Alternator Question? 91 325ix

[EA8]

So my alternator is starting to go out on me. All the lights are starting to flicker, so I am looking into buying a new alternator. I know that the stock ones are 90 A Bosch, but would it make a difference if I threw a 130A one in there? I know it seems as a bit of a waste of power, but its actually cheaper to buy this 130 A than it is to get the 90 A. Also, most of the alternators I have seen are remanufactured. Is this okay or would you guys recommend getting a brand new one (if there is such a thing)?

Thanks in advance for your help

Cheers

[jlevie]

Pull the alternator and check to see if the bearings are worn. If they aren't bad replacing the voltage regulator assembly is cheap and will probably fix your alternator.

[EA8]

being that I am a noob at this, how hard is it to just pull out the regulator? Does it require pulling out the entire alternator? Any help would be appreciated ...

Cheers

[aaron325ix]

Yes it needs to come off to get to the regulator. I just replaced my alt with a 115 amp from a 5er with an m20. not a direct fit but easy to do.

[nando]

Yes it needs to come off to get to the regulator. I just replaced my alt with a 115 amp from a 5er with an m20. not a direct fit but easy to do.

I just did mine a couple months ago. You don't need to remove the alternator if you use a stubby screwdriver, just the airbox which takes about 5 minutes.

what's the part # for that 115a regulator? is your alternator valeo or bosch?

[EA8]

So a 130 A Bosch would be okay ?? Also, do alternators from the 89 and 90 ix's fit?

While we're ont he subject and rather than asking you how to check the regulator, any websites that have diagrams fo these things, so i have a better idea what the hell I am taking a part ? :D

[aaron325ix]

I just did mine a couple months ago. You don't need to remove the alternator if you use a stubby screwdriver, just the airbox which takes about 5 minutes.

what's the part # for that 115a regulator? is your alternator valeo or bosch?

touche', fixed :p

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HC13&mospid=47402&btnr=12_0446&hg=12&fg=22

[///M42 sport]

http://m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7175

[EA8]

Thanks alot for the links ... exactly what I was looking for.

Another question, does it make a difference if the alternator has a metal or rubber mounting? Also, if I do end up needing an alternator and decide to go with a 130 A, are there any drawbacks other than waste of power?

Fellas, I definitely owe you one ...

Cheers

[EA8]

any input??

[Need4Speed1299]

any input??

EDIT

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=94797