M20 Alternator Ground wire?

[VBe30]

1990 - 325is - M20

Does the alternator have a ground wire? I only saw two wires coming off the alternator side-by-side on the bottom. But realOEM shows a third ground coming off the side. Am I missing one???

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...45&hg=12&fg=22

#6

and also I've seen on ECS and Pelican parts an alt ground wire is listed for sale?

Btw I just ordered the 2AWG upgrade BavRest starter-to-alternator cable and ground cable.

Thanks!

[Cabriolet]

I have yet to see one on any of the e30s i have worked on. all of those cars have functioned without issue.

[VBe30]

Excellent. I'll definitely take your word. I went through your entire build thread for the sedan... top notch work!

Thanks!

[Van Westervelt]

Only the m42 318s had a ground wire on the alternator. M20 does not.

[Gregs///M]

The S14 engine M3 does also. It has anti vibration rubber mounts and thus requires direct grounding through a cable.

All other engines have metal on metal contacts and the entire engine is grounded through the single engine to chassis cable from the oil pan to frame rail.

[lcoleman]

Early M20s (definitely b27s, pretty sure b25s) are rubber-isolated and should have a ground strap. Your '90, OP, will have the solid-mounted one that doesn't require it.