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Re: M70 Alternator question (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 7-series (E32) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Wayne McKay on September 23, 2001 at 11:41:21:

In Reply to: M70 Alternator question posted by RobWilson on September 22, 2001 at 22:30:58:

Just had one go a few weeks back while on a trip and had to get towed to nearest city with a dealer to get it done so I didn't get to do it myself. However, I poked my nose in every now and then and can add that they removed the fan and dropped the coolant/hoses but didn't remove the radiator - I'm left with some scars in the rad fins. Also used the opportunity to replace the belts and tensioner pulley (one was cracked). Noticed a previous post regarding a 115 amp alternator - mine is 140 amp. They had it replaced in about 4 hours but from what I saw, the mechanic was green and definitely wasn't looking to break any records. My guess would be a 3-4 hour turn around for a DIY with a desire to stick to it and to get it right.

'88 750iL


Has anyone on this board replaced the alternator on their 750? My battery light is on and I suspect it is my alternator since I just replaced my batter a couple of months ago. In the past (in other cars), when I've suspected a bad alternator, I just remove it and take it to Autozone or Pep Boys and have them check it. If it's bad, I just buy another one. Well, this was my plan for my 750il as well.....until I got out my Bentley's manual! It shows the alternator replacement to be quite a job...which includes removing the radiator!!! Is this really necessary? Does anyone have any good advice? Should I just leave this to a professional and take it to my BMW mechanic? Any help or suggestions are appreciated! I was hoping to save a little money and do the job myself after buying an alternator from JAC. Is there a good way to check the alternator while it is on the car? I don't want to buy an alternator until I'm sure that is the problem. Thanks!

Rob Wilson
'88 750iL w/AC Schnitzer gfx & 16" black BBS wheels




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