Well the alternator just died after 11years on the E46 B3s arghh

[hap]

Yep battery light stayed on today, struggled to start and gradual notice of couple warning lights coming on dash battery tested ok alternator was 11.45 should be at least 13
Checked paperwork last time changed was nov 2011 2 years after I got it @ 89k so can’t complain as car over 124k now but the old girl has certainly had a lot of expenditure since start of the year

Anyone done one recently and did u use velo or bosche brand?
Also going to change belts, but I’ve had a large vibration at front which at Alpina meet couple guys said it sounded like the front crank pulley and belts were a bit loose
Anyone had similar noise and how much is this crank pulley pls

[rc944]

never heard of a crank pulley being an issue
belts and tensioners yes and you should check when last replaced
alternator - im about to have a refurbed oe unit put into my touring. i got it sent away to a man that refurbs these things so lets see

[rc944]

how do belts get loose. the wear and crack etc but unless the tensioners are failing then they should maintain broadly constant tension
ive known clutches on viscous couplings to go but im not convinced that the noise you are experiencing is rooted in what youve been told

[hap]

I dint know either but one diagnosis was by our Alpina guru mark adkin

[simon13]

mines on 171k and original one as far as i can tell!

[Charles]

mines on 171k and original one as far as i can tell!

Without wishing to tempt fate but I'm still on the original at 373k miles ...

[Marc 76]

Hap did you notice any squeaking noises from the belt leading up to the alternator failure?

I've had that and immediately thought an idle wheel bearing but its actually been the belt slipping incrementally.

[hap]

Hi Marc actually on idle there was a squeaking noise intermittently which was wasn’t that loud but enough to notice

[Marc 76]

That could well be it, but the squeak (not to be confused with the classic squeal!) could be just from a slack/stretched belt or if the bearings are failing and binding in the alternator it could have been causing a correctly tensioned belt to slip.
As i say i've had it previously and it sounds for all the world like an idle pulley bearing!

[ali]

At least your one didn't go on fire unlike mine when it expired !!
I bought a replacement Bosch unit I think and fitted it at the roadside after the AA refused to tow me away to a garage.
Easy swap

[hap]

Yes Ali I m sure mines Bosch and all is well for mow…..