2001 BMW 740il - Alternator problem

[Al Gray]

My 740il has 101,000 well cared for miles. However, I think I have an alternator problem. The car is not charging; there is a light on the dash that is a red outline of a battery. The battery will charge with a charger but it seems that the alternator is the problem. I did check to make sure that the serpentine belt is okay; it is and has the proper tension. I removed the protective shroud under the engine and the alternator appears to located on the passengers side on the lower front of the engine. Since I don't have a Bently manual for this car some diagrams and alternator removal and replacement info would be most helpful.

Is there anything else that could be causing the lack of charging by the alternator or is this going to be just a replacement of the part?

Best regards,

Al Gray

[shogun]

I do not know much about the E38, the experts are here
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/e38/
better buy a Bentley for the E38, now available since last year.