Alternator Duct - BMW Forum

BeachBunny · 03-08-2005, 06:36 PM

I'm sure almost everyone's had to replace their alternator duct at some point, right? Well, mine's got a big hole in it (because it's plastic for some reason) but I've needed to replace it for months. They're like $6 at the dealership, I know. But I was wondering how bad it is that I haven't replaced it yet, if I could get one anywhere that's not that crap plastic and a bit sturdier, or even why the thing's even made out of plastic?

BeachBunny · 03-08-2005, 09:34 PM

No one knows?

vincentwashere · 03-08-2005, 09:45 PM

not really that bad, my friend doesnt have one hasnt messed with his alternator

jrhaile · 03-08-2005, 11:21 PM

I ran without one for almost a year with no problems :P but for your peace of mind, spend 6 bucks man

bitcore · 03-09-2005, 12:36 PM

These things get hot, and you dont't want your alternator going out on you without you knowing.
It can die, and you wont know until the battery's voltage is too low to power the car anymore.
6$ dude, do it!

mech9T8 · 03-09-2005, 01:50 PM

I work at a place that makes those types of parts. They're made of plastic because it's the cheapest way to get that shape. Maybe the type of plastic that was selected was incorrect. But what else would you make it out of?

fushuman · 03-09-2005, 01:57 PM

could someone tell me if the 318 has that and where exactly is loctated?
you guys got me worried i really dont wanna fu@% up my alternator.
And is it possible as a DIY project?

OldGuy · 03-09-2005, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bitcore@Mar 9 2005, 11:36 AM
These things get hot, and you dont't want your alternator going out on you without you knowing.
It can die, and you wont know until the battery's voltage is too low to power the car anymore.
6$ dude, do it!

[snapback]307265[/snapback]

Err... um... uh.... I think the proper term for the young lady is dudette...

I just replaced mine two weeks ago. One of those things I didn't notice when I bought the car. Cheap and easy install.............

BeachBunny · 03-09-2005, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fushuman@Mar 9 2005, 11:57 AM
could someone tell me if the 318 has that and where exactly is loctated?
you guys got me worried i really dont wanna fu@% up my alternator.
And is it possible as a DIY project?

[snapback]307312[/snapback]

I ran out and snapped a pic. Please excuse my dirty-ass engine

. I've never done it, but I'm pretty confident it's a peice of cake.

OldGuy · 03-09-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BeachBunny+Mar 9 2005, 01:10 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BeachBunny @ Mar 9 2005, 01:10 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-fushuman@Mar 9 2005, 11:57 AM
could someone tell me if the 318 has that and where exactly is loctated?
you guys got me worried i really dont wanna fu@% up my alternator.
And is it possible as a DIY project?

[snapback]307312[/snapback]

I ran out and snapped a pic. Please excuse my dirty-ass engine

. I've never done it, but I'm pretty confident it's a peice of cake.

[snapback]307320[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Remove the front air intake shroud that it's connected to. Loosen the hose clamp connected to the alternator. Slide it off and put the hose clamp on the new one and go in reverse order from there. Super simple................................

NeverLeaned · 03-09-2005, 03:43 PM

You could always duct-tape it.......... Anyone here that ever owned any GM production car from 1970-1990 knows perfectly well the value of duct-taping their ram air intact! LOL!

e30fanm3 · 03-09-2005, 03:49 PM

the duct doesnt really matter. your car's alternator doesnt get any hotter than the million cars that were made without duct with no problems. its just some thing else the dealer can tell you it has to make it stand out and make you want the car