Removing the alternator
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 BMW M4, 2024 BMW M4, 2023 BMW M4, 2022 BMW M4, and 2021 BMW M4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
When the engine is stopped after the completion of trip, it may be necessary to run the electric fan. In rare cases, operation of the electric fan can last up to 11 min. This protects the components. In this case, replacing the electric fan will not remedy the problem!
When the engine is stopped after the completion of trip, it may be necessary to run the electric fan. In rare cases, operation of the electric fan can last up to 11 min. This protects the components. In this case, replacing the electric fan will not remedy the problem!
Preliminary work
- Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT SPOILER .
- Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
- Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT UNDERSHIELD .
- Refer to REMOVING THRUST FIELD .
- Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT HAND FRONT BOTTOM SIDE COVER .
- Refer to DISCONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .
- Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT-END STRUT .
- Refer to REMOVING THE CLEAN AIR PIPE FOR CYLINDERS 1 TO 3 .
- Refer to REMOVING SEAL FOR FRONT HOOD .
- Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE CENTER ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
- Refer to REMOVING UPPER CROSS CONNECTION .
- Refer to REMOVING THE REAR TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
- Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (FRONT-END STRUT REMOVED) .
- Refer to DRAINING THE COOLANT FOR THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE COOLANT CIRCUIT .
- Refer to REMOVING THE FAN COWL .
WARNING:
Working on 12 V electrical system
.
Risk of short circuits! Risk of fire!
Risk of short circuits! Risk of fire!
- Make sure that there is no charger connected to the jump start terminal in the engine compartment.
- Detach battery ground lead from battery.
- For auxiliary batteries: Detach battery minus cables from all auxiliary batteries.
WARNING:
Hot surfaces
.
Risk of burning!
Risk of burning!
- Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.
NOTE:
RISK OF DAMAGE
Electrostatic discharge .
Damage to or destruction of electrical components .
Electrostatic discharge .
Damage to or destruction of electrical components .
- Leave the electrical components in their original packaging until they are being installed. Only use the original packaging for returning the product. Always package removed components straight away.
- Read and comply with user information on using the associated special tool 12 7 060.
- Only tap the housings of electrical components. Do not tap pins or multi-pin connectors directly.
- Wear electrically conductive clothing and antistatic shoes (with ESD symbol).
- For additional information see: 61 35... NOTES ON ESD (ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE) PROTECTION .
- Raise the preload with standard tools (1) on the belt tensioner in the arrow direction .
- Secure the belt tensioner with the special tool 0 496 268 (11 0 390)
.
- Remove the drive belt (1) from the belt pulley (2) of the alternator and set it aside.
- Loosen screws (1).
- Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.
- Loosen nut (2).
- Thread out positive battery cable (3) and set it aside.
- Pull out the alternator (4) and remove it.