Reply With QuoteIf the bearings and place where the brushes contact are still good, i can't see why you'd need to buy the whole thing. Had the same thing happen on an old benz, $15 v regulator fixed the problem and has worked for 5 years since.
Big, Big Time Poster
I went to autozone, of course i talked to a guy on the phone that was there for 2 weeks. Anyway they couldn't do it, so I figured if im 25 miles from home better not go home empty handed.
I went to Advanced Auto and they tested it, put out 11 Volts but the diode light came on the machine. We talked about it, sounds like the voltage regulator.
Do you guys think it is a waste to buy a new voltage regulator or should I just buy a whole new alt.?
Thanks!
Pat
Big Time Poster
If the bearings and place where the brushes contact are still good, i can't see why you'd need to buy the whole thing. Had the same thing happen on an old benz, $15 v regulator fixed the problem and has worked for 5 years since.
Green Beret Special Ops
I am not a big fan of remanufactured crap at all. Over the years many many re-man products are a total crap shoot. If you spend the cash for a new one it should outlast the car. Another Idea would be to find a known good used one but thats also a crapshoot.
95 E34 530I V2.37
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Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.
John F. Kennedy
Big, Big Time Poster
Yes I agree re-man is junk I think. I got ahold of the bmw dealers in chicago and finally found the one which it was serviced and purchased at. Although they said that after 4 years, the paper and computer records are destroyed...
He could see 2 warranty fixes but could only see the codes and couldn't see what was done.
As far as the alternator goes, I guess I will try the new regulator. If that doesn't work, Ill just buy a new one. I also need to find me a new mounting bracket... teeth are completely shot and I really don't want the hassle of doing this all next time
Pat
Big, Big Time Poster
Aftermarket voltage regulator is ~$12-14 at car parts stores. If only the brushes, that would be ~$3 and 5 mins. with a soldering iron.
Some BMW 535i cars (like mine) have the high output alternator. I took mine to an alternator shop and had the contact rings re-lathed for $10, and got a new diode board for $36.
Got new bearings at a Case farm implement dealer for several bux each, which was a lot less than the $26 quoted by the local car parts store for exactly the same bearing.
Did my own dis- and re- assembly. Penetrating oil and overnight in the freezer helped a lot with removing the large bearing, a press fit.
So, essentially I have a new alternator, for total cost of <$60 and some effort.
Dash01
'90 535ia 272K miles
Big, Big Time Poster
The cheapest regulator I can find for the 535 is 36 bucks from bma. Advanced autoparts wanted 98bucks lol...
Major Contributor
the only thing you have to double check is the regulator current. installing a wrong one will have it blown and then your battery will be drained when the car is off. I guess the current is 120A for the 535. one thing you have to make sure is to clean the plugs before you assemble the alternator. a bad connection can make the alternator play games, such as starting to charge when u get the engine to 3K RPM or it wont. so be aware.
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