325 Alternator

[baur320]

The E30 died (literally) the other week as the electrics shut down. Recovery man said the alternator wasn't charging - it has a relatively new battery. Car's currently at a place where I can't get the alternator out.

I've read somewhere that the alternator should be a 90A version, but the owner's manual doesn't confirm this.

I've got a wanted ad but there's none about - am I asking for the wrong one?

Cheers.

[daimlerman]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Alternator

As always,consult the zone wiki!

[baur320]

Thanks Malcolm,

Yeah I'd already looked but didn't realise that from the electrical home page each section was a summary and needed a click on the blue text below.

[daimlerman]

I cannot see much point in going above a stock 80amp unit,unless you have a bangin' wireless thingy!

[Brianmoooore]

Chances are you don't need a new alternator, and don't need to take the existing one out. The problem is most likely to be worn carbon brushes, which are part of the regulator pack on the back of the alternator.
Remove the air filter box to get access, unscrew the two cross head screws holding the pack in place, and remove it. You will probably find that one brush is shorter than the other, and shows signs of burning and arcing on its end. Pull gently on the brush so as to stretch the copper braid that retains it a little, refit it, and continue to drive your car for a month or two while you source a new regulator.

[baur320]

Thanks Brian, had a go this morning & one of the brushes is noticably shorter, so I've got a set on order.

Cheers

[craigieeb]

so I've got a set on order.

Cheers

Please dont say you ordered them from ECP Mick,
I ordered a set from there before, went up to collect them from team valley,
only to be given 2 plastic BUSHES for the alternator

[baur320]

I try to avoid them Craig after they struggled with 51mm inserts - seems they think 3 x 20 mile round trips returning wrong parts is acceptable....

Haven't spare time this coming week to fix the car so ordered a set of ebay which should be here on time.

[zd3bx]

I try to avoid them Craig after they struggled with 51mm inserts - seems they think 3 x 20 mile round trips returning wrong parts is acceptable....

Haven't spare time this coming week to fix the car so ordered a set of ebay which should be here on time.

Hopefully, you didn't order some "Topran" crap.

There's a BERU one available from Mister Auto in France here > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BERU-01900050 ... 4863e11694

[Mitchen]

Stupid question time, but most recent new alternators, Bosch etc. contain the pulley and regulator etc. right?

Reason I ask is from looking at guides of how to fit new alternators on e30's they all seem to have to swap these parts over from the old units

[Brianmoooore]

I would expect a replacement alternator to be complete with regulator, but without pulley.
If you are buying an exchange unit, check before you hand the old unit in. You wouldn't be the first to open the box of a nice shiny alternator and find that they no longer have a pulley to fit it.

[Mitchen]

Thanks Brian.. how about this one hypothetically?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 37f&000012

Plus it's funny how every site has a 90amp suited to my basic 320i. I would of thought 70 would of been ample

[zd3bx]

Thanks Brian.. how about this one hypothetically?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 37f&000012

Plus it's funny how every site has a 90amp suited to my basic 320i. I would of thought 70 would of been ample

The Bosch one from ECP is what I got - go for it, costs a bit more than others, but it will last.

And yes, it comes with the regulator and the pulley.

[Mitchen]

Thanks Brian.. how about this one hypothetically?

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... 37f&000012

Plus it's funny how every site has a 90amp suited to my basic 320i. I would of thought 70 would of been ample

The Bosch one from ECP is what I got - go for it, costs a bit more than others, but it will last.

And yes, it comes with the regulator and the pulley.

Nice one, I'll give it a crack

[Brianmoooore]

I come from an era when a 20A dynamo was the norm! (and that was only at high revs).
Obtained an alternator from a two week old written off Merc. (friend in the right place) and had one of the first Minis with decent powered electrics.

[baur320]

Finally found the time to get the new voltage regulator fitted & after a 50 mile test run with plenty of electrics on everything looks good. E30's now tucked away safe for the first time in weeks.

Thanks to Brian & everyone who offered advice or parts