M42 alternator question

[e30jr88]

Hey guys, I have been having some issues with the alternator in my M42 and I'm wondering if anyone is running a 89-90 525i(2.5L) alternator in their car. I went to a local junkyard and wasn't able to find a M42/M44 alternator, but I did notice that a 525i had a V belt alternator with a similar bracket.

Just trying to get some feedback on if this will work or if anyone out there is running this set up before I shell out big money on a new alternator.

Thanks

[vpilarrt]

An alternator from an E36 318i will fit (you have to swap over your v-pulley), don't think the 525i one will.

[e30jr88]

Ah ok, I was just wondering if it would work. Thanks for your response

[AndrewBird]

Why buy used? A new alternator will be under $200 and most come with a life time warranty.

[e30jr88]

Why buy used? A new alternator will be under $200 and most come with a life time warranty.

Not an OEM alternator, they're listed at around $240. Those autozone/oreilly alternators usually don't last long on BMW's from previous experience. I have a friend that was swapping Autozone alternators every few months. Not to mention at a junkyard I can get it for $25, I'm just going to end up rebuilding my OE alternator. I just had to make sure whether that option was available.