12 31 020 Removing and installing/replacing alternator (M60, M62): Notes

Follow instructions for disconnecting and connecting battery, see 12 00 Instructions For Disconnecting And Connecting Battery  . .

Switch off ignition.

Disconnect and cover battery negative lead.

Remove alternator drive belt,

Refer to SPECIFICATIONS & DRIVE BELT ROUTING .

Alternator with air cooling: 

Unfasten screw connection on oil-filter housing.

Fig 1: Identifying Screw On Oil Filter Housing

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Place oil-filter housing to one side.

Fig 2: Placing Oil Filter Housing To One Side

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Disconnect alternator connections.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Alternator Connections

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Connections illustrated here on removed alternator.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Unscrew nut (2).

Tightening torque, see 12 31 1AZ in ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUE .

Fig 4: Disconnecting Plug Connection

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Unfasten cable clip (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Cable Clip

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Unclip cooling air guide.

Fig 6: Unclipping Cooling Air Guide

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Unfasten screws (1 to 3).

Fig 7: Identifying Screws

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Pull out alternator towards front.

Fig 8: Pulling Out Alternator Towards Front

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Pull alternator upwards to remove.

Fig 9: Pulling Alternator Upwards To Remove

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If necessary, replace alternator belt pulley, refer to 12 31... REPLACING ALTERNATOR BELT PULLEY 

Alternator with liquid cooling: 

Remove fan impeller and fan clutch from water pump, refer to 11 52 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING FAN COUPLING (M62) .

Drain coolant,

refer to 17 00 005 DRAINING AND TOPPING UP COOLANT .

Release screws (1) on alternator.

Fig 10: Identifying Screws On Alternator

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Unscrew bolt (1).

Remove battery lead (2).

Tightening torque, see 12 31 1AZ in ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUE .

Disconnect plug (3).

Release screw (4) and lay roller to one side.

Release remaining 3 screws (5) on alternator.

Fig 11: Releasing Remaining Screws On Alternator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

A residual quantity of coolant emerges when the alternator is removed.

Recycling 

1. Catch and dispose of escaping coolant.
2. Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.

Pull out alternator towards front.