X5 2001 alternator change
 

Hello. I hope I'm posting this to the right place. (My first time)

Anyway, my son in law was trying to change the alternator in his car. He said he's stuck with the removal because of one bolt that won't come out. It's too long and hits the fan I believe he said. Sorry I'm not involved with this and am trying to give second hand info here. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Fan has to come off.

Lol. That was my guess. Thank you for the quick reply. Is removing the fan simple enough for someone with limited experience.

I don't mean to be rude but if he did not come to that conclusion on his own I'd suggest not moving forward.

I'd also caution the fan shroud needs to go back on properly or it will come loose & be eaten by the fan.

Lol. Not rude at all. He claimed he had a friend who was a mechanic. I guess we know how good he is now. Thanks again for your quick and honest reply. Looks like I better have it towed to a real mechanic. Who knows if the dang alternator is even bad. Ugh!

If he has the inline 3.0 six engine, he should also replace the oil seal between the oil filter housing and engine block. The seal becomes hard overtime and starts to leak oil. It just 6 bolts to remove the filter housing and a banjo fitting ( you'll need new crush washers.) The seal is just 6 bucks and only 15 to 30 minutes to replace versus all the work to remove the alternator to get at the six bolts.

The seal is number 6 in the diagram.

http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/c/f/239.png

Awesome. Thanks so much for all your help. You guys in this forum rock.

Plymouth "Cuda" 340 Six pack SOLD. Blaspheme! Lol