, mine is a 5-speed...I read some things about how on E46s, only the auto tranny needs to have the clutch fan removed. I assume that's not true for our cars?

And, are you guys saying that the oil filter housing needs to be removed to get to the alternator? I've seen conflicting opinions on that.

[Joshdub]

You do not need to remove the OFH. But it is literally right there once the alternator is out.

You do need to remove the fan clutch regardless of transmission. I also have the 5 speed. There is literally no room.

That "bar" is slotted to hold the water pump still while breaking the fan clutch free.

[white46]

I believe all e53 x5 with 3L engine has mechanical fan which requires to remove fan clutch.
Also they are all Bosch 120A air cooled alternator.
You may have some difficulties removing the fan clutch without water pump holder. I'll wish you good luck!

Your local dealer will probably have oil filter housing gasket in stock. It's good time to replace it at the same time since the alternator has to come out to get to oil filter housing.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by DillonInCO

I need the X back up and running ASAP---if it snows I am going to be in some real trouble by missing work---so I don't think I have the luxury to wait for parts to ship unfortunately. Was just going to go with a remanufactured alternator with a lifetime warranty, from whatever parts shop has one in stock. Oil filter housing gasket, if I do that I bet I can get it from a local dealer or maybe NAPA? I know there is a leak there...needs to be done at some point anyway.

Is there anything other than a 32mm wrench I need to get the clutch fan off? The eBay kits have some bar that comes with the wrench, not sure what it's for? Also, mine is a 5-speed...I read some things about how on E46s, only the auto tranny needs to have the clutch fan removed. I assume that's not true for our cars?

And, are you guys saying that the oil filter housing needs to be removed to get to the alternator? I've seen conflicting opinions on that.

Nope, no one said that you need to remove the OFHG in order to remove the alternator. I suggested that while you are in there that it would be a good time to replace the 6 buck gasket. You don't want to tear everything apart again at a later date just to fix an oil leak.

Sounds like you have very little experience and tools in repairing cars. Need to get it running this weekend, I suggest you take it in.

[cn90]

1+,

* Once the belt is removed, and the whole area is exposed, the OFH gasket is a piece of cake. Read forums, but here are the cautions re OFH gasket:
a. Use only BMW part ($6)
b. Clean and remove all traces of old gasket.
c. I use a small amount of grease to help hold the new gasket in place.
d. Some people have stripped one of the 6 bolts (requiring Helicoil, Timesert etc.), so I think if you can reduce the torque by a few ft*lb, then apply a bit of Loctite, you will be fine.

* All M52, M52TU, M54 engines may come from factory with Bosch vs Valeo etc. etc. But Bosch AL0703N fits all of them.

And I6 is air-cooled, not water-cooled.
Better yet, remove that air duct feeding the alternator, it is nothing but trouble!

[DillonInCO]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Nope, no one said that you need to remove the OFHG in order to remove the alternator. I suggested that while you are in there that it would be a good time to replace the 6 buck gasket. You don't want to tear everything apart again at a later date just to fix an oil leak.

Sounds like you have very little experience and tools in repairing cars. Need to get it running this weekend, I suggest you take it in.

Oh ye of little faith CN90 said the alternator is bolted to the OFH and I (wrongly) inferred that meant they have to come out together. I have lots of experience repairing cars, and plenty of tools---even a 32mm wrench I used for another car, but, I've never had to remove a fan clutch. Every car I've owned except for my BMWs has had an electric fan. It might be an all day job given my lack of experience in this area, but I can get it done. Based on recommendations in this thread, I will likely just deal with the downtime and order a new Bosch alternator, and the eBay wrench / water pump holder that was mentioned. Thanks for the help everyone, I'll post any questions if I have them once I start the removal process.

[Joshdub]

For getting the fan off, the waterpump holder thing didnt fit my water pump, so I just tapped the fan clutch tool with a dead blow and it broke free.

[Riba]

I also used a wrench without any additional tool to keep the water pump from rotating. Gave it a tap with the rubber mallet and the nut came straight off. Maybe I was just extra lucky or whoever replaced it before me did not overdo it.