Valeo alternator voltage regulator

[Gromit]

I'm having trouble with flickering interior/dashboard lights. I'm thinking it's a bad voltage regulator, so I pulled the alternator today. The problem is I can't find any info on the model. This is the only thing I found:



I believe the BMW part number for the alternator is 12311722418, but that comes empty in ETK.

Any help appreciated to find the right regulator!

[Brianmoooore]

Either ask your dealer and let them find it on their ETK, or find a motor factors that stocks Valeo

[Gromit]

Is the dealer ETK more complete? What I've heard, the Valeo unit (FRENCH!) is crap anyway, probably a wise choice would be to replace it with a Bosch one. The installation bracket should take either one, right?

[Brianmoooore]

Many things won't show a part no on my ETK, but will on the dealer's.
AFAIK, the mounting bracket will take any altenator.

[Templ8e30]

Both my e30's have had a bosch alternator, the voltage regulator can be had from GSF for about Ԛ£14.

Iirc the dealer sells them for about Ԛ£45.

Cheers,

Iain T

[Karan]

it screws in from the back....... its white too if that helps....

its not like the one in the pic

[Brianmoooore]

I've never seen a Valeo altenator on an E30, so maybe it's been fitted as a replacement at some time, and that's why it doesn't show on the ETK.
My M50 engine has a Valeo one, though.

[Gromit]

Thanks for the replies. I took the old regulator to a local spare parts store today. The guy disappeared behind the shelves for ten minutes and brought back a HÃÅ”aCO-brand regulator. It was otherwise similar, but the brushes were narrower. Installed it and no more light flicker.

BTW, the original regulator had a BMW logo and a production date stamp of June 1990, so I guess my Valeo is the OEM factory installation. Perhaps some of the late E30's had these f***** Valeos. If and when it acts up again, I will throw in a Bosch one.