Alternator replacement???

Hey guys has anyone attempted an alternator installation?

I have searched the DIY thread and didn't see anything close to a DIY. I was wondering how difficult it is to do it yourself and if anyone has done it or has any advice.

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

If you removing the radiator cooling fan, it will give you access to the alternator. I think you need to remove the serpitine belt, 2 bolts on alternator, 12v wire on alternator, & one plug off of the alternator. You then have to snake the alternator out from the bracket, then bring it out the top. Around 2 hours if you are handy.

Don't forget to remove the battery wires!

BMW TIS - 12 31 020 Removing and installing or replacing alternator (N62, N62TU)



12 31 020

Removing and installing or replacing alternator (N62, N62TU)





Necessary preliminary tasks:
· Switch off ignition
· Follow instructions for disconnecting and connecting battery
· Disconnect battery negative lead and cover
· Remove fan cowl with electric fan
· Remove alternator drive belt





Important!
Risk of damage!
Cover radiator.





Remove cover ***9312; and release screw underneath.
Remove deflecting element ***9313;.





Unfasten screws.
Pull alternator ***9312; forwards until connections are accessible.





Unlock plug (1) and remove.
Remove cover ***9313; and release nut underneath.
Disconnect battery positive lead from alternator.






No posts yet.

Seems like it may be pretty straight forward. Are there any other things I should think about relpacing while I'm in there? Maybe a new belt or a alternator bracket gasket? Also I'm thinking the battery should be replaced as well? I have a 04 and I think it still has the original battery. The indicator is black (not fully charged)?

Wow, you still have the original battery in an '04? That must be a record.

I would do the battery and belts while you are in there.

Here are the instructions with a few pics.
Alternative instructions for an older version of the alternator.

If the belt tensioning pulley looks iffy I would replace it too but it looks like there may be 2 of them, one $50 and one $100. They tend to start squeaking when they get old.

To get to the alternator gasket. You will have to jack up the motor, & remove the motor mount. Then you can get to all of the alternator bracket bolts. The 3 motor mount bolts are a torx male head. The one in the front will require a wrench to get off. I found that a Gearwrench 3/8" wrench will work. I could not find any torx wrench's in town. It is around a 6 to 8 hour job.

Thanks HerbP and Yorgi! I think I'll pass on the bracket gasket though unless it's leaking. I'll try to take a few photos and put together a quick DIY to help others. By the way, has anyone tried a auto zone or advanced auto battery for the 6? Got a $50 off coupon

Others have used generic batteries, but I am not sure of the results. You will have to have the battery registered with the car, so it will charge properly. You might want to check around with some Indy's for suggestions on batteries they have installed.


I see that you are not far from me. I have DIS & Inpa running on a Laptop. I am down is Augusta! Let me know if I could help out!

I may take you up on that after this alternator install! I've heard a lot about DIS & Inpa. Powerful programs, I'd like to learn more about them. Do you do diagnostics? error codes? what do you normally use them for?

Originally Posted by the6dude

I may take you up on that after this alternator install! I've heard a lot about DIS & Inpa. Powerful programs, I'd like to learn more about them. Do you do diagnostics? error codes? what do you normally use them for?

DIS can basically do anything that BMW tech can do. Using the software, is touch & go. There are no instructions that come with the software. You would have to see it to understand how it works!

OK guys, I know it has been a while but I got my alternator today and started the job. I'll do my best to take good pics and write up a decent DIY. Looks like it may be a 4.5 hr job based on what I got accomplished today.