Help! E36 Bosch vs Valeo alternator

[E36Robles]

So my Bosch alternator finally went out on my 97 328is. It has the Bosch 80a. I went on amazon and ordered what seemed to be the Bosch AL0749x reman alternator. The exact same alternator that’s on the car. When I received it I noticed the air duct attached is valeo and the connection for the wires is slightly different so I immediately called and said it was the wrong part I need Bosch style alternator. Now it says it’s reman by Bosch so my question is can I put a valeo style alternator where my Bosch once sat? It comes with the pulley. I’ve heard bad news about the valeo alternators. And I’ve always trusted Bosch. I mean my original one lasted 23 years why wouldn’t I? I need help with this guys and gals. Thanks in advance

[MarcoZandrini]

If the alternator conundrum in the E36 is like that in the E46, the answer is a qualified no. The connectors (not the main power cable) are different as are the pulleys. I recommend you find a company that sells reman’d Bosch alternators. Try FCPEuro and ECS Tuning. Also, go to www.realoem.com and enter the last 7 characters of the car’s vehicle identification number. Hit enter and bookmark the page. Scroll down to engine electric system and get the part # for the Bosch alternator. Work from there.

[E36Robles]

If the alternator conundrum in the E36 is like that in the E46, the answer is a qualified no. The connectors (not the main power cable) are different as are the pulleys. I recommend you find a company that sells reman’d Bosch alternators. Try FCPEuro and ECS Tuning. Also, go to www.realoem.com and enter the last 7 characters of the car’s vehicle identification number. Hit enter and bookmark the page. Scroll down to engine electric system and get the part # for the Bosch alternator. Work from there.

Thanks marcozandrini. I’ll look into it. I know the pay number my problem is when I order a Bosch alternator with the Bosch part number they send me a valeo unit. So I’m dumbfounded. But thanks! I’ll look into that!

[MarcoZandrini]

Contact tech support at FCPEuro. They seems to be among the best. Also, check with the dealer.