Alternator Differences?

[325Andre]

My alternator is completly shot on my 92 325i. I have the valeo unit, and I am not looking to spend to much money so a re-maned unit from autozone is what I am looking to purchase.

My manual says that I have an 80 amp alternator, but the computer at autozone says the Valeo unit runs at 110 amps. Can anyone verify this? I have to wait a week to get a Valeo replacement, I don't have that much time so I was hoping to purchase their 90 amp alternator that is in stock.

[Furious]

there are two brands stock to our cars, valeo (french made) and bosch (german) i beleive there were 3 options on voltage, i always thought it was 80,110, 140 but i cant quite recall.

[drz]

Get a Bosch alternator. Valeos are overpriced French parts that do not perform as well as their German counterparts. The cars usually came stock with 80 amp alternators, but I know they come in a 110 amp rating, and -- as furious said -- I believe there is also a 130 or 140. Any of them will work as long as you supply enough current to the circuitry. 80 is very likely more amperage than you really need, but its on the safe side. A higher rated alternator cannot hurt your car. However, unless you need the extra juice (e.g., to power super stereo system) you would only be paying for power you will not need.

[325Andre]

Thanks so much for your help. I think I'll just go purchase a suitable replacement. I was just unsure if options like heated seats and the 18 button OBC may have made me need the 110 amp alternator. Thanks again.

[shalomj]

Hello.

I have a question regarding a 1995 BMW 325i model. I'm interested in purchasing one with 197,000 miles on it. Do anyone know how long the engine will work until it goes, if I maintain the it properly? Please help me understand.

This would be my first BMW and I want to get off on a good start. A guy is selling his for $4,800 US. Is it worth it?


Thanks

[jrhaile]

I have a used bosch that works i'll sell for cheap if you want

[drz]

Originally posted by shalomj@Jan 21 2005, 08:35 PM
Hello.

I have a question regarding a 1995 BMW 325i model. I'm interested in purchasing one with 197,000 miles on it. Do anyone know how long the engine will work until it goes, if I maintain the it properly? Please help me understand.

This would be my first BMW and I want to get off on a good start. A guy is selling his for $4,800 US. Is it worth it?


Thanks

[snapback]276418[/snapback]

shalomj, this is not the place for your question. Check out the FAQs for the thread on common problems with E36s (which a 95 325i is, as you may or may not know). A well maintained BMW can last for very long, but a mistreated one can end up costing you a lot of $$$ in repairs. Good luck. Welcome to the forum.