Any input on using E46 alternator? with 2 pin plug connector

[Andrew325is]

I have a Valeo 120amp alternator from an E46 I'm planning to use with an S50 harness. It has a 2 pin plug connector on the voltage regulator. #2 pin is D+ (blue wire) which is the same as on the S50 harness but it is smaller gauge wire and #2 pin is a green wire which looks like it might just go to a light on the E46 instrument cluster. Can I just connect the blue D+ wires together and leave the green unattached?

Wiring diagram for E36 alternator:



Wiring diagram for E46 alternator:

[Andrew325is]

Another thought I had is possibly using a different voltage regulator. i.e. the one from a 2007+ E90 or E60 has a single contact.

Like mine:


2007 550i:

[accident]

interested in knowing the answer. would be a nice upgrade on my E36

[hoveringuy]

Before you do anything else, check the pulley spacing. I'm running an M50 alternator on the M54 so it should be Ok, but I remember I had an accessory with the pulley offset by 1/2" when I switched it from one motor to the other and I don't remember if it was the PS pump or the alternator.

[Andrew325is]

Before you do anything else, check the pulley spacing. I'm running an M50 alternator on the M54 so it should be Ok, but I remember I had an accessory with the pulley offset by 1/2" when I switched it from one motor to the other and I don't remember if it was the PS pump or the alternator.

Okay, thanks. :)

[Andrew325is]

This was posted by someone using the same alternator, but he doesn't give any details about the car or wiring: http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=564002

[hoveringuy]

Okay, so you didn't use the M54's alternator. This is an S54, so its the correct alternator for the engine, but I'm using the S50b32 wiring harness and MSS50 ECU.

You said you were using it with an S50 harness, so I assumed you were installing it on an S50. The S54 alternator should fit on the S54... maybe.

As far as wiring the alternator has a B+ and hot start terminal same as an M50. They all have internal voltage regulation as far as I know.

[Andrew325is]

Haha, well I'll just try it out when I get to that point. I just thought I'd try to figure it out while I'm doing the wiring.

[shanehutton]

Andrew - Did you ever figure out what the second wire was for? I am putting an M54 in my E30 and building my harness right now. I would love to know if I can just ignore it.

[328ijunkie]

Its needed. Switched power.