12 31 020 Removing and installing or replacing alternator (N54)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X6, 2009 BMW X6, and 2008 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Switch off ignition
Clamp off battery negative lead and cover, see 61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove charge air duct , see 11 61 368 REPLACING CHARGE-AIR DUCT (N54) or 11 61 368 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT CHARGE-AIR DUCT (N54) .
Remove alternator drive belt , see 11 28 010 REPLACING ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT (N54) .

NOTE: In order to remove the alternator, it is necessary to remove the A/C compressor , see 64 52 521 REPLACING A/C SYSTEM COMPRESSOR (N54) .

In so doing:

Do not draw off A/C system refrigerant.
Do not detach refrigerant lines from A/C compressor.
Do not remove A/C compressor; instead, remove from bracket only and place to one side.

Remove A/C compressor from bracket , see 64 52 521 REPLACING A/C SYSTEM COMPRESSOR (N54) .

NOTE: For purposes of improved clarity, illustrations and description show A/C compressor removed.

Release bolts a few turns until bracket (1) is loose. Do not remove bracket (1).

Tightening torque 64 52 5AZ , see 64 52 A/C COMPRESSOR .

E70/E71 only:

Tightening torque 64 52 5AZ , see 64 52 A/C COMPRESSOR .

Fig 1: Locating Bracket Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unlock plug (1) and remove.

Remove protective cap and release nut underneath.

Tightening torque 12 42 1AZ , see 12 42 ALTERNATOR LEAD .

Disconnect line (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Plug And Line

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws.

Remove bracket (1) and alternator (2).

Tightening torque 12 31 1AZ , see 12 31 ALTERNATOR WITH DRIVE AND MOUNTING PARTS .

Fig 3: Identifying Bracket And Alternator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.