BMW X3 (E83) # 001 - Replace Alternator

If you'd like to support this channel, sign up for Honey and earn points and money when you shop online:
www.joinhoney.com/ref/kkc03c0
This video is for the E83 2.0 diesel models with 150 HP (2003-2006). Other models may be different.
We've had issues with the X3 since we bought it. The battery would be drained over night, especially during winter. So we replaced the battery but it didn't cure the issue.
I noticed the interior lights would slowly dim a bit when the engine was running. The charging voltage looked good though. Not having a decent oscilloscope to verify the function of the alternator I decided to swap the brushes and charging circuit. However this was 60-70% of the cost of a new alternator so I just went for a new alternator instead. The alternator has to come out to replace the bruses anyways as you'll see in this video.
I'm using www.newtis.info to get all the BMW manuals and circuit diagrams.
And I'm using www.realoem.com to look up part numbers.
It helps to have the last 7 digits of the VIN available for both.
You'll need to remove a couple of plastic covers, and move the power steering pump out of the way. It helps to remove the electric fan assembly (for the radiator) and move the expansion tank out of the way. Take care not to loose any of the radiator hose clips. You'll also need to remove the idler pulley to get the lower alternator bolt out.
You'll need the following tools:
Allen Key # 5 and # 6.
10, 13, 16 and 17 mm socket and/or wrenches.
Flat screwdriver to unclip the radiator hoses.
Always disconnect the battery and keep the trunk lid open so you can access the battery to reconnect it when you're done.
Take care to do this work when the engine is cold.
This particular car uses the 150A compact alternator part no. 12317797661 which is a Valeo alternator. The brushes / voltage regulator part no. is 12317797662 (Motorola).
The parts are shared with the 3-series E46 (1998 - 2006).
Torque values according to workshop manual:
Positive wires to alternator 13 Nm (9 ft-lb)
Alternator to crankcase 38 Nm (28 ft-lb)
Belt pulley 28 Nm (21 ft-lb)
Battery terminals 5 Nm (3.5 ft-lb)
You can reach me at [e-mail] if you want to get in touch with me.
Follow me on Twitter: / 0ddj4rl3 or Instagram: / 0ddj4rl3
Please consider subscribing. And as always please comment below and I'll respond as best as I can.
Thanks for watching, and I hope you found this video interesting.

[@GoingShirtless]

I did a repair on my alternator about 6 years ago and now it need redoing. Had to look around for a refresher video and found this. Good stuff!
I remember this as a horrible job but that may be because I did not bother disconnecting the coolant expansion tank. Did not want to deal with the spillage I definitely am going to to do that this time :)

[@garybenade]

I thought this job was impossible but I followed you step by step and I did it. Thank you!

[@redrussianf0x]

thanks for this amazing video, helped me really well with my task of replacing the alternator.

[@johndavies7782]

one of the most genuine vids on here thank you so much for it

[@johndavies7782]

i have just done mine today and followed this video from the start and did it in 4 hours the only difference was mine had torx holding the alternator on size e12 ( female) thank you again for the video

[@obigboss998]

Replacing my alternator is my project for next weekend! Thanks for the video 👍🏾

[@Konrad_zx6r]

Thanks ! I was doing it first time ever and it worked 😃 you saved me a lot of time and money 😎

[@neilperry8426]

Great video 📹 👍

[@jeromwarahena7339]

Thank you for your video👍

[@msmotorsport]

Great Video Thanks!

[@iulianb6964]

Tanks a lot !!

[@lutandokanise6004]

Thank You it is very helpful

[@piotrwidlarz8720]

Thanks for help

[@benten6301]

Did your engine turn over then it died? How did you find out its alternator.?

[@gordonwedman3179]

Hope you had a good Christmas and best wishes for 2020. Always fun when you have to remove half the engine bay contents to get at something. Could you have gotten to the alternator from underneath?

[@WorkOnP38]

Hi Gordon. Unfortunately the alternator can't be taken out from the underside. This is more or less the workshop procedure. Thanks for the tip and for watching! Have a wonderful 2020 you too. It'll be an interesting year with lots of new videos.

[@telefeno1]

Im doing this now. But the lower bolt wont go all the way back in 😂🥲