12 31 020 Removing and Installing/Replacing Alternator (Liquid-Cooled N73)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW 760Li and 2007 BMW 760Li. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

12 7 110

WARNING:

Danger of scalding!

Only carry out work on cooling system after engine has cooled down.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Follow instructions for disconnecting and connecting battery. See 12 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Disconnect battery negative lead from battery and lay to one side. See 12 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Remove complete left intake filter housing See 13 71 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT (OR RIGHT) INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (N73) .
Remove radiator See 17 11 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RADIATOR (N73) .
Remove alternator drive belt See 11 28 010 REPLACING ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT (N73) .

Detach water hose (1) from water pump.

NOTE: Illustrations show N62.

Fig 1: Identifying Water Hose

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach water hose (1) from outer jacket for alternator.

Fig 2: Identifying Water Hose

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Detach plug (1) from alternator.

Release nut (2).

For tightening torque: 12 31 1AZ , see 12 31 ALTERNATOR WITH DRIVE AND MOUNTING PARTS .

Disconnect battery positive lead (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Plug, Nut & Battery Positive Lead

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION:

Fully remove screw (1) at the end only.

Release screws on alternator.

Remove screw (1) half-way.

Pull out alternator a little and allow coolant to drain off.

Remove screw (1) completely.

Pull alternator completely out of outer jacket and removed towards top.

Fig 4: Identifying Screws

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Installation:

Replace sealing ring (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Sealing Ring

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Replace alternator pulley.

Release nut with special tool 12 7 110 , gripping alternator shaft with hexagon socket screw wrench or multi-tooth socket wrench. See 12 7 110 SOCKET WRENCH SOCKET WAF 24

For tightening torque 12 31 3AZ , see 12 31 ALTERNATOR WITH DRIVE AND MOUNTING PARTS .

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (12 7 110)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.

Check for correct alternator operation.