i need to change my voltage regulator
 

HI, i have read most of the threads about alternators but i still don't understand. (Not that mechanically inclined). I have to change the voltage regulator on my alternator and i was wondering if anyone can provide me with a video DiY or something like that as right now i am really tight on money and can't afford taking it to the shop . Or if someone could give me a list with all the tools i need it would be greatly appreciated. Also, do i need to remove the belt when i remove the alternator/? As i said i am not that mechanically inclined. Thank you in advance
The vehicle is a 2005 BMW E53 Xdrive 4.4i Automatic

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 3.0i ALTERNATOR PARTS 90A Valeo



This may not be the correct alternator so you should follow the link and back up a page or two to see what the options are. No matter which alternator you have, all of them have Item 2 as the voltage regulator. The regulators may or may not be the same, but you can do a little bit of research to figure this out. The link is also the parts for the I6 engine, so you will need to change the vehicle information, then go back to the engine electrics page to figure out the alternator that you have, and the VR that you need.

Once you find the VR that you need, then you can shop for best price from online sources, or the auto parts store down the street from your house.

There are two Valeo alternators and a Bosch (for the 3.0L engine). The Valeos both take the same voltage regulator, and the Bosch takes a different one.

Thank you for your replies. I found the right part thanks to jdrstrickland.
@trader 4 i tried google too but i guess i missed this video lol thanks it is a HUGE help but i have one more question though: does the 2005 4.4i model have a water cooled alternator or air cooled? Thank you very much

That's the kind of question that tells me that you should not be making repairs to your car. The fundamental difference in an air cooled vs. water cooled engine is so obvious that the question suggests that your next question will be about which end of the screwdriver is used to turn the screw.

The question has become, why do you think you need to replace the voltage regulator?

Before tearing into the alternator, remove the battery cables. You don't want to short circuit the battery and weld a tool to the frame.

Since you are newer to wrenching on things I would go very slow on doing this. Create a favorites list of all relevant threads in your browser. Print them off if you need to. You also want to create a list of relevant videos on your watch later list on your you tube account. You might end up going slow as hell but at least if makes it pretty much fool proof. Not saying you are a fool, but I treat myself as one and plan accordingly when doing my own DIY. Especially since I am new to it as well.