My alternator is on its way out-How do I determine which one to order
 

How do I know if I have the 150 amp or 180 amp? I have the water cooled early alternator, but don't know how to determine which one I need to order to have my mechanic install.
Do I decode by vin, or options?

Thanks

What are the last 7 digits of your vin. I will do my best to find you the right part number.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...85&postcount=1
read that, if your car has those options, it has 180amp..

if your flagship has steering wheel heater or

active seat for driver and passenger or

seat heating driver and passenger or

seat heating rear or

coolbox or

automatic air conditioning

than you need 180AMP generator

check out this link i used my vehicle as example 2002 745i

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...53&hg=12&fg=20

GP, call the dealer and give them your vin and they can tell you, I had to do the same when replacing mine

i wouldnt rely on dealer...ordered mine from dealer by vin number..girlfriend picked it up brought it home and they gave her air cooled instead of h20 cooled...but because they made mistake i wasn't charged 1130+ tax but only 700 instead for the correct alternator

Not sure which one you have but I bought a brand new (not rebuilt) Valeo for about $200 online recently. It is air cooled though.

You need 180