is there a higher output alternator available for the M3?

[Cobra Jet]

My best friend bmwpower upgraded his stock alternator on his 87 convertible to a "massive" unit.

I was sitting here thinking if it were possible, is there an after market high output alternator available for the E36 M3's?

Or, is there another BMW higher output alternator from another BMW vehicle that is a direct fit in the E36 M3's?

Does anyone know?

[Jim O.]

I've heard that the 130 amp alternator from one of the 5 series BMWs is a bolt-in replacement on an M3. Unfortunately, I don't remember specifically which of the 5 series. A high-output alternator just isn't high enough on my priority list to file this info away!

Sorry I can't help more...

Jim

[EstorilBlauM3]

I believe the e36 M3 has two alternator options. There is an 80 amp unit and 140 amp unit. Sorry I don't have the part numbers. I was told this by a dealership because my alternator is on its way out and I will be replacing it in the next few weeks.

[Kenshiro]

Any idea which years have which alternator?

[Ian]

part nums for 140A alternator:

Edit : sorry for the blurry pic. It's Friday..

P/Ns are:
Bosch alternator: 12 31 1 738 351/ 352
Pulley: 12 31 1 432 988
Volt Regulator: 12 31 1 747 920
Intake Manifold: 12 31 1 738 266
Insulating Cover: 12 31 1 738 358

No indication as to the years that they are applicable...

[forrest]

i have a 200 amp alternator on my car. i got it from the mechanical man. it is a ford alternator with custom brackets. cost like $6-700. cant remember exactly.

[Cobra Jet]

Hey Ian (or anyone),

HOw can you tell a 140A from an 80A alternator? Is there a visible difference, or number markings on the outer casing?

Also, what years was this 140A available?

I've been searching around, but can't seem to come up with any concrete date ranges on the E36 M3's (94-99) as to what alts they had, or if the 140A was an optional alternator that could be chosen by the buyer at time of order.

Is there anyway to check this out? What about using a meter to measure the output?

[Kenshiro]

Originally posted by forrest
i have a 200 amp alternator on my car. i got it from the mechanical man. it is a ford alternator with custom brackets. cost like $6-700. cant remember exactly.

Does he have a kit ready to go, or do you have to wait for him to fabricate custom brackets and such?

[Cobra Jet]

I know the kit that bmwmpower bought is actually a GM alternator, but I forget the specs on it. It's a very powerful alternator and solved his dilemma of needing more output for the vehicle.

I forget what he paid, but it was a little expensive, I do not think it was in the $600 range though.

[EstorilBlauM3]

I believe one can tell by the label on the casing of the alternator what model it is. I find it odd that I only have the 80A one because my car has every power option, HK sound, etc. I'll probably replace it with the 140A one when I get around to it.

[bmwpower]

Mine is 170A. Not sure at what RPM though. Why do you need a ho alternator?

[///|V|3 BRAD]

I am currently having the same problem with my 96 m3. I will be putting a very large sound system , and i need some real heavy power to bring to it. The stock , no matter 80. or 140. just wont cut it. I need closer to 200 and with that i will still need to add a deep cycle battery? I actually just posted this in the car audio section so if some of you guys wanna go in there and post or help me out on where to find a high output system , please feel free. BRAD