Alternator BMW 525i 2001 E39 Owner's Manual

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121-10
I Battery, Starter, Alternator
- Strip approximately 15 rnm (0.6 in) of insulation from cable
end.
terminal harness
Shrink insulation
Terminal connector
4 Push terminal connector of new cable over stripped end of
old cable. Tighten clamp.
- Slip shrink-fit insulation over positive cable. Attach new safe-
ty harness to end of positive cable. Shrink insulation with hot
air blower.
- Reinstall cable in cable bracket and attach to battery.
- Reattach negative battery cable. Reinstall luggage cornpart-
rnent trim pieces.
- Use BMW scan tool DlSplus or equivalent to read out airbag
control module fault memory. Correct faults, then clear mem-
ory.
1 1 4 Various versions of alternators have been used in E39
vehicles. See Table e.
Table e. Alternator application chart
Model Alternator type
Air cooled, 90 amp or 120 amp
Air cooled, with multi-function control
(MFR), 120 amp or 140 amp
Air cooled with multi-function control
(MFR), 120 amp or 140 amp
540i 1997 Air
cooled. 120
amp or 140amp sazrz~orsl 1998 ~~~ ~ .~ . ...~ ~ ~-~~~~ Air cooled; with integrated mu~ii-
function control (MFR). 120 amp 140
amp 1999-2002 Water
cooled, with integrated multi-
function control (MFR), 90-150 amp
(variable output)

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121-11
Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Alternator 1997 - 98 5281 1997 540i
/-- -----,
I'
-----------
F15 / 7.5A/ :
&.. .... , 30 1 Xi0015
Battery
Hol in run 61 E (D+) Alternator
and stsrt
lBL
(Generator)
1 .--------,charge , . I , indicator I xGoli i
I <"9,7,a,T
Alternator, basic
On 1997-1 998 6-cylinderand 1997 V-8 models, the charging
system indicator light is supplied voltage
(+) to one side of the
light bulb, and the other side of the bulb is connected to the
voltage regulator.
With the engine off and the key in the run position, voltage
from the ignition switch flows through the regulator to ground,
completing the circuit and illuminating the charge indicator
bulb.
When the vehicle is started and the alternator begins to pro-
duce voltage, the output of the diode trio increases and the
light is turned off.
Alternator with multi-function control
(MFR)
Alternator with multi-function control
(MFR)
The multi-function controlled alternator is used on:
* 1999-2002 6-cylinder models
* 1998-2002 V-8 models
4 On cars with multi-function control alternator, the charge in-
dicator lamp is activated by means of an electronic switch in-
tegrated in the alternator controller. This switch receives its
voltage supply from terminal
15 on the 3-pin connector at the
rear of the alternator. The controller measures internally the
voltage difference between terminal 30 and terminal
15 and
signals the DME ECM to turn the charge indicator lamp on.
The controller features integrated fault detection. The battery
charge indicator lamp will come on in the event of:
* Failure of belt drive
No charge due to an
electrical/electronic fault
Interruption in excitation circuit
Over-voltage due to a defective controller output stage Fault or break in charge line
No charge due to alternator fault

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Battery, Starter, Alternator
Water-cooled alternator
The water-cooled alternator, used on 1999 and later M62 TU
engines, is a sealed unit housed inside the engine block wa-
ter jacket. It is cooled via the engine cooling system. It is a
"brushless" sealed unit that cannot be serviced. Maintaining
consistent alternator temperatures increases the life span of
the alternator, and elimination of the alternator cooling fan re-
duces alternator noise
significantly.
The M62 TU water-cooled alternator incorporates load start
reduction. This function is intended to shorten the duration of
engine starting, particularly at low ambienttemperatures. The
current load is limited to
20 amps during starting in order to re-
duce alternator braking torque on the engine. Following the
current limiting phase, full power output is then progressively
reached.
Charging system diagnostics requires special test equip-
ment. If the test equipment is not available, charging system
fault diagnosis can be performed by an authorized
BMW
dealer or other qualified repair shop. See Table a. Battery,
alternator and starter troubleshooting for general electri-
cal component troubleshooting.
Before checking the alternator, make sure the battery is fully
charged and capable of holding a charge. Check that the bat-
tery terminals are clean and tight and the alternator drive belt
is properly tensioned and not severely worn.
NOTE-
Some model require up to 15 second to reacli full alternator
output.
CA UTIOG
If the charge indicator light in the instrument cluster remains
on, the charge warning circuit in the instrument cluster may
be faulty. Check that the ground lead is securely
affached to
the grounding stud on the cylinder head
(A). Replacing the
instrument cluster before repairing the ground lead will both
damage the instrument cluster and cause the failure to
reoccur.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Charging system quick-check
Use a digital multimeter to measure voltage across the bat-
tery terminals with key off and then again with engine running.
Battery voltage should be about 12.6 volts with key off and be-
tween 13.5 and 14.5 volts with engine running.
NOTE-
The regulated voltage (engine running) should be between
13.2 and 14.5, depending on temperature andoperating con-
ditions.
If the voltage is higher than 14.8, the voltage regula-
tor or
mulitfunction controller is most likely faulty
Check for clean and tight battery cables. Check ground cable
running from negative
(-) battery terminal to chassis and
ground cable running from engine to chassis. Check alterna-
tor drive belt condition and tension.
Charging system, checking
CAUTIOI\C
* Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
Damage to the alternator and/or engine electronic systems
may result.
Only use a digital multimeter when testing charging
system components.
--7
4 Turn ignition key on. Check that battery warning light comes
on.
NOTE-
If the warning light does not come on, repair bulb or wiring
faults before continuing to checlc the charging system.
/ Charge indicator
502820805
4 6-cylinder engines only, remove complete air filter housing:
Loosen
intake duct hose clamp (A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control hose from intake
duct
(B) and disconnect idle speed control valve electrical
harness connector.
Disconnect electrical harness connector
(C) from mass air
flow sensor.
Remove air filter housing mounting screw
(D).
Disconnect vent tube (E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lift air filter housing out of engine bay.

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- -
/Battery, Starter, Alternator -- - -. - --I
< Check for battery voltage at alternator terminal 30 (B+) (ar-
row):
Pull back rubber insulating cover at terminal 30 at rear of
alternator.
Connect voltmeter between terminal 30 and ground and
check for battery voltage.
If voltage is not present, check
wiring for faults.
NOTE-
On V-8 engines, access to the rear of the alternator is limited.
Check for battery voltage between the jump start post on the
left cylinder head and ground.
r Disconnect harness connector from alternator. Turn ianition
on and check for battery voltage between terminal
lgand
ground. If voltage is not present, check wiring and fuses for
faults.
Reconnect connector to alternator.
Locate the blue wire coming from terminal
61E of the alter-
nator connector. Carefully connect the positive
(+) test lead
to the wire using a piercing test lead end.
Turn ignition key on and check for voltage. Voltage should be
less than 1.5 VDC and charge indicator lamp should light.
- Making sure all test equipment and tools are clear, start en-
gine. Voltage should increase to
8.0 VDC or higher. The
charge indicator light should go out.
If voltage does not increase and system is not charging,
the fault is in alternator.
- If voltage does not increase, but system is charging, inter- - roaate svstem for faults usina an appropriate BMW scan - .. . tool and'reset fault memory.
- If a load tester is not available, a quick alternator output test
can be done by running engine at about 2000 rpm and turn-
- -
ing on electrical loads (fans, lights, rear window defroster, -
- and wipers). With all accessories on, battery voltage should
be above 12.6
V.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Alternator, removing and installing
(6-cylinder engine)
A replacement alternator should have the same rating as the
original. Alternator manufacturer and ampere rating are nor-
mally marked on the alternator housing.
- Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the batteg read the battery discon-
nection cautions given
in 001 General Warnings and Cau-
I tions.
Remove complete air filter housing:
Loosen intake duct hose clamp
(A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control hose from intake
duct
(B) and disconnect idle speed control valve electrical
harness connector.
Disconnect electrical harness connector
(C) from mass air
flow sensor.
* Remove air filter housing mounting screw (D),
Disconnect vent tube (E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lifl air filter housing out of engine bay.
Remove alternator drive belt. See belt removal procedures in
020 Maintenance.
- Remove radiator cooling fan and fan shroud. See 170 Radi-
ator and Cooling System.
NOTE-
The radiator cooling fan nut (32 mm wrench) has left-hand
threads.
- Unbolt power steering fluid reservoir and bracket. Suspend to
one side without detaching fluid hoses.
- Disconnect alternator air cooling tube.
- Disconnect wiring from rear of alternator.
'4 Remove upper and lower mounting bolts (arrows) and lift
alternator.
If idler pulley for belt interferes, remove pulley cover and
retaining bolt to remove pulley. out

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121-16
Battery, Starter, Alternator
- installation is reverse of removal.
Tightening torques Belt tensloner to engine block
M8 (8.8 grade) 22
Nm (16 ft-ib)
Fan clutch to coolant pump
with BMW special tool 11
5 040 30 Nm (22
ft-lb)
without BMW special tool
11 5 040 40 Nm
(29 ft-ib)
Pulley to alternator 70
Nm (44 ft-lb)
Terminal 30
(B+) wire to alternator (M8) 13 Nm (10 ft-ib)
Alternator, removing and installing
(M62 engine, air cooled)
A replacement alternator should have the same rating as the
original. Alternator manufacturer and ampere rating are nor-
mally
marked on the alternator housing.
- Disconnect negative (-) battery cable.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautions
001 General Warnings and Cautions.
- Remove cooling fan and alternator drive belt. See 020 Main-
tenance.
- Pry out trim caps and remove fasteners from plastic cover on
left head. Lift off cover.
Disconnect positive
(+) lead from jump start post (arrow).
Raise car and support in a safe manner.
WARNING-
Make sure the car is stable and well supported at aN times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose.
A floorjack is not adequate support.

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121-17
Bauery, Starter, Alternator
- Remove engine splash shield from underneath car.
Working underneath car at rear of alternator, loosen alterna-
tor air cooling duct clamp
(arrow) and remove duct.
Remove three alternator mounting fasteners
(arrows)
Pull alternator forward and disconnect wiring from rear of
alternator.
Release clip retaining wiring harness to alternator.
Rotate alternator forward and then up and out of engine com-
partment, using care to not damage radiator.
CAUTIOe
Protect radiator with heavy cardboard or sheet metal.
Installation is reverse of removal,
Tightening
torques
Fan clutch to coolant pump
with BMW special tool
11 5 040 30
Nm (22 ft-lb)
without BMW special tool 11 5 040 40 Nm (29 ft-lb)
Pullev to alternator 70 Nm 144 it-lb) -,
Terminal 30 (Bt) wire to alternator (ME) 13 Nm 110 ft-lb

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121-18
I Battery, Starter, Alternator
Alternator, removing and installing
(M62 TU engine, water cooled)
V-8 models produced after 9/98 are equipped with a water
cooled alternator.
CAUTION-
Allow engine to cool before removing alternator as coolant
will
escape from the alternator water jacket.
- Disconnect negative (-) battery cable
CAUTION- Prior to disconnecting the
battew read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.
- Remove radiator cooling fan and fan shroud. See 170 Radi-
ator and Cooling System.
- Drain engine cooling system. See 170 Radiator and Cool-
ing System.
- Remove alternator drive belt. See 020 Maintenance.
- Disconnect battery lead (terminal 30 or B+) and two-pin har-
ness connector from front of alternator.
I < Remove bolts securing alternator to water jacket and remove
aling ring
alternator.
NOTE- If necessary, raise car and remove engine compartment
splash shield to access lower alternator mounting bolts.
The upper coolant hose can also
be removed to assist al-
ternator removal.

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Battery, Starter, Alternator
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Replace alternator rubber sealing O-ring.
* Fill and bleed cooling system as described in 170 Radiator
and Cooling System.
Tightening torques
Fan clutch to coolant pump
with
BMW special tool 11 5 040 30 Nm (22 ft-lb)
without
BMW special tool 11 5 040 40 Nm (29 ft-lb)
Terminal 30 (Bc) wire to alternator (ME) 13 Nm (10 ft-lb)
STARTER
Starter troubleshooting
Typical starter wiring terminal identification is shown. Large
wire at terminal
30 (not shown in photo) is direct battery volt-
age. Smaller wire at terminal
50 operates starter solenoid via
ignition switch.
If starter turns engine slowly when ignition is in start position:
Check battery state of charge.
Inspect starter wires, terminals, and ground
connectlons
for good contact. In particular, make sure ground connec-
tions between battery, body and
englne are completely
clean and tight.
If no faults are found, starter may be faulty and should be
replaced.
- If starter fails to operate, check EWS (drive-away protection
system). Try another ignition key.
If no faults can be found,
have the EWS system checked using
BMW scan tool equip-
ment.
Checkclutch pedal operated
starter lock-out switch or gear
position switch (automatic).
NOTE-
* A factory-installed drive-away protection system, also re-
ferred to as
EWS, is used on E39 cars. This system pre-
vents operation of the starter if a specially coded ignition
key is not used.
On cars with automatic transmission, the transmission
gear position switch signals
EWS to prevent the engine
from starting in gear positions other than PARK or NEU-
TRAL.
On cars with manual transmissions, a starter immobiliza-
tion switch
at the clutch pedal is used to prevent the starter
from operating unless the clutch pedal is pushed fully to
the floor.