1983 733i

[jhiggins3]

Hi all,

A few weeks ago I came across a 1983 BMW 733i in bahama beige that I couldn't pass up. It was running and driving pretty well so after much thought and deliberation I decided to bring it home the next week. When I was nearly home (25+ miles into the trip), the alternator started making noise and the car was losing power (all the symptoms were there so I knew that instant what had gone wrong), but I was luckily able to get it home.

So, that sparked the beginning of my research into the e23 as I delved in to what else I may want to tackle in addition to the alternator. So far, I've come up with upgrading from the stock alternator to the AL129x SAAB alternator as it's a drop in replacement/upgrade, and swapping out all of the hardware associated with it. I went with what was available and apparently got lucky with what appears to be a 2.3" or so alternator pulley and of course picked up a new belt, too. All of that is on the way, but I actually picked up a set of hood struts as the old ones were totally done. With those installed and the old alternator removed, I've picked up some new ring terminals to strengthen and revamp some of my sketchy wiring just for safety reasons. And also double checking all of the fuses to match factory diagram as I found there were a couple mismatching amp ratings.

Which leads me to my next topic: fog lights. When I ran my VIN (WBAFF8409D7854285) through some databases and got the build sheet, I saw it wasn't equipped with the wiring, fuses, or anything else for the fog lights as an option. But, I'm kind of interested in exploring the possibility in adding them in the future. Would that be difficult or not worth the effort?

Anyways, I'm excited to get it back up and running. I have a lot of excitement waiting for this car once it running and after seeing @StevenHenriksen 's build, I'm quite inspired. Let me know if there's anything I should know/look into as a first time 733i owner. Cheers!


https://www.flickr.com/photos/194287...posted-public/

[mdrogersmdr2]

I followed this after doing a euro bumper conversion (fogs were already mounted in the air dam), pretty easy: http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/21476

[Hit Man X]

Do the 130mm water pump pulley while in there and may as well flush the coolant.

[jhiggins3]

Hit Man! Been reading a ton of your comments, you're really knowledgable. Your comments are what drove me to get the AL129x Do you have a link or part # for the water pump pulley? Is it a just a good bit of maintenance to do while in there or are they prone to failure?

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I followed this after doing a euro bumper conversion (fogs were already mounted in the air dam), pretty easy: http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/21476

Thank you!

[Hit Man X]

It is a cooling system upgrade/update. I have found the 130mm on most 86MY cars and most B35 cars. It spins the pump faster at low speeds for more coolant flow. Also, this spins the fan faster for more air through the radiator and condenser if your AC works. Lastly, keeps lower radiator hose away from the pulley.

Late crank pulley also spins the AC compressor a bit faster at low speeds for better output.

[jhiggins3]

Hmm ok, I'll keep trying to find one. Also, just dropped the new alternator in and it fits pretty good, but one question. There seems to be another small grounding plug in the 733i engine bay and there's only one mount for a ground on the alternator. Can I just double up on that one prong/screw for these grounds? Pic attached (Hopefully)

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IMG_6081.jpgIMG_6081.jpgIMG_6083.jpgIMG_6080.jpghopefully you can see it there on my finger. It's just a tiny wire and I'm like 99.9% sure it's a ground, just want to be certain.

[jhiggins3]

Hit Man, Looking back on another old thread I'm seeing that you commented that since this alternator doesn't use any bushing it grounds itself immediately following installation, and if that'st he case then I don't need to do anything with that little black wire, right?

[Hit Man X]

Ground strap needed only with rubber mounts on the alternator. Alternators need to be grounded to operate...so you can hook it up for a spare if you wish or eliminate it.

[8991XJ]

you can hook it up for a spare if you wish or eliminate it.

That is a difficult choice.

More power from better electrics with the ground wire connected

or

Faster car (butt dynoed more power) because of the lower weight of the car if eliminated. And dropping weight up front is good for balance and handling.

What to do, what to do? Good Luck.

[jhiggins3]

Ok so got the alternator in and the car idles right around 8-900 rpm. Felt pretty good and no excessive charging noises. Electrics were functional and definitely better, but I need to do a once over as I know the po messed with the fuses a little. So maybe worth attaching that ground wire for more amperage coming from the alternator?

[Hit Man X]

'86s I think were the first year of the 90A unit with solid mounts. At least I have seen it in L7s I swear. 86 US models seem to have had heated seats standard from the few I have encountered as well as that 'Premium Sound' stereo, so it makes sense BMW would install a bit better alternator.

AL46X is the 80A that needs the external ground strap
AL48X is the 90A that does not need extra strap

I would probably hook it up as already there.

[jhiggins3]

Got it. Thanks