Thanks for uploading. I was afraid this was gonna be a tough one, but it took less than an hour to remove and replace. I like your well thought out descriptions as well. You should post more how-to vids!
Great presentation, however there is a really really frustrating variation. My 2004 E46 325i BMW's fan is not connected to the plastic housing but is fixed to the engine via 4 bolts that need an Alan Key to undo. So yes you undo the plugs and hex nut just as you have shown it but then the variation kicks in. You can slide out the fan protector because the fan is in the way. What you need to do and this is where it hurts - alot!! You have to slide your hand between the plastic surround and chassis with your Alan key then try to undo the 4 bolts. There is hardly any room to move and if you drop the tool you then have to undo the screws under the car to loosen the mud tray so you can retrieve the dropped tool. Once the nuts are removed you can remove the fan and the plastic surround. Then you can continue on with the rest of the video above. the reverse is just as painful as you need to install the fan and fan cover and try to tighten up the 4 fan bolts again :(
It is much easier if you remove the big single nut holding the fan to the pulley instead of removing the pulleys 4 small bolts. Use a 32mm spanner and a hammer to shock it loose, then it spin off easily.
Michael, you fooled me. I was trying to get the tensioner with 16mm for a while and couldn't get a grip. Using mobile phone, took a pic of the bolt. Guess what...50 torx :)
Why do I have a Z4 alternator in my car, it doesn't have the cooling duct, makes me wonder if it broke because of overheating. Tried the Voltage Regulator but that didn't do anything, although I might've done it wrong, I got the wrong part and didn't remember fully how assemble it while the new part was shipping.. Guess I'ma have to get a new alternator.
This shop is trying to charge my stepson $1000+ for alternator on his 03 325i. This seemed way too high, but they told my wife it was they had to do diagnostics and then reprogram it afterwards.... Does this even make sense? Reprogram it? I did mine on my subaru legacy recently in about 35 mins very easy never had to Reprogram it... Please tell me if I'm nuts or not... Thank you!
KeTO BeasT84 its a beamer you fucking idiot of course it has to be reprogramed there is so much sensors and other things when dealing with changing something simple on a foreign
Christie Williams always check the battery first. Most big brand auto part stores O'Reilly, Autozone, etc... offer free battery check ups. If your battery terminal looks corroded, then clean. If older then 2 years, then you might want to consider replacing. Alternator issues usually fail completely so the car would start once and then your battery will drain. You can check on this with a volt meter and measure the voltage of the battery when the car is running and it should be > 12 volts around 13-14 volts.
RandomAZdude: I found your video bc my battery light comes on when I start my car - once it's warm, light goes off and stays off. I tested the battery and alt and they're both fine, with no codes. Terminal looks clean. I thought maybe the serpentine belt (tough to tell from above) - doesn't seem to have any noticeable wear. Maybe my power test was off and the light goes off bc once I drive, the extra rev powers up a weak alt? Trying to be proactive so I don't get stuck somewhere - not sure if you'll see this since it's been a while but... ideas would be appreciated. Light's been coming on for maybe 3 days and once it's off it stays off until the next morning.
I replaced my battery 2 days ago now my battery light sometimes flashes on and off. I did the menu test to check my voltage with the car off it was fine but when I turn the car on the voltage is around 12. Do I have to replace my alternator or could it be the voltage regulator ?
I had the same problem I did not attach the wires properly the first time. I would start by checking the connections on the back of the alternator you may have screwed the nut on the back and missed screwing the wire in between. When you hit a bump it could cause a disconnection leading to your described problem.
Thanks for uploading. I was afraid this was gonna be a tough one, but it took less than an hour to remove and replace. I like your well thought out descriptions as well. You should post more how-to vids!
I like to ask you when you start your alternator did you have to reprogram it into the computer or is it just install it and you all set
Thx .... I save Money With This Video .... I replace the alternator of my 2001 BMW 325i
Excellent tutorial vid buddy! Thank you for your effort. You made it look much easier than I expected. Well done. 😅
Great presentation, however there is a really really frustrating variation. My 2004 E46 325i BMW's fan is not connected to the plastic housing but is fixed to the engine via 4 bolts that need an Alan Key to undo. So yes you undo the plugs and hex nut just as you have shown it but then the variation kicks in. You can slide out the fan protector because the fan is in the way. What you need to do and this is where it hurts - alot!! You have to slide your hand between the plastic surround and chassis with your Alan key then try to undo the 4 bolts. There is hardly any room to move and if you drop the tool you then have to undo the screws under the car to loosen the mud tray so you can retrieve the dropped tool. Once the nuts are removed you can remove the fan and the plastic surround. Then you can continue on with the rest of the video above. the reverse is just as painful as you need to install the fan and fan cover and try to tighten up the 4 fan bolts again :(
It is much easier if you remove the big single nut holding the fan to the pulley instead of removing the pulleys 4 small bolts. Use a 32mm spanner and a hammer to shock it loose, then it spin off easily.
Innuendo Hazbarz about to do that now...is that a tool i can rent from autozone?
Thank you so much for this video. You really helped me!
thanks .. you did a great job of showing and explaining
Very detailed video, great explanation. thanks
Thank you! Using 16mm bolt on the mechanical tensioner to remove/install the belt is so much easier than the using 50 Torx!
Michael, you fooled me. I was trying to get the tensioner with 16mm for a while and couldn't get a grip. Using mobile phone, took a pic of the bolt. Guess what...50 torx :)
Great walkthrough Thank you very much!
This. Is really good. Very well done.
Thanks for the video very helpful!
Many TNX mate. I'll do that 2day ... Best regards Tony
Why do I have a Z4 alternator in my car, it doesn't have the cooling duct, makes me wonder if it broke because of overheating.
Tried the Voltage Regulator but that didn't do anything, although I might've done it wrong, I got the wrong part and didn't remember fully how assemble it while the new part was shipping.. Guess I'ma have to get a new alternator.
Is this the same tutorial that can be used for a 06 325xi?
Good vid!
What is the software to keep video stable?
What size is the Allen key used on the tensioner pulley
very good video thnx
I replaced my alternator, but the downside is that the engine started making noise, any suggestions?
Will this work for my 2006 325xi?
bmw's after early 90's have a timing chain, those are the aux belts you are changing
Great Video... Thanks!!! :-)
is this the same way to replace on a 2004 bmw 325ci??
my 2001 330xi seems to have fan attached to motor rather than just the shroud... ???
u have a clutch fan not electric
This shop is trying to charge my stepson $1000+ for alternator on his 03 325i. This seemed way too high, but they told my wife it was they had to do diagnostics and then reprogram it afterwards.... Does this even make sense? Reprogram it? I did mine on my subaru legacy recently in about 35 mins very easy never had to Reprogram it... Please tell me if I'm nuts or not... Thank you!
KeTO BeasT84 its a beamer you fucking idiot of course it has to be reprogramed there is so much sensors and other things when dealing with changing something simple on a foreign
No reprogramming. That shop was playing games.
How do you know if alternator needs changing or battery?
Christie Williams always check the battery first. Most big brand auto part stores O'Reilly, Autozone, etc... offer free battery check ups. If your battery terminal looks corroded, then clean. If older then 2 years, then you might want to consider replacing.
Alternator issues usually fail completely so the car would start once and then your battery will drain.
You can check on this with a volt meter and measure the voltage of the battery when the car is running and it should be > 12 volts around 13-14 volts.
RandomAZdude: I found your video bc my battery light comes on when I start my car - once it's warm, light goes off and stays off. I tested the battery and alt and they're both fine, with no codes. Terminal looks clean. I thought maybe the serpentine belt (tough to tell from above) - doesn't seem to have any noticeable wear. Maybe my power test was off and the light goes off bc once I drive, the extra rev powers up a weak alt? Trying to be proactive so I don't get stuck somewhere - not sure if you'll see this since it's been a while but... ideas would be appreciated. Light's been coming on for maybe 3 days and once it's off it stays off until the next morning.
Thanks man
I replaced my battery 2 days ago now my battery light sometimes flashes on and off. I did the menu test to check my voltage with the car off it was fine but when I turn the car on the voltage is around 12. Do I have to replace my alternator or could it be the voltage regulator ?
I had the same problem I did not attach the wires properly the first time. I would start by checking the connections on the back of the alternator you may have screwed the nut on the back and missed screwing the wire in between. When you hit a bump it could cause a disconnection leading to your described problem.
Replace alternator
I had the same problem
How long does it take to get it all done
45-60 minutes.
what happens if I took of the water hose? the one that is in the way
😄
Saying process on a three thirty c I two thousand four I would imagine
Lose the dancing box. The video looked good but the box was too annoying so I moved on.
It's a byproduct of stabilizing the footage so it will not be so shaky. You should be thankful, otherwise it would be like watching Cloverfield
what happens if I took of the water hose? the one that is in the way
😄