York PA '99 M3 Help

[DrivinCrazE]

I've got a friend who has a 99 M3 who needs an alternator replaced. Anyone know how hard this is to change and where to get the parts? She doesnt want to tow the car and I'm thinking about changing it for her.

[dcvee]

I've got a friend who has a 99 M3 who needs an alternator replaced. Anyone know how hard this is to change and where to get the parts? She doesnt want to tow the car and I'm thinking about changing it for her.


Piece of cake. Get the alternator from Autozone. Find a DIY online and follow it. Some helpful hints...DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE BATTERY. Yes, you will most likely lose radio presets and clock settings etc. Remove the air box. You'll need an allen wrench that fits the bolt under that cap. Use the allen wrench to supply leverage so you can slip the belt off the alternator pulley.

Everything else is pretty simple. If you get stuck, Mugsy's is just a call away and they do roadside service very cheap in York. Also, I work in York, if you get stuck, don't be afraid to call me. PM for cell number if you wish.

Don

[ublemaschine]

The alternator is not a bad job. I had mine off when I replaced my oil filter housing gasket and I don't remember anything about taking it off, therefore it must have been pretty straightforward.

[DrivinCrazE]

Thanks guys!

Anyone know where I can get a DIY guide for an E36 Alternator replacement?

[ButtDyno]

Some helpful hints...DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF THE BATTERY. Yes, you will most likely lose radio presets and clock settings etc.Make sure you have the radio code first!

[Motorsport333]

pretty easy. just don't strip anything when you tighten

[ButtDyno]

Thanks guys!

Anyone know where I can get a DIY guide for an E36 Alternator replacement?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-89-Alternator/101-Projects-89-Alternator.htm

Dunno if it applies to the E36 tho.

[digitalcox]

This may help out a little bit as well.

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=213199

If you are in a pinch, give me a call. I won't mind stopping out to help.

[djervin]

Another one to the list.... You know I am close, I also have pretty much any all tools that you would need + a Bently. I am pretty sure I gave you my number at the last meet, if you need it again just pm me. All of this support is great to see.

[mmyohe]

I am down too! So if you guys want to wrench this weekend hit me up...You have Dustins number Andre and if he can't do it just tell him to give me a ring and I will swing by...

[Cyrix2k]

You can probably hook up a 9v battery to avoid losing the radio presets/code. It wouldn't really matter if you accidentally shorted that.

[DrivinCrazE]

Thanks guys, I may wind up calling on you... I'm going to check out the car Saturday afternoon to verify that the alternator is the problem. She's gone through 4 batteries in 3 years and now the car wont turn over even with a jump... If anyone feels like taking a ride, let me know...

[dcvee]

Thanks guys, I may wind up calling on you... I'm going to check out the car Saturday afternoon to verify that the alternator is the problem. She's gone through 4 batteries in 3 years and now the car wont turn over even with a jump... If anyone feels like taking a ride, let me know...

I won't be around York this Saturday BUT feel free to call...I PM'd my cell number. Do you have a voltmeter? Know someone that does? Pretty simple to check the alternator as LONG AS you know the battery is good. If you have a decent battery and want to do some tests, call me and I can guide you through it.

Don

[russiankid]

Since the M50 and S52 are pretty identical, I didn't unhook the battery when I removed my alternator. You need to remove the idler pulley and the lower bolt on the alternator. Afterwards, the alternator slides right out. You can slightly flip it downward to be able to unscrew the two wires on the back.

However, if you ground the red wire on the alternator you will most likely blow a fuse.