Alternator swap - Bushings?

[Guest Anonymous]

I want to upgrade my alternator from the wimpy 69 2002 alternator to the 65 amp alternator from the 320i and purchased a 320i alternator on ebay. Do I need bushings or brackets from a 320i to make this conversion work? Or will the brackets and bushings for the 2002 still be used?

Help!

[PSloan]

Brackets and such should all work. The wiring is kinda weird, though.

[PSloan]

Brackets and such should all work. The wiring is kinda weird, though.

That is, if its a 77-79 alternator.

[BarryA]

installing the alternator - the original rubber bushings go soft with age (especially if they've had any oil on 'em) resulting in misalignment between the belt and pulley.

[Zenon]

Brackets and such should all work. The wiring is kinda weird, though.

That is, if its a 77-79 alternator.

What Patrick said. Never done it but by the looks of it a later 320i Alt would also require swapping-in the main mounting bracket and adjusting bracket (much like the E30 318i one I have).

The larger "top-hat" shaped bushngs in the main mount ear are the same parts as on a 2002 alternator and it would be a good idea to install fresh ones to be safe. The OE rubber bushings fit better (easier to install) than the aftermarket urethane bushings I have had experience with, but perhaps there are some different makers.

Wiring an internal regulator Bosch alt is pretty simple, same as described for the 318i one here:

http://www.zeebuck.com/bimmers/tech/318alternator/318ialternator.html

regards,

Zenon

[condorw]

It is a worthwhile swap?

I've considered doing it but have not really decided yet.