Alternator Replace

[01196505bmw]

I have a 2013 X5 35D. Alternator is making a strange racket at idle, and then turns into a low pitch whine when I rev it up. Believe it is the bearings. Anyhow has anyone replaced an alternator on the diesel? It's right up on top and looks easy enough, but...it's a BMW.

[M5_1of400]

Originally Posted by 01196505bmw

I have a 2013 X5 35D. Alternator is making a strange racket at idle, and then turns into a low pitch whine when I rev it up. Believe it is the bearings. Anyhow has anyone replaced an alternator on the diesel? It's right up on top and looks easy enough, but...it's a BMW.

Double check and make sure it is the alternator, I had a similar noise and it turned out to be the belt tensioner pulley. I would try changing the belt tensioner pulley and Idler pulley before you spend big bucks on an new alternator.

[01196505bmw]

Good advice

[Alex Ander]

Originally Posted by 01196505bmw

Good advice

How did it go?

[Stuboy1982]

Hi,

I have embarked on replacing the alternator in my E70 4.8I, managed to get the old one out hook the postive and negative cables up and slide it back into place and get the top mounting bolt on the thread.

However the lower left bolt that goes through the front of the alternator and through the block mount (straddles the block) doesnt seem to want align with the rear thread of the alternator has anyone experienced this problem I have backed of torque on the top bolt to give a bit more wiggle movement but it still isn't playing ball. PITA. I am working from the top and i cant get my hand in and under to feel the rear thread mount on the alternator

Any feedback experiences would be great

Thanks Stu

[pearlpower]

Originally Posted by Stuboy1982

Hi,

I have embarked on replacing the alternator in my E70 4.8I, managed to get the old one out hook the postive and negative cables up and slide it back into place and get the top mounting bolt on the thread.

However the lower left bolt that goes through the front of the alternator and through the block mount (straddles the block) doesnt seem to want align with the rear thread of the alternator has anyone experienced this problem I have backed of torque on the top bolt to give a bit more wiggle movement but it still isn't playing ball. PITA. I am working from the top and i cant get my hand in and under to feel the rear thread mount on the alternator

Any feedback experiences would be great

Thanks Stu

It is tight down there, though nowhere near as tight as an X5M, ensure top bolt is loose, and the cable(s) are not impinging on the mount. I suggest an inspection mirror, or perhaps your cell phone. I use a bore scope at time in tight areas as a hose or cable gets in the way. GL.

[Stuboy1982]

Originally Posted by pearlpower

It is tight down there, though nowhere near as tight as an X5M, ensure top bolt is loose, and the cable(s) are not impinging on the mount. I suggest an inspection mirror, or perhaps your cell phone. I use a bore scope at time in tight areas as a hose or cable gets in the way. GL.

Thanks mate, walking away from it for the night helped, ended up pulling it out and it was the postive cable that fixes to the alternator with the 13mm nut re-routing at 90 degrees allowed it to move in nicely and the hard work was behind me.... thanks for the reply mate