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    Alternator Swap

    I was trying to figure out if a 5er alternator would be
    swappable into a 3er? I'd be using the alternator out of
    a E34 and into my E30. BTW I found an E30 Alternator
    out of a used/abused/oblitorated for 35$, looks to have
    104k on the clock if it was OEM origional or not a rebuilt,
    35 for a 104k a pretty good price? Haven't found out
    any of the specs on the 5er Alternator yet though, I'll
    post em' when I do.

    --edit--
    Move this to Tech, I forgot where I was posting.
    Thanx.
    「 Terror from the Rising Sun 」

    #2
    whats wrong with your alternator?
    if it doesn't charge, check the regulator and then the brushes. If they are worn, its only $29 for a rebuild kit and then you will have a NEW alternator that will last 150k+ miles.

    Just my 2 cents...
    '88 M3.2 S54 Lachssilber/Black
    '07 335i Alpine/Black Sedan
    '12 X5 3.5i Alpine/Black
    iS Splitters For Sale, PM ME!
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      #3
      I wanted the higher ampridge
      「 Terror from the Rising Sun 」

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        #4
        ahh...
        WHY? you running a big stereo or something?
        '88 M3.2 S54 Lachssilber/Black
        '07 335i Alpine/Black Sedan
        '12 X5 3.5i Alpine/Black
        iS Splitters For Sale, PM ME!
        sigpic

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          #5
          not all e30 alternators are the same... some have bushings, some don't. and they use a different mount to the engine block.

          so that means you have a 50% chance of it working, or even less (as i don't know how 5er alternators hook up)

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            #6
            Jordan and I talked it over briefly and we both believe that as long as it
            is shelled from an E34 525i (M20 Block) that it should be a direct swap.
            The range of cars could probably be anything as long as it has the M20
            block, I'm not positive which ones posses it though besides the 525i.

            Full story is this: I was running a higher amp aftermarket which was
            frankly a POS, it ended up cutting my lower rad hose twice do to whatever
            reason (I think the rad hose was missing a spacer or something stupid like
            that hear its a common prob). Anyway, it took a dive at roughly 11k on it
            and I just thought I'd experiment. I'm sure someone else has thought it up
            and tried it before though.

            As for the need for higher ampridge, I have a couple undisclosed plans
            that'll eat up the watts.

            --edit--

            Forgot to mention, that I found a 5er in a local yard, and that's what got me
            thinking about it in the first place. So if anyone wants parts, I'm sure they
            would be available.
            「 Terror from the Rising Sun 」

            Comment


              #7
              to run a high watt stereo, you don't necessarily need a high amp altenator. i had a iasca sound vehicle back in the day. all i used was an optima tellow top battery, a full farad capacator, and ran all 4 gauge wire in my car. i used the big wire not only for stereo stuff but to the starte, and also made a new engine ground with it. 1300 watts worth of rockford fosgate amps and never dimmed the headlights when 159 db worth of bass hit. i have never really heard anything good about bigger altenators.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by mentaleeill
                to run a high watt stereo, you don't necessarily need a high amp altenator. i had a iasca sound vehicle back in the day. all i used was an optima tellow top battery, a full farad capacator, and ran all 4 gauge wire in my car. i used the big wire not only for stereo stuff but to the starte, and also made a new engine ground with it. 1300 watts worth of rockford fosgate amps and never dimmed the headlights when 159 db worth of bass hit. i have never really heard anything good about bigger altenators.
                Thank you.
                I know an E30 alternator can handle just about whatever you are going to throw at it, so I say get a good battery and stop trying to gain a few more amps.
                Rebuild yours and it will last years!
                just my 2 cents 8)
                '88 M3.2 S54 Lachssilber/Black
                '07 335i Alpine/Black Sedan
                '12 X5 3.5i Alpine/Black
                iS Splitters For Sale, PM ME!
                sigpic

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                  #9
                  How are your engine mounts? Worn engine mounts will allow the alternator to cut the radiator hose.
                  Tenured Automotive Service Professional - Avid BMW Enthusiast

                  Vapor Honing & E30 ABS Pump Refurbishment Service
                  https://mtechniqueabs.com/

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                    #10
                    Matter of fact Jordan I checked those just
                    before I hopped on the computer looks like
                    they need replacing on the driver side.

                    I bet engine vibration/quick stopping threw
                    my engine forward enough to allow it to cut
                    through. I solved it with a few zip-ties and
                    a beer though. When I get a chance I'll throw
                    in different mounts, just need to find some
                    chain and a tree

                    Originally posted by M3 Ryan
                    Originally posted by mentaleeill
                    to run a high watt stereo, you don't necessarily need a high amp altenator. i had a iasca sound vehicle back in the day. all i used was an optima tellow top battery, a full farad capacator, and ran all 4 gauge wire in my car. i used the big wire not only for stereo stuff but to the starte, and also made a new engine ground with it. 1300 watts worth of rockford fosgate amps and never dimmed the headlights when 159 db worth of bass hit. i have never really heard anything good about bigger altenators.
                    Thank you.
                    I know an E30 alternator can handle just about whatever you are going to throw at it, so I say get a good battery and stop trying to gain a few more amps.
                    Rebuild yours and it will last years!
                    just my 2 cents 8)
                    I'm putting a full desktop computer in my car.
                    E30 OEM Alternators don't have the Ampridge.
                    5er and 7er's both do. It'll be my second car to
                    have one. My 7er has a PIII processor & WiFi
                    routed into a DC/AC converter and displays off
                    a custom mount 24in LCD Flat (Haven't installed
                    the flat, still in the box. Running through a DVD
                    5.9 screen now) It's a nice thing to have on long
                    trips. I'd use a vastly stripped version in the E30
                    for electronic assistance etc. msg me for a TID
                    on it if u think its a neat idea.
                    「 Terror from the Rising Sun 」

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