E36 Alternator change HELP

[hightower127]

Hi guys,

Ingore my earlier post - got confused with my 318 and my bros 535... anyway

I've got a 99 E36 318IS coupe, the alternator is faulty and in need of replacing.....

Has anyone changed one before? How easy is it?

I'm pretty handy at the basics, i do the servicing and anything that seems stright forward!

Any advice? also would anyone know the type of alternator i need? as i see them for sell on Ebay

thanks

Olly

[sniff petrol]

I find my E36 a nice and easy car to work on as everything comes off as it should and with a longitudianal engine access is great. If you have time it's usually a lot cheaper to take your existing alternator off, and have it reconditioned than buying even an exchange part. I did this for a mate's Astra van, cost £30 rather than the £150 odd for an exchange item!

If you're not sure then get yourself a Haynes manual and a new belt to put it on with. if the worst comes to the worst and you can't get it back together then ring a mobile mechanic out of your local yellow pages/paper.

[eliot]

Talking from a 94 e36:
>disconnect battery
>remove the air box
>Make a note of how the serp belt snakes around on a piece of paper
>identify the moveable tension pully and use a spanner/torx to release the tension and remove belt
>remove alternator

Read through some of the related artciles here to get a feel for whats required:
http://www.bimmerdiy.com/dir/e36
Belt removal would be a good start:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-B...

Also search for the BMW TIS manuals at your favorite auction / file sites.

Edited by eliot on Sunday 24th February 08:22