Batt light came on a little while back in the '97 528i....I wound up pulling the alternator (as this was an inevitable step regardless....), removing the cooling trim, and pulling the brush pack off the back. The contact areas on the shaft looked really dark, and it seemed like the brushes were making contact but not good contact. Removed brush pack, cleaned up the shaft with crocus cloth, blew the debris out of the diode set, and put it back together. I thought "what the heck...I have to pull it out anyways...." so why not see if I can fix it...? Took it to a local parts house to bench test it...passed with flying colors. I reinstalled it and she's been running fine ever since. Car has 225k on it....and this is still the original alternator...and the second time I have done that to this car.
And guys....don't forget...there are certain parts that are VPP warranty from BMW....like WATERPUMPS AND ALTERNATORS !! 2 years parts and labor warranty...lifetime part warranty. Just in case any of you have had an OEM replacement fail....
"two wrongs don't make a right...only three lefts do...."
'79 Euro 635csi - gone and regretting it...
'89 gsxr-750 - former traffic knife
'97 528i sedan - holding on strong...(just sold after 16 years of ownership - sad day)
'03 Euro 525it - something about a famous dolphin.....
'06 Mercury Grand Marquis (don't ask....it gets the job done....)
'84 Specialized Allez - full Campagnolo Super Record
'99-ish Cannondale CAAD4
"Stinky" - Kona Stinky Five
'86 528e
2008 E70 X5 3.0
Alt came in so I inspected all the parts before install and discovered some idiot cracked the w/p pulley and bent one of the mounting bolts to the pulley (no torque on that bolt head) hence it cracked at the bolt mounting hole. Off to order New pulley, mounting bolts, fan blade and clutch as it is cheaper than a hood and Rad when they come apart. PO had a shop do the w/p, drive belts, rad, hoses, etc before I purchased this one. Gee shops that do not do a complete cooling system refresh on customer cars then butcher what they do do. The 4 bolts are like $1.00 each.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)
Former:
1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)
I did this very thing when I removed my fan clutch for the very first time in the cars life. The clutch nut was so seized and the mounting bolt bent and cracked the pulley while trying to maneuver the fan clutch holding tool/32mm wrench
C'mon just admit it Stephen, we aren't all perfect. You cracked and bent it yourself.
Nope not me, as I alway just put a little WD 40 on the nut and whack the 36mm open end and it spins right off. The mounting bolt was bent and then screwed back in. I could not feel why that pulley looked so weird until I took a shop light and saw the crack and bolt sticking out from the front of the pulley. Been in there for 6K if not longer. There is nothing better than undoing someone else's "repairs" as you find them one step at a time just as you take it apart and SURPRISE you need more parts to complete the project.
This little project is holding up other things...
The best part was the total lack of sounds from the belt or pump. I love it when you catch these items before the explosion happens!
Last edited by StephenVA; 10-04-2017 at 09:28 AM.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
The work ethic of some people never fails to amaze me....especially in the car business. I had to stress to my guys that someone's mother, father, son, daughter, wife, husband, etc... was riding in or driving that car they were working on. Always approach your work, and how you conduct your business, with that in mind...
"two wrongs don't make a right...only three lefts do...."
'79 Euro 635csi - gone and regretting it...
'89 gsxr-750 - former traffic knife
'97 528i sedan - holding on strong...(just sold after 16 years of ownership - sad day)
'03 Euro 525it - something about a famous dolphin.....
'06 Mercury Grand Marquis (don't ask....it gets the job done....)
'84 Specialized Allez - full Campagnolo Super Record
'99-ish Cannondale CAAD4
"Stinky" - Kona Stinky Five
'86 528e
2008 E70 X5 3.0
Yeah I can see it'd be possible to re-install the ruined parts. The composite pulleys are pretty strong, but once cracked are just a explosion waiting to happen like you said. I don't know if you mentioned it above, but make sure you get the aluminum pulley this time around!
I ordered the plastic one as they last 50-80K which will be well beyond my ownership as I am putting 5K a year on her now.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
While waiting on yet another part, I took the time (45 mins) to screw in new Bosch O2 sensors into the "upstream" positions. A little WD-40 and the right O2 sensor socket and they are easier than plugs. Anyone need some 100K ones? Say yes before the trashman cometh on Wednesday.
Parts:
BOSCH 13477 Actual OE Oxygen Sensor (2)
Source: www.Rockauto.com
Cost: $48 each
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Parts replaced
Engine Electrical Bosch Alternator 120 Amp AL0703N 1 $277.49 FCPEuro Drive Belt Contitech 6PK1538 1 $12.69 FCPEuro Cooling Radiator Fan Clutch Hella/Behr Service 376732111 1 $74.78 Rockauto Cooling Fan D=420MM 11521712058 1 $57.69 BMW FX Cooling W/P to Pulley bolts M6X15 U1-8.8 07119904524 4 $2.80 BMW FX Cooling W/P Pulley 11511436590 1 $29.33 BMW FX
Last edited by StephenVA; 07-11-2017 at 07:07 PM.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Nothing more exciting than weekly wash and details to report. Ready to tackle the oil pan leaks and brake upgrades in August. Just need a break from all the interruptions like work...
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Shoving in all four speed sensors tomorrow to resolve a ABS/traction control/brake signal issue. After a 100K the wire jacketing looks thin and worn out. More preventative than solutions.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Oil and filter change after one year of service and a whole 6,000 miles. I have the dread ABS/Brake/Traction lites coming and going regardless of the inputs from the wheel sensors. ABS module time.....
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Only 6000 miles in a year? I guess you split your driving pretty evenly amongst your other cars? In my case it seems like my 540it does 95% of the driving since the X5 is always breaking. I changed my oil three times in the first year of owning it, because I put on close to 20k miles in that year.
As for the ABS module, I recommend BBA Reman. Very reasonable price for their work ($99) and a pretty quick turnaround.
1995 525i 5-speed - Thread
Most of my longer runs seem to be with dogs and stuff so the minivan gets the duties. I use this one for business meetings and such as it looks good and is also expendable from a garage parking damage perspective.
thanks for the tip on the rebuild for the ABS unit. The cost on that part is approx $500+ OE, so that rebuilder's costs make it much more reasonable.
Last edited by StephenVA; 10-03-2017 at 09:17 AM.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Just had 57 parking dents removed from all the panels through a master Paintless Dent Removal tech. This is my third car he has worked on with excellent results. My quarter panels look like they spent the years at way too small parking spots with those who open doors then say "whoops" as another dent is added. I had 11 on just one panel all nicely spaced out in a row. It is truly amassing what can be accomplished with a few long handle tools.
The transformation to the body was nothing short of perfection. Only mark left is on the hatch where someone opened it in the garage and hit the garage door not once but twice. Nice....
Last edited by StephenVA; 10-17-2017 at 08:31 PM.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Care to share a ballpark figure of how much that cost? My wagon's amassed about a dozen parking dents over the last year, despite my best efforts to park really far away from everybody. People here just don't give a damn when they fling open the doors on their giant SUV's and pickup trucks. The black bump strips don't do anything since almost every vehicle nowadays is way taller than my car.
1995 525i 5-speed - Thread
Sure. The way I figured and justified the requirement on my car was it was like the equivalent of having hail damage. All of mine were like yours, higher up on the body. The total cost was under $500. While he was onsite I had him take a few out of my X5 from the previous owner. These type of hits bug me to death as it shows a lack of care on the owner's part for parking where they do....like the mindset of "I have to park right in front of wherever I am going".
In my world, if I have to go to a meeting downtown, or a trip to Home Depot, the minivan takes the hits. Anywhere that has tight parking, I avoid like the plague, or I park out in the "wilderness". Even at my office building, I park on the lowest level where I sit with no one within 10 spots of me. On the higher levels, they sit door to door banging away on each other. No one other than a few high end models are even on our 3rd floor. Just a few BMWs and the Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes guys. No Lambos. But there are more than a few Maseratis hiding down there and one super clean BMW 7 Series.
Last edited by StephenVA; 10-18-2017 at 09:40 AM.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
That's actually not bad! The only caveat is that you kinda have to take the interior apart so they can go in with the tools from behind, right?
Thankfully in Phoenix it's very easy to find parking in the middle of nowhere, since our parking lots are massive. My girlfriend used to complain about having to walk so much to the store from the edge of the parking lot, but I convinced her it was good exercise and she eventually got used to it.
What's annoying is when I make the effort to park in the middle of nowhere and then some inconsiderate a-hole decides to park their beater right next to me despite there being dozens of empty spots all around. I don't understand the mentality of those people, are they intentionally doing it to mess with me?
1995 525i 5-speed - Thread
Trim removal was all done by the tech. I just walked by a few times to make sure all was going smoothly. The only hard one was to dent above the LR tail lamp that was right on the crease. Took him over an hour to get that one right.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Just shipped off the ABS controller to these guys for a bench test and repair. Hopefully this will be my solution to the intermittent ABS/Brakes/traction control failure idiot lights.
BBA Remanufacturing Inc
300 Myles Standish Blvd
Taunton, MA 02780
United States
1 508 822 4490
Fax 1 508 822 4491
http://www.bba-reman.com
Thanks Danny for the tip.
Last edited by StephenVA; 11-30-2017 at 02:13 PM.
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
No problem, I hope that fixes your issue! I've had great success with them in the past, and they do warranty their work which makes it an easy choice to go with them.
1995 525i 5-speed - Thread
Yeah they seem the “go to”. My refurbed MID came from them I think.
2003 M3CicM6 TiAg
2002 540iT Sport Vortech S/C 6MT LSD TiAg
2008 Audi A3 2.0T DSG (the daily beater)
2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i (wifemobile)
Former:
1985 MB Euro graymarket 300SL
1995.5 Audi S6 Avant (utility/winter billetturbobattlewagen)
Received and installed my re-con ABS unit after repairs from these guys
BBA Remanufacturing Inc
300 Myles Standish Blvd
Taunton, MA 02780
United States
1 508 822 4490
Fax 1 508 822 4491
http://www.bba-reman.com
Install was simple 6 screws and reconnect the battery. All the issues are gone and I am back on the road now just in time to install my new tires and face winter.
Ran up to Tire Rack in DE to pick up these new shoes.
235/45ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ (W- or Y-Speed Rated) 5-Rib
Current Garage Highlights
2003 525iT TiSilver
2002 M5 TiSilver
1998 528i KASCHMIRBEIGE METALLIC (301) (Goldie)
Former Garage Highlights
2005 X5 4.8is
2004 325iTs (2x)
1973 Pantera L
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger "Lite Package"
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 340 Six Pack GoManGo Green
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Barracuda Formula S 340 Sea Foam Green
Yummy ! those be nice
That was the only tire I would see work in the winter on these cars (until the Conti DWS showed up...) that was not a dedicated snow tire. The trusty old Pilot Sport A/S's...
I'm still running my summers...but they are DWS-06's and don't do bad in the light stuff. I wait till the first snowfall hits then swap. This is by FAR the latest I have run into the winter season before swapping. (Worst season - I had to get them on the first week of October and didn't remove them till mid/late April. that sucked...but it's actually less wear on the tires than running a shorter span in a dry winter....)
Glad you got the ABS squared away on the car....
.....and glad you've posted some updated pictures recently
"two wrongs don't make a right...only three lefts do...."
'79 Euro 635csi - gone and regretting it...
'89 gsxr-750 - former traffic knife
'97 528i sedan - holding on strong...(just sold after 16 years of ownership - sad day)
'03 Euro 525it - something about a famous dolphin.....
'06 Mercury Grand Marquis (don't ask....it gets the job done....)
'84 Specialized Allez - full Campagnolo Super Record
'99-ish Cannondale CAAD4
"Stinky" - Kona Stinky Five
'86 528e
2008 E70 X5 3.0
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