where do i get a diode block for a 540i water cooled alternator?

does anybody know where i can pick up a diode block an internal electrical part in a bosch watercooled alternator--this block or plastic part melted along with 3 diodes-- 3 were still good(intact). i can get the voltage regulator but i have been searching all day for this diode block since it has a bosch part number on the part--if i can buy this part i can fix the alternator myself and do not have to buy a remanufactued one here's a couple of pics in red i circled the part--in black are the 6 individual diodes--i know someone on here ripped one apart and fixed this problem--thanks again [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

Don't know the answer ... but did the diodes melt due to the huge reverse-biased current that occurs when jumping a dead battery and not turning on the lights (to suck up the initial surge across the diodes)?

not sure but one diode was melted the other two just disconnected from the diode block and the plastic was melted--i did replace the battery last year thinking the battery was the problem--autozone did a load test and it failed the diode test so my boy took it apart today and we found out the burned diode was the culprit--i think the first one went taking the other 2 since it was weak already--but im not sure

These guys used to carry those diodes in the past. They do carry most of the rebuilding hardware or replacement alternators. Not sure what happened with the diodes parts. Maybe contact them and ask them. If you find out anything, let us know.

Doru,

The link you mentioned is WAI Global, they do NOT sell to the public (I already asked).

------------
cdawg246,

Best is Smith and Co. in Greely, CO (I spoke to them and they know their stuff). All info is here. Speak to Dave, very nice guy!
Post a follow-up so others who want to rebuild the water-cooled alternator can benefit from it.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...0&postcount=13


I would change both bearings too (highly recommended):

1. Front bearing 17x52x17mm, use only Bosch OEM bearing and yes Smith Co is the only place that sells this difficult-to-find bearing with quality (You will find Chinese bearing of this size on ebay but stay away from Chinese bearing!!!). I convinced them to sell the Bosch OEM bearing on ebay and here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-522...Q5fAccessories

2. Rear Bearing is 6203-2RS (check to be sure). Smith Co. also sells NTN brand NTN is very good):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-400...Q5fAccessories

However, if you want Japanese bearing. Go to ebay and search "Nachi 6203 2RS". You want double rubber seal bearing (therefore "2RS" designation). Nachi is a very very very good brand!
http://cgi.ebay.com/6203-2NSE-RS-2RS...item5d2879bac3

k here's the answer i got from 2 local alternator/starter places in buffalo ny--bosch for some reason is not selling parts to fix them--that's what they told me--i guess it doesn't come as one piece--neither of them can get me a new rectifier(diode block) neither of them can get me the 25amp press fit diodes, 3 are positive 3 are negative--best and co. like suggested above stocks the 3 positive diodes but cant get the 3 negative--they can't get me the piece that the diodes are soldered to-- they told me are like a crimp spot weld process at the factory-- but they do stock the internal voltage regulator--in conclusion bosch knows that u cant go without this water cooled piece of **** so they dont give us access to the parts which blows--this would have been a easy fix if they stocked parts for this alternator--so i guess im like everyone else and will have to purchase a reman alternator for their insane price and move on

Originally Posted by cdawg246

.....neither of them can get me the 25amp press fit diodes, 3 are positive 3 are negative--best and co. like suggested above stocks the 3 positive diodes but cant get the 3 negative--they can't get me the piece that the diodes are soldered to-- they told me are like a crimp spot weld process at the factory....

Did you check with Smith Co. in Greely CO?
Info in my post #5 above.

i know if this happened to a doctor or lawyer they would pay the stealer 1500 to change it and never look back--but this alternator isn't hard to change and the rebuild is even easier--bosch really needs to start selling alternator parts to the public--if they did i would already be rolling again

there is a good write up i found on the net about bmw water cooled alternators--where he explains how to disassemble the alternator and replace the bearings http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Alternator/Index.htm

Originally Posted by cdawg246

there is a good write up i found on the net about bmw water cooled alternators

Are you saying our alternators are water cooled????

not all 5 series but any one with a 4.4 m62 engine does--it sits in the engine block and coolant runs across the back to cool it--taking it apart is cake--getting parts is another story

From what I find on the net...
$399 at Advance
$454 at autozone

The core charge at advance is $100 so you get a rebuilt alternator for $300...not a 'steal' but not that bad either

Originally Posted by GSXRYDER

From what I find on the net...
$399 at Advance
$454 at autozone

The core charge at advance is $100 so you get a rebuilt alternator for $300...not a 'steal' but not that bad either

No the core charge is added to the price which makes the advace one 500.00 with core and its a no name brand atleast as far as there site shows, You can get a bosch unit for 389.00 after core credit
from board sponsors.

Also,
Have you tried dacotronic.comfor the diode?



Read this:
http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/vie...hp?f=2&t=38323

those diodes don't fit in the bracket--the alternator place near me had those but they were too big

i just ordered a remaned alternator on ebay total was 285 no core charge--advance wants 400 without the core charge i called yesterday

Here is a great source for alternator rebuild parts. Reasonable prices, quick service.

http://www.holcombedirect.com/browse.cfm/2,205.html

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

Here is a great source for alternator rebuild parts. Reasonable prices, quick service.

http://www.holcombedirect.com/browse.cfm/2,205.html

it looks like they carry the voltage regulator for $27 but i didnt see the rectifier for a bmw water cooled alternator--but they are way cheap on internal parts

Originally Posted by cdawg246

it looks like they carry the voltage regulator for $27 but i didnt see the rectifier for a bmw water cooled alternator--but they are way cheap on internal parts

Call them, they are very helpful.

i called them and no dice--but i told mike that they need to look into carrying bmw bosch water cooled alternator rectifiers--thanks 540 m-sport

I had mine rebuilt 3 times within a year. The rebuilder kept putting in higher amp diodes (up to 150A) and they kept blowing. He explained there must be an internal short in the windings which raises the amps but lower voltage output so I would have to replace it. I picked up a reman one and haven't had an issue since. Luckly, the rebuilder only charged me for the diodes each time but the car was still out of commission for a couple days each time. I'll never go that route again. I wish you luck if you decide to proceed to with your rebuild.

Does anyone know where to get the plastic bushing that surrounds the rear bearing to separate it from the main body of the alternator. If not what can be used for this area.

Originally Posted by jgrullon1967

Does anyone know where to get the plastic bushing that surrounds the rear bearing to separate it from the main body of the alternator. If not what can be used for this area.

Call Smith and Co in Greely, Colorado and ask:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...0&postcount=13

Smith Co. Inc.
530 11th St.
Greeley, CO 80631
USA
Phone: (970) 353-3121
Ebay seller name "smithcoelectric".
http://www.stayingreen.com/5.html

Already did that they don't have it

Hi folks, I'm in exactly the same boat as posted here. Have an M62 engine in a Range Rover ( sorry its not a beemer ) and the alternator has packed up.

To be honest i think its outrageous that you cant get the parts to fix these. However, I have found this link:

http://www.semiconductors.bosch.de/p...oduct_info.pdf

Anyone think these may be the correct ones ? Looking at the pictures above, it looks like the ED10 housing may be the correct size. Can anyone tell us how tall the original body of the diodes are?