alternator BMW M3 1992 E36 User Guide

119-
4



LUBRICATION
SYSTEM

15
.
Remove
oil
pan
screws
.
Lower
andremove
oil
pan
to-

ward
rear
.



Tightening
Torques

"
Control
arm
bushing
carrier

CAUTION-



to
body(M10
bolt)
...............
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

'



lf
the
oil
pan
does
not
separate
easily
from
the
en-



"
Engine
mount
to

gine
cylinder
block,
make
sure
all
mounting
bolis



suspension
crossmember
(M10
nut)
.
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

have
been
removed
.
If
necessary,
a
few
tapswith



"
Front
suspension
crossmember
a
rubber
mallet
shouldbreak
it
free
.
Never
pry
the



to
body
.
.
..
...
..
.
....
See
310
Front
SusPension
oil
pan
loose
.
"
Oil
pan
to
engine
block
(M6
bolt)

8
.8
grade
..
....
.
...
...
.
........
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)
16
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.



10
.9
grade
...
..
.
....
..
.
.
.
.......
12
Nm
(9
ft-Ib)

"
Thoroughly
clean
all
old
gasket
material
from
mating



"
Power
steering
pump
to
bracket

surfaces
anduse
a
new
gasket
.



(self-locking
nuts)
....
..
.
....
..
.
..
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
Applya
small
amount
of
non-hardening
sealer
(3-



"
Power
steering
pump
bracket
to
engine

Bond
O
l209
or
equivalent)
to
oil
pan
gasket
directly



block
or
oil
pan
(self-locking
nuts)
..
.
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

below
joints
for
end
cover
and
front
timing
case
cover
.



"
Stabilizer
bar
link
to
control
arm
See
Fig
.
5
.



M8
nut
.................
...
.
...
22
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)
"
When
installing
oil
pan
to
engine,
tighten
forward



M10
nut
.....................
..
42
Nm
(31
Ib-ft)
screws
first,
then
tightenrear
.



"
Steering
column
universal
joint
"
Fill
engine
with
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance



to
steering
rack
spindle
(M8
bolt)
....
19
Nm
(14
ft-ib)
Program
.

0011950

Fig
.
5
.



Joint-mating
areas
at
oil
pan
gasket
where
sealer
should
be
applied
(arrows)
.
Apply
a
bead
3
mm
wideby
2
mm
high
.

OIL
PAN

WARNING
-

Always
use
new
bolis
when
mounting
the
subframe
to
the
body
.
The
one-timeonly
bolis
shouldbe
re-
placed
any
timethey
are
removed
.

NOTE-

The
oil
pickup
is
attached
to
the
oil
pan
using
self-tap-
ping
screws
.
For
this
reasonno
threading
for
the
pickup
is
present
on
new
oil
pans
.
Replace
the
seal
for
the
pickup
and
use
the
oíd
screws
to
rea
ttach
the
pickup
to
the
pan
.

Oil
pan,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engine,
1992models)

NOTE-

Cars
built
up
to
9/92
(1992models)usea
different
sus-
pension
crossmember
than
later
production
cars
.
Oil
pan
removalprocedureon
the
earlier
cars
requires
that
the
engine
be
raised
and
supportedfrom
above
.

1
.
Raise
car
and
place
securely
on
jackstands
.

2
.
Remove
splash
shield(s)
from
under
engine,
where
ap-

plicable
.

3
.
Drain
engine
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance
Pro-

gram
.

4
.
Remove
complete
exhaust
system
.
See180
Exhaust

System
.

5
.
Remove
air
filter
housing
complete
with
mass
air
flow

sensor
.
See
113
Cylinder
Head
Removal
and
Instal-

lation
.

6
.
Remove
alternator
cooling
duct
from
alternator
and
ra-
diator
support
.

7
.
Remove
radiator
cooling
fan
and
fan
shroud
.
Remove

radiator
securing
clips
at
top
of
radiator
.
See
170
Radi-

ator
and
Cooling
System
.

Center
the
steering
spindle
to
the
steering
rack
before
in-



NOTE-

stalling
the
steering
column
shaft
.
See
320
Steering
and



The
radiator
cooling
fan
nut(32
mm
wrench)
has
left

Wheel
Alignment
for
specific
installation
markings
and
pro-



hand
threads
.

cedures
.

8
.
Remove
air
plenum
from
rear
of
engine
compartment
.
See
640
Heating
and
Air
Conditioning
.

9
.
Release
drive
belt
tension
and
remove
alternator
drive
belt
.
Remove
A/C
compressor
drive
belt
.
See
Fig
.
6
.

B11143
Fig
.
6
.



To
remove
poly-ribbed
drive
belt,
pry
cover
from
front
of
ten-
sioner
.
Then
using
8
mm
hex
key,
turntensioner
clockwise
(arrow)
torelease
tension
and
slip
belt
off
pulleys
.

10
.
Unbolt
power
steering
reservoir
and
pull
reservoir
off
engine
mount
bracket
.

11
.
Without
disconnecting
fluid
lines,
remove
power
steer-
ing
bracket
(with
pump)
from
oil
panand
engine
block
.
See
Fig
.
7
.
Disconnect
fluid
lines
from
bracket
on
en-
gine
mount
.
Hang
pump
from
chassis
using
wire
.

12
.
Without
disconnecting
refrigerant
lines,
remove
A/C
compressor
from
engine
block
.
Hang
compressor
from
chassis
using
wire
.
See
640
Heating
and
Air
Condi-
tioning
.

13
.
Remove
oil
dipstick
guide
tube
mounting
bolt
and
re-
move
tube
.
See
Fig
.
8
.

NOTE-

The
guide
tube
is
sealed
in
the
oil
pan
with
an
O-ring
.
Check
that
the
O-ring
comes
out
with
the
tube
.
Use
anew
O-ring
when
installing
the
tube
.

14
.
On
cars
with
automatic
transmission,
remove
brackets
holding
ATF
cooler
linesto
oil
pan
and
cylinder
block
.

LUBRICATION
SYSTEM



119-
5

Fig
.
7
.



Power
steering
pump
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.

Fig
.
8
.



Oil
dipstick
guide
tube
being
removed
.
Usea
new
O-ring
(arrow)
during
installation
.

15
.
Insta¡¡
engine
lifting
equipment
at
front
engine
lifting
point
and
raise
engine
just
until
its
weight
is
supported
.

16
.
Remove
nuts
at
bottom
of
left
and
right
engine
mounts
.
Remove
ground
wire
from
right
engine
mount
.
1-oosen
nuts
at
top
of
left
and
right
engine
mounts
(do
not
re-
move)
.

OIL
PAN

119-
6



LUBRICATION
SYSTEM

17
.
Raise
engine
as
much
as
possible
.
Check
carefully
for



22
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

obstructions,
wiring
harness
clearance
and
pinched

hoses
or
lines
as
engine
is
raised
.



"
When
installing
oil
pan,
apply
a
b



d
of
non-hardening

sealing
compound
(3-Bond
1209
0
or
equivalent)
to

18
.
Remove
oil
pan
mounting
bolts
and
lower
oil
pan
to



front
and
rear
end
cover
seam
areas
on
block
.

subframe
crossmember
.



"
Position
oil
pump
pickup
tube
and
oil
pan
onto
block

and
install
pickup
tube
using
a
new
gasket
.

"
Be
sure
tab
on
gasket
faces
down
towards
intake
of

NOTE-



pickup
tube
.
If
the
oil
pan
does
not
separate
easily
from
the
engine



"
Tightenforward
oil
pan
screws
first,
then
tighten
rear
.

cylinder
block,
afew
taps
with
arubber
mallet
should



"
Fill
engine
with
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance
break
it
free
.
Do
not
pry
the
oil
pan
loose
.



Program
.

"
After
adding
engine
oil,
start
and
run
engine
.
Raise
en-

19
.
Remove
oil
pump
sprocket
mounting
nut
.
See
Fig
.
9
.



gine
speed
to
2,500
rpm
until
oil
pressure
warning

Lift
sprocket
off
together
with
drive
chain
.



lampgoes
out(about
5seconds)
.

Fig
.
9
.
Oil
pump
sprocket
mounting
nut
(left-hand
thread)
on
6-cylin-



OII
pan,
removing
and
installing

derengine(arrow)
.



(6-cylinder
engine,
1993
and
later
modeis)

NOTE-

The
oíl
pump
sprocket
nut
has
left
hand
threads
.

20
.
Unbolt
oil
pump
pickup
tubefrom
oil
pump
.
Unbolt
oil

pump
from
engine
block
.
See
Oil
pump,
removing

and
installing
(6-cylinder
engine)
.

21
.
Remove
oil
pan
from
rear
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Engine
mount
to

suspension
crossmember(M10
nut)
..
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

"
Oil
pan
to
engine
block
(M6
bolt)

8
.8
grade
....
..
.
...
...
.
........
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

10
.9
grade
.
.
..
.
..
...
.
.
.
.
.
.....
12
Nm
(106
in-lb)

"
Oil
pump
to
engine
block
.
...
...
.
..
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
Oil
pump
sprocket
to
oil
pump
shaft

(M1
0x1
left-hand
thread)
...
..
.
.
..
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)

"
Power
steering
pump
to
bracket

(self-locking
nuts)
.....
.
....
..
.
...
22
Nm
(16
ft-lb)

"
Power
steering
pump
bracket
to
engine

block
or
oil
pan
(self-locking
nuts)
.
..
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

NOTE-

Cars
built
after
9/92
use
a
different
suspension
cross-

member
¡han
earfier
productíon
cars
.
Oil
pan
removal

procedure
on
the
later
cars
requíres
that
the
engine
be

supported
from
aboye
and
the
front
suspension
cross-

member
be
unbolted
and
loweredfrom
the
chassis
.

1
.
Raisecar
and
place
securely
on
jackstands
.

2
.
Remove
splash
shield
fromunder
engine,
if
applicable
.

3
.
Drain
engine
oil
as
descríbed
in
020
Maintenance
Pro-

gram
.

4
.
Remove
alternator
cooling
duct
from
alternator
and
ra-

diator
support
.

119-
8



LUBRICATION
SYSTEM

17
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
Thoroughly
clean
all
old
gasket
material
from
mating

surtaces
anduse
a
new
gasket
.

"
Applya
small
amount
of
non-hardening
sealer
(3-Bond

1209
0
or
equivalent)
to
oil
pan
gasket
directly
below

joints
for
and
cover
and
front
timing
case
cover
.
See

Fig
.
12
.

"
Tighten
oil
pan
bolts
starting
at
front
first,
working
to-

wardback
(transmission)
end
.

"
Fill
engine
with
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance

Program
.

"
After
addingengine
oil,
start
and
run
engine
.
Raiseen-

gine
speed
to
2,500
rpm
until
oíl
pressure
warning

lampgoes
out
(about
5seconds)
.

OIL
PUMP

applied
(arrows)
.
Apply
a
bead
3
mm
wideby
2
mm
high
.

WARNING
-

"
Always
use
new
bolts
when
mounting
the
sub-

frame
to
the
body
.
The
one-time
only
bolts
should
be
replaced
any
timethey
are
removed
.

"
Special
installation
instructions
apply
when
in-
stalling
the
front
suspension
crossmember
to
the
body
.
See
310
Front
Suspension
for
fastener
specifications
and
tightening
torques
.

Fig
.
12
.
Joint-mating
areas
at
oil
pan
gasket
where
sealer
should
be

Center
the
steering
spindle
to
the
steering
rack
before
in-

stalling
the
steering
column
shaft
.
See
320
Steering
and

Wheel
Alignment
for
more
specific
procedures
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Control
arm
bushing
carrier

to
body
(M10
bolt)
...............
47
Nm
(35
ft-Ib)

"
Engine
mount
to

suspension
crossmember(M10
nut)
..
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

"
Oil
pan
to
engine
block
(M6
bolt)

8
.8
grade
...........
.......
....
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

10
.9
grade
...........
..
...
...
.
12
Nm
(106
in-lb)

"
Stabilizer
bar
link

to
control
arm
(M10
nut)
.......
....
42
Nm
(31
Ib-ft)

"
Steering
column
universal
joint

to
steering
rack
spindle
(M8
bolt)
....
19
Nm
(14
ft-Ib)

"
Suspensíon
crossmember

to
body
...
...
.
...
..
.
.
See
310
Front
Suspension

OIL
PUMP

Oil
pump,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)

Oil
pressure
on
M42
and
M44
engines
is
generatedbya

gear-type
pump
mounted
to
the
rear
of
the
front
engine
cover

(timing
chaincase)
.
The
pump
is
gear-driven
off
the
front
of

the
crankshaft
.

NOTE-

Oil
pump
removal
requires
lowering
of
the
front
sus-

pension
and
removal
of
the
oil
pan,
as
well
asremoval
of
the
timing
chain
assembly
.

1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
from
battery
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
paga
vÍii
.

2
.
Drain
engine
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance
Pro-

gram
.

3
.
Withengine
cold,
drain
coolant
.
See
170
Radiator
and

Cooling
System
.

4
.
Remove
top
cover
from
oil
filter
housing
to
allow
engine

oil
to
drain
into
oil
pan
.
Remove
oil
pan
as
described

earlier
.
Reinstall
oil
filter
cover
.

5
.
Remove
alternator
.
Unbolt
power
steering
pump
from

bracket,
then
remove
alternator
mountíng
bracket
.
See

121
Battery,
Starter,
Alternator
.

6
.
Remove
crankshaft
vibration
damper
andhub
.
Then
re-

move
upper
and
lower
timing
chain
covers,
complete

timingchain,
chain
sprockets
and
chain
guides
.
See

117
Camshaft
Tíming
Chain
.

7
.
Unbolt
timing
chain
casefrom
frontof
engine
.
See
Fig
.
13
.



9
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

Fig
.
13
.
Timing
chain
case
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
on
M44
engine
.

8
.
Remove
cover
from
oil
pump
on
rear
of
timing
chain

case
.
See
Fig
.
14
.
Inspect
oil
pump
gears
and
oil
pump

cavity
in
timing
chain
case
for
wear
andlor
scoring
.

Fig
.
14
.
Oil
pump
cover
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
on
M44
engine
.

LUBRICATION
SYSTEM



119-
9

"
Replace
al¡
gaskets
and
O-rings
.
"
Install
a
new
rubber
sea¡
(profile
gasket)
between
top
of
timing
chain
case
and
cylinder
head
.

"
Be
sure
to
thoroughly
clean
sealing
surfaces
.
-Use
3-Bond
1209
orequivalent
sealant
on
both
sides

of
sea¡
before
installing
.

10
.
Protect
profile
gasket
using
thin
sheet
metal
(BMW
special
tool
no
.
11
2
330)
when
installing
timing
chain

case
.
See
Fig
.
15
.

"
Applya
thin
coating
of
grease
to
both
sides
of
sheet
metal
tool
and
to
top
surface
of
profile
gasket
.

"
Placesheet
metal
between
gasket
and
cylinder
head

and
carefully
slíde
upper
chain
cover
into
position
.

"
Tighten
al¡
mounting
bolts
and
then
carefully
withdraw

sheet
metal
.
Install
timing
chain
as
described
in
117

Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.

Fig
.
15
.
Use
thin
sheetmetal
(arrow)
toprotect
profile
gasket
during
installation
of
timing
chain
case
.
Carefully
withdraw
sheetmetal
after
tightening
fasteners
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Timing
chain
case
to
engine
block

M6
..
.
...
...
.
..
.............
.
.10
Nm
(7
.5
ft-Ib)

M8
........
.
..
..
..............
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
Thermostathousing
to
upper

timing
chain
cover(M6)
............
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

"
OH
filter
cover

to
oil
filter
housing
(M8)
.
.
.........
25
Nm
(18
ft-lb)

"
Oil
pump
cover
to
timing
chain
case
(M6)
...
..
.......
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

"
Oil
pan
to
engine
block
(M6
bolt)

8
.8
grade
.........
.
.
..
.........
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

10
.9
grade
............
.
.......
12
Nm
(106
in-lb)

"
Alternator
to
alternator
bracket
.....
43
Nm
(32
ft-Ib)

OIL
PUMP

CHARGING
SYSTEM

TROUBLESHOOTING
.............
.
.
.
.
.121-2

Charging
System
Quick-Check
...
.
..
.
...
.
121-2

Static
current
draw,
checking
........
.
...
.
121-2

BATTERY
SERVICE
....................
121-3

Battery
Testing
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
........
.
121-3

Hydrometer
Testing
.
...
.
.
.
...
.
.........
121-3

Battery
Open-Circuit
Voltage
Test
....
.
....
121-4

Battery
Load
Voltage
Test
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-4

Battery
Charging
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-4

ALTERNATOR
SERVICE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
...
121-4

Chargingsystem,checking
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-4

Alternator,
removingand
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-5

Alternator,
removingand
installing

(6-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-6

GENERAL

The
charging
system
consists
of
a
belt-driven
alternator

with
integral
voltage
regulator
and
a
battery
mounted
in
the

luggage
compartment
.

Various
versions
of
alternators,
voltage
regulators,
starters,

and
batteries
are
used
in
the
E36
cars
.
It
is
important
to
re-

place
components
according
tothe
original
equipment
speci-

fication
.
Check
with
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
for
specific

application
and
parts
information
.

WARNING
-

"
Weargoggles,
rubbergloves,
and
a
rubberapron
when
working
around
batteries
and
battery
acid
(electrolyte)
.

"
Battery
acid
contains
sulfuric
acid
and
can
cause
skin
irritation
and
burning
.
ff
acid
is
spilled
onyour
skin
or
clothing,
flush
the
area
at
once
with
large
quantities
of
water
.
lf
electrolyte
gets
into
your
eyes,flush
them
with
largequantities
of
clean
wa-
terfor
several
minutes
and
call
a
physician
.

"
Batteries
that
are
being
charged
or
are
fully
charged
give
off
explosive
hydrogen
gas
.
Keep
sparks
and
open
flames
away
.
Do
not
smoke
.

BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR



121-1

121
Battery,
Starter,
Alternator

GENERAL
..
.
...
.
........
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
121-1



Voltage
regulator,
removing
and
ínstalling
.
.
.
121-6

Alternator
brushes,
inspecting
and
replacing
.121-7

STARTER
SERVICE
....
.
.
.
.
.
..........
.121-7

Starter
Troubleshootíng



121-7



15
..
.
.
.
.
.
........
.
.
.

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)
....
.
.
.
............
.
121-8

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engine
with
manual
transmission)
..
.
...........
.
...
121-8

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engine
with

automatic
transmission)
................
121-9

Solenoid
switch,
removingand
installing
....
121-10

TABLES

a
.
Battery,
Starter
and
Charging
System

Troubleshooting
............
.
.
.
.
:...
........
121-2

b
.
Specific
Gravity
of
Battery
Electrolyte
at
80°F
(27°C)
...............
.
.
..
..........
121-3

c
.
Open-Circuit
Voltage
and
Battery
Charge
........
121-4

d
.
Battery
Load
Test-Minimum
Voltage
.
..........
121-4

CAUTION
-

"
Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
bat-tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.
"
Disconnecting
the
battery
cables
may
erase
fault
codes
stored
in
control
unit
memory
.

"
Always
disconnect
the
negative
()
battery
cable
first
and
reconnect
it
last
.
Cover
the
battery
post
with
an
insulating
material
whenever
the
cable
is
removed
.

"
After
reconnecting
the
battery,
the
power
window
motors
must
be
reinitialized
.
See
511
Door
Win-
dows
.

"
Never
reverse
the
battery
cables
.
Even
a
momen-
tary
wrong
connection
can
damage
the
alternatoror
other
electrical
components
.

"
Battery
cables
may
be
the
same
color
.
Label
ca-blebefore
removing
.

GENERAL

121-2



BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING



Static
currentdraw,
checking

Charging
system
diagnostics
requires
special
test
equip-

ment
.
If
the
test
equipment
is
not
available,
charging
system

fault
diagnosis
can
be
performedby
an
authorized
BMW
deal-

eror
other
qualified
repair
shop
.
A
general
troubleshooting

guide
is
given
in
Table
a
.

Charging
System
Quick-Check

As
a
quick-check,
use
a
digital
multimeter
lo
measure
volt-



2
.
Disconnect
battery
negative
(-)
cable
.

age
across
the
battery
terminals
with
the
key
off
and
then

again
with
the
engine
running
.
The
battery
voltage
should
be



CAUTION-
about12
.6
volts
with
key
off
and
approximately
14
.0
volts
with



Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
the
engine
running
.
If
the
voltage
does
not
increase
when
the



disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
engine
is
running,there
is
a
fault
in
the
charging
system
.



manual
onpaga
viii
.

NOTE
-

The
regulated
voltage
(engine
running)
should
be
be-
tween
13
.5
and
14
.5,
depending
on
temperatura
and
operating
conditions
.
If
the
voltage
is
higher
than
14
.8,
the
voltage
regulator
is
most
Mely
faulty
.

Check
for
clean
and
tight
battery
cables
.
Check
the
ground

cable
running
from
the
negative
(-)
battery
terminal
lo
the

chassis
and
the
ground
cable
running
from
the
engine
lo
the

chassis
.
Check
the
alternator
drive
belt
condition
and
tension
.

If
the
battery
discharges
over
time,
there
may
be
a
constant

drain
or
current
draw
on
the
battery
.
A
small
static
drain
on
the

battery
is
normal,
but
a
largedrain
will
cause
the
battery
lo

quickly
discharge
.
Make
a
static
current
draw
test
asthe
first

step
when
experiencing
battery
discharge
.

1
.
Make
sure
ignition
and
al¡
electrical
accessories
are

switched
off
.

3
.
Connect
a
digital
ammeter
between
negative
battery

post
and
negative
battery
cable
lo
measure
current
.

See
Fig
.
1
.
Wait
at
least
one
minuta
lo
get
an
accurate

reading
.

A
range
of
about
0
lo
100
milliamps
is
normal,
dependingon

the
number
of
accessories
that
need
constant
power
.
A
current

of
400
milliamps
(0.4
amp)
or
more
may
indicate
a
problem
.

Table
a
.
Battery,
Starter
and
Charging
System
Troubleshooting

Symptom



1



Probable
Cause



1



Correctiva
Action

1
.
Engine
cranks
slowlyor
not



a
.
Battery
cables
loose,
dirty
orcor-



a
.
Clean
or
replace
cables
.
See020
Maintenance
Program
.
a
tall,
solenoíd
clicks
when



roded
.
starter
is
operated
.



b
.
Battery
discharged
.



b
.
Charge
battery,
test
and
replace
if
necessary
.
c
.
Body
ground
straploose,
dirty
or



c
.
Inspect
ground
strap,
clean,
tighten
or
replace
if
necessary
.
corroded
.
d
.
Poor
connection
at
starter
motor



d
.
Check
connections,
test
for
voltage
at
starter
.
Test
for
voltage
at
terminal
30
.



neutral
safety
or
clutch
interlock
switch
.
e
.
Starter
motor
or
solenoid
faulty
.



e
.
Test
starter
.

2
.
Battery
will
not
stay



a
.
Short
circuit
draining
the
battery
.



a
.
Test
for
excessive
current
drainwith
everything
electrical
in
the
charged
more
than
a
few



vehicle
off
.
days
.



b
.
Short
driving
trips
and
high
elec-



b
.
Evaluate
driving
style
.
Where
possible,
reduce
electrical
con
trical
drain
on
charging
system



sumption
when
making
short
trips
.
does
not
allow
battery
to
re-
charge
.
c
.
Drive
belt(s)
worn
or
damaged
.



c
.
Inspect
or
replace
multi-ribbed
belt(s)
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
d
.
Battery
faulty
.



d
.
Test
battery
and
replace
íf
necessary
.
e
.
Battery
cables
loose,
dirty
orcor-



e
.
Clean
or
replace
cables
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
rodad
.
f
.
Alternatoror
voltage
regulator



f
.
Test
alternator
and
voltage
regulator
.
faulty
.

3
.
Battery
losing
water
.



1
a
.
Battery
overcharging
.



1
a
.
Test
voltage
regulator
for
proper
operation
.

4
.
Lights
dim,
light
intensity



a
.
Drive
belt(s)
worn
or
damaged
.



a
.
Inspect
or
replace
multi-ribbed
belt(s)
.
See
020
Maintenance
varies
with
engine
speed
.



Program
.
b
.
Alternatoror
voltage
regulator



b
.
Test
alternator
and
voltage
regulator
.
faulty
.
c
.
Body
ground
straps
loose,
dirty
or



c
.
Inspect
ground
straps,
clean,
tighten
or
replace
as
necessary
.
corroded
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING

Fig
.1.



Electrical
system
static
current
draw
being
measured
.

To
determine
the
circuit
or
component
causing
the
problem,

remove
one
Puse
at
a
time
until
the
current
drops
to
a
normal
range
.

BATTERY
SERVICE

The
E36
uses
a
six-cell,
12-volt
leadacid
battery
mounted

in
the
luggage
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

NOTE-

E36
convertible
models
require
a
specialbattery
which
is
designed
for
constant
vibratfon
.
A
battery
not
de-signed
for
this
will
fail
much
earlier
.

Battery
capacity
is
determined
by
the
amount
of
current

needed
tostart
the
vehicle,
and
by
the
amount
of
current
con-
sumed
by
the
electrical
system
.

BMW
batteries
are
rated
by
ampere/hours
(Ah)
and
cold

cranking
amps
(CCA)
rating
.
The
Ah
rating
is
determined
by

the
average
amount
of
current
the
battery
can
deliver
over
time
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.
The
CCA
is

determined
by
the
battery's
ability
to
deliver
starting
current
at

0°
F
(-18°
C)
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.

Battery
Testing

noN~A

B9517

Battery
testing
determines
the
state
of
battery
charge
.
On

conventional
or
low-maintenance
batteries
the
most
common

method
of
testing
the
battery
is
that
of
checking
the
specific

gravity
of
the
electrolyte
using
a
hydrometer
.
Before
testing

the
battery,
check
that
the
cables
are
tight
and
free
of
corro-

sion
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

Hydrometer
Testing

The
hydrometer
consists
of
a
glass
cylinder
with
a
freely

moving
float
inside
.
When
electrolyte
is
drawn
into
the
cylin-

der,
the
levelto
which
the
float
sinks
indicates
the
specific

BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR



121-
3

Fig
.
2
.



Battery
in
right
sideof
luggage
compartment
.

gravity
of
the
electrolyte
.
The
more
dense
the
concentration
of
sulfuric
acid
in
the
electrolyte,
the
less
the
float
will
sink,
result-

ing
in
a
higher
reading
and
indicating
a
higher
state
of
charge)
.

NOTE-

Electrolyte
temperature
affects
hydrometer
reading
.
Check
the
electrolyte
temperaturewith
a
thermometer
.
Add
0
.004
to
the
hydrometer
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
above
80°F
(27°C)
.
Sub-
tract
0
.004
from
the
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
below
80°F
(27°C)
.

Before
checking
the
specificgravity
of
a
battery,
load
the
battery
with
15
amperes
for
one
minute
.
lf
the
battery
is
in-

stalled
in
the
vehicle,
this
can
be
done
by
turning
on
the
head-

lights
without
the
engine
running
.
Table
b
lists
the
percentage

of
charge
based
on
specific
gravity
values
.

Table
b
.
Specific
Gravity
of
Battery
Electrolyteat

80
°
F
(27°C)

Specific
gravity



1



Stateof
charge

1
.265



Fully
charged
1
.225



75%
charged
1
.190



50%
charged
1
.155



25%
charged
1
.120



Fully
discharged

The
battery
isin
satisfactory
condition
if
theaverage
specif-

ic
gravity
of
the
six
cells
is
at
least
1
.225
.
If
the
specific
gravity

is
above
this
leve¡,
butthe
battery
lacks
power
for
starting,
de-

termine
the
battery's
senrice
condition
with
a
load
voltage
test,

as
described
below
.
If
the
average
specific
gravity
of
the
six

cells
is
below
1
.225,
remove
the
battery
from
the
luggage

compartment
and
recharge
.
If,
after
recharging,
the
specific
gravity
varies
by
more
than
0
.005
between
any
two
celis,
re-

place
the
battery
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING

121-
4



BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR

BatteryOpen-Circuit
Voltage
Test



Battery
Charging

Before
making
the
test,
load
the
battery
with
15
amperes
for



Discharged
batteries
can
be
recharged
using
a
battery

one
minute
with
a
batteryload-tester
or
turn
on
the
headlights



charger
.
The
battery
should
be
removed
from
the
luggage

for
about
one
minute
without
the
engine
running
.Then
discon-



compartment
during
charging
.

nect
the
battery
negative
(-)
cable
and
connect
a
digital
volt-

meter
acrossthe
battery
terminals
.
Open-circuit
voltage



Prolonged
charging
causes
electrolyte
evaporation
to
a
lev

levels
are
given
in
Table
c
.



el
that
can
damage
the
battery
.
Itis
bestto
use
a
low-current

charger
(6
amperes
or
less)
to
prevent
battery
damage

If
the
open-circuit
voltage
ís
OK
butthe
battery
still
lacks



caused
by
overheating
.

power
for
starting,
make
a
load
voltage
test
.
If
the
open-circuit

voltage
is
below
12
.4
volts,
recharge
the
battery
and
retest
.



WARNING
-

Hydrogen
gas
given
off
by
the
battery
duringcharg-

Table
c
.
Open-Circuit
Voltage
and
Battery
Charge



ing
is
explosive
.
Do
not
smoke
.
Keep
open
llames

away
from
the
top
of
the
battery,
and
prevent
elec
Open-circuit
voltage



State
of
charge



trical
sparks
by
turning
offthe
battery
charger
be-

12
.6
V
or
more



Fully
charged



fore
connecting
or
disconnecting
it
.

12
.4
V



1



75%
charged

12
.2
V



50%
charged



CAUTION-

12
.0
V



25%
charged



"
Battery
electrolyte
(sulfuric
acid)
can
damage
the
car
.
If
electrolyte
isspilled,
clean
the
area
11
.7
V
or
less



Fully
discharged



with
a
solution
of
baking
soda
and
water
.

Battery
Load
Voltage
Test

A
battery
load
tester
is
required
for
a
load
voltage
test
.
The



-
Always
disconnect
both
battery
cables
and
re-

test
is
made
by
applying
a
high
resistive
load
to
the
battery
ter-



move
battery
from
vehicle
during
battery
charg-
ing
.
Do
not
exceed
16
.5volts
at
the
battery
.
minals
and
then
measuring
battery
voltage
.
The
battery
should

be
fully
charged
for
the
most
accurate
results
.
The
battery
ca-

bles
mustbe
disconnected
before
making
the
test
.
If
the
volt-



ALTERNATOR
$ERVICE
age
is
below
that
listed
in
Table
d,
the
battery
should
be

replaced
.

WARNING
-

Always
wear
protective
goggles
and
clothing
when
performing
aload
test
.

Table
d
.
Battery
Load
Test-Minimum
Voltage

(apply
200
amp
load
for
15
seconds)

Ambient
temperature



Voltage

80°F
(27°C)



9
.6
V

60°F
(16°C)



9
.5
V

40°F
(4°C)



9
.3
V

20°F
(-7°C)



8
.9
V

0°F
(-18°C)



8
.5
V

ALTERNATOR
SERVICE

"
Always
allow
a
frozen
battery
to
thaw
before
at-
tempting
to
recharge
it
.

Before
checking
the
alternator
and
regulator,
make
sure
the

battery
is
fully
charged
and
capable
of
holding
acharge
.
Check
that
the
battery
terminals
are
clean
and
tight
and
the
al-

ternator
drive
belt
is
properly
tensioned
and
not
severely

worn
.

Charging
system,
checking

CAUTION-

Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
while
the
engine
is
running,
.
Damage
to
the
alternator
andlorengine
electronic
systems
may
result
.

1.
Turn
ignition
key
on
.
Check
that
the
chargewarning

lamp
comes
on
.

NOTE-

If
the
warning
light
does
not
come
on,
repair
any
wiring
or
bulb
faults
before
continuing
to
check
the
charging
system
.

2
.
Remove
cooling
duct
or
terminal
cover
from
rear
of
al-



2
.
Remove
air
cleaner
upper
section
with
mass
air
flow
ternator
.



sensor
.

3
.
Check
for
battery
voltage
between
ground
and
terminal



3
.
Remove
terminal
cover
from
rear
of
alternator
.
Discon
B+
at
back
of
alternator
.
Then
turn
ignition
on
and



nect
wiring
.
check
for
battery
voltage
between
terminal
D+
and
ground
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
lf
voltage
is
not
present
at
either



4
.
Remove
drive
belt
from
alternator
pulley
.
See
020
point,
check
wiring
for
faults
.



Maintenance
program
.

001
¡987
Fig
.
3
.



Terminal
B+
is
supplied
battery
voltage
directly
from
the
bat-
tery
.
Terminal
D+
is
supplied
battery
voltage
via
the
charge
warning
bulb
when
thekey
is
on
or
the
engine
is
running
.

4
.
lf
no
faults
are
foundup
to
thispoint,test
alternator
out-

put
using
a
load
tester
.

5
.
If
a
load
tester
is
not
available,
a
crude
output
test
can
be
done
by
running
engine
at
about
2000
rpmand
turn-
ing
on
electrical
loads
(fans,
lights
and
rear
window
de-
froster,
wipers)
.
With
al¡
accessories
on,
battery
voltage
should
be
above
12
.0
VDC
.

A
replacement
alternator
should
have
the
same
rating
as
the
original
.
Alternator
manufacturer
and
ampere
rating
are
normally
marked
on
the
alternator
housing
.
1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
vi¡¡
.

BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR



121-
5

6
.
Remove
upper
and
lower
mounting
bolts
and
lift
out
al-
ternator
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

NOTE
-

If
reusing
drive
belt,
mark
direction
of
rotation
on
belt
before
removing
.

5
.
On
M44
engine
with
hydraulic
belt
tensioner
:
Remove
tensioner
idler
pulley
(upper
roller)
from
alternator

bracket
.

Fig
.
4
.



Alternator
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.

O



u
J
S
v~~

U

I



1
i
n
-12
.22

Alternator,
removing
and
installing



7
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Install
drive
belt
as

(4-cylinder
engine)



described
in
020
Maintenance
Program
.

Tightening
Torques

"
D+
vire
to
alternator
(M6
nut)
.
...
.
.
.
7
Nm
(53
in-lb)

"
B+
wire
to
alternator
(M8
nut)
..
.
.
.
.
.
13
Nm
(10
ft-Ib)

"
Pulley
to
alternator
(M16
nut)
...
..
..
60
Nm
(44
ft-Ib)

ALTERNATOR
SERVICE