Removal and installation the generator (BMW 7 Series E38)

When working with oil, fuel and coolant circuits, the generator must be protected from contamination.

1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

2. Remove the alternator drive belt (see chapter Engine).

3. On models with engines M57, M67 and M73 remove the cooling system fan shroud (see chapter Engine cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems).

Engine M51

1. Disconnect the cooling air supply hose from the generator.



2. Disconnect the connector (1) on the generator.



3. Unscrew the lower generator mounting bolt and the power steering reservoir mounting bolts to the front side member.



4. Remove the upper generator mounting bolt.





5. Disconnect the electrical wiring connector (1) and remove the protective cap (2).



6. Loosen the nut, remove the charging circuit wire and the wire to the positive terminal of the battery.

7. Remove the generator.

8. Installation is carried out in the reverse order, observe the tightening forces of the fasteners. To facilitate installation, pre-press the bushings from the front side member.

Engines M52, M52TU

1. Remove the air cleaner housing (see chapter Fuel and exhaust systems) and the cooling system fan drive clutch (see chapter Engine cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems).

2. If necessary, empty the power steering fluid reservoir, remove it together with the bracket and set it aside.

Do not disconnect the pipes from the tank.

3. If installed, remove the air hose.



4. In version No.1, remove the connector plugs, disconnect the connector (1), loosen the nut (2) and remove the positive battery cable.



5. In version No.2, disconnect the connector (1), loosen the nut (2) and remove the positive battery cable.





6. In the version without an idler pulley, unscrew the generator mounting bolts one by one while holding it. Remove the generator.



7. In the version with an idler pulley, remove the cover from it, unscrew the bolt and remove the pulley (1). Unscrew the bolt and remove the generator (2).

8. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. In the version with a bypass roller, its retainer must enter the groove of the generator.

Engine M57

1. Unscrew the bolts (1) and remove the air duct (2). Release the clamps (3), remove the expansion tank by moving it upwards and set it aside.





2. Disconnect the generator connector (1), remove the protective cap (2) of the positive battery cable, loosen the nut (3) and remove the positive battery cable.



3. Unscrew the bolt (1) and remove the roller (2).



3. Unscrew the bolts (1) on the generator, remove the bracket (2) and pull out the generator in an upward motion.





4. If necessary, unscrew the bolts (1) and remove the generator support bracket (2).

Engines M60, M62

Air cooled generator:

1. Loosen the oil filter housing mounting bolts and move it to the side.

2. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the generator by loosening the mounting nuts and disconnecting the connectors.



3. Release the cooling air flow guide from the clamps.



4. Loosen the bolts (1-3), pull the generator forward and remove it by moving it upwards.

Avoid damaging the cooling system radiator fins.

5. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. If necessary, replace the generator pulley.

Liquid cooled generator

1. Remove the fan impeller together with the fan drive clutch from the water pump (see chapter Engine cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems). Drain the coolant (see chapter Vehicle settings and routine maintenance).



2. Remove the bolts (1) on the generator.



3. Unscrew the bolt (1), remove the battery cable (2), disconnect the connector (3), unscrew the bolt (4), remove the roller and put it aside. Unscrew the remaining three bolts (5) securing the generator.

4. Pull the generator forward.

When dismantling the generator, residual coolant will leak out. To facilitate dismantling, disconnect the upper coolant hose if necessary.

5. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Replace the generator sealing ring. Upon completion of the work, fill and bleed the cooling system (see chapter Vehicle settings and routine maintenance).

Engine M67

1. Loosen the clamp (1) on the left pressure pipe (2) and disconnect it.



2. Loosen the clamp (1) and remove the pressure pipe (2).



3. Remove the cover from the roller bolt (1), unscrew the bolt, move the tensioner to the side and remove the idler roller (2).



4. Loosen the nut (1) and remove the positive cable (2) from the battery. Disconnect the connector (3) from the generator.



5. Remove the bolts on the generator.

First unscrew the bottom bolt (1) halfway, then put the mounting plate (2) aside, pull out the generator (3) a little and let the coolant drain. Only then unscrew the bottom bolt completely. Remove the generator.

6. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Replace the generator gasket.

Engine M73

1. Remove the left air cleaner assembly (see chapter Fuel and exhaust systems).



2. Loosen the radiator hose clamp.



3. Loosen the clamp and remove the cooling air hose.

4. Loosen the generator mounting bolts (see illustration) and pull it forward.

5. Disconnect the electrical wiring from the generator by loosening the mounting nuts and disconnecting the connectors.

6. Remove the generator in an upward motion, being careful not to damage the cooling system radiator.

7. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. If necessary, replace the generator pulley.