Alternator removal help

[socalM5]

Last night I decided to tackle replaceing the alternator on the M5. I removed the plenum and airbox from the engine compartment and loosened the coolant reservoir for better access. I removed the alternator from the block but I am having trouble getting it out of the car. I can't get it through the oil cooler lines and the power steering lines and just below it it power steering pump. Any help would be appreciated thank you

[johne]

If my memory is correct--- I drained some coolant off by first siphoning coolant from the reservoir. Then remove reservoir and siphon coolant from the bottom hose going to the reservoir. Basically you push tubing down that hose as far as you can towards the block. Enough coolant will be removed so you can remove the the radiator hose on the driver's side to remove the alternator. Again its been awhile. John

[socalM5]

Thank you Jon for your response I'm going to try that I also thought about doing an oil change removing the canister or maybe squeezing it down through the bottom will have to see

[socalM5]

Jon did you have to remove the plenum?

[wkohler]

I removed the oil filter canister (you are going to lose oil). With the airbox out of the way, I also undid the clamp for the oil cooler lines near the core support, which allows the lines to move. I did not loosen the overflow tank. Was able to sneak it out that way. I think the oil filter canister removal is key to doing this job on any pre-B35 M30-based car.

[johne]

Sorry I removed the alternator 5 years ago. I recall with the radiator hose removed and airbo out of the way I was able to take the alternator out topside. John

[socalM5]

Im going to try both ways this weekend

[wkohler]

I really don't see any reason to deal with coolant on this, unless I missed something. I guess you're dealing with a fluid one way or another, though.

[Da_Hose]

I just did this on my M6. The best way is to drop the oil filter and pull it from underneath.

You do need to remove the plenum for ease of access. I can get the plenum off in about 15 minutes now. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing, though.

Jose

[tn535i]

Last night I decided to tackle replaceing the alternator on the M5.

Why? Are you sure you don't simply need a new voltage regulator? 2 screws in back easy swap with plenum out, might be possible with it in.

And 'If' you get a rebuilt alternator you might get one not as good shape as the one you have IMO.

[johne]

Did not remove plenum. I checked with my brother David (younger) he remembers also pulling alternator from above. We took the alternator to Mr. Alternator in Greenville SC. It was 240k "young" and needed a regulator and bearings-- $85 in 2010. John

[socalM5]

Ok, so i replaced the alternator tonight after looking it over. The only way to replace the alternator is removing the power steering pump from the block and bring it down. I looked at going from the top but the oil cooler lines run right above the alternator so that won't work. removing the oil canister won't make enough room to remove the alternator. Talking to a couple m5 owners this last week i found out they ran different lines for different production months of the m5? Interesting

[wkohler]

Did you not read what I wrote?

[socalM5]

I just did my oil a couple weeks ago and didn't want to get into the so I went the route of the power steering, that way I wouldn't have to deal with fluid. The nice way with going the power steering route you don't have to remove the plenum

[wkohler]

I guess you didn't read it. If you undo the bracket on the frame rail that holds the oil cooler hard lines, it will come out through the top. I just did this a few weeks ago.

The only reason oil filter canister removal is necessary is to remove the nut for the lower bolt.