Finally got my 320is

[Poon]

Well, today I drove the car to school, then back home. After it was home I checked the ground between the battery tray and engine block and inner fender on the passenger side. I sanded down the connections, but they both seemed pretty decent to begin with.

Got in the car started it, and it still was not charging the battery. Checked the belt tension and it seemed just barely looser than my 2002, but not too bad. I drove up to Canadian tire, to get some spark plugs, and oil to get ready for air care (B.C's version of SMOG), and the car wouldn't started to get me home. The battery was completely flat and wouldn't start the car.

After a couple jump starts it would not stay running for more than a minute, so I got a friend to take me home, and borrow the battery from my 2002. Popped it in, and car drove fine, all the way home.

I'm pretty damn sure it's the alternator, but it could also be the belt tension. My dad has a spare alternator he pulled from his old E21 he parted out, so I'll get that put in on Wednesday and see how it is.

Quick question though, when replacing the alternator, do I have to replace the belt with a brand new one, or is it ok to use the old one?

Btw,Al, I popped by the shop today and got Karl to book me in for a quickie on the 320is for Wednesday at 12:30. Just wondering if you guys had time to do an alternator swap/ how long it would take, and if I needed to replace the belt/ if you had one.


Thanks,
-Andrew Poon

[320iCar]

if the belt is in new condition, dont bother replacing it. but if it is AT ALL QUESTIONABLE, it takes 2 seconds to change out anyways. so if it doesn't look brand new, put a new one on to eliminate any questions later. and the alternator swap usually takes around 30-45 minutes to do on our cars.

[Poon]

Thanks for the help!!!

Btw, are all E21 alternators the same? The spare I have is from an '83, but my car is a 1980.


-Andrew Poon

[320iCar]

'77-'79 alternators where a slightly lower power output than '80-'83. but since the donor alt. was an '83 you will be fine. either way, we can just abide by the man's code. MORE POWER!

but seriously, no it is fine for your car.

[Poon]

Well, I tightened up the belt (which was actually WAY too loose), and it still isn't charging. 99% sure the alternator needs to be replaced.

Kind of felt like I wasted my time today, but at least I got the oil/filter and spark plugs changed.

-Andrew Poon

[rottenal]

Not sure about this,but can you replace the brushes in the alternator/regulator?

[k-swiss]

You can get it remanned

[Poon]

I'm just going to replace it. My dad has a spare from his old '83 that he parted out, which was recently rebuilt. He took it up to Jay's Alternators? and got them to test it and it works, so it's going in tomorrow.

-Andrew Poon

[320iCar]

Originally Posted by rottenal Not sure about this,but can you replace the brushes in the alternator/regulator?

most of the alternators on the market are refurbished. and yes jay's is the best place (near costco in richmond). they have a great stock and are great prices. have you noticed that if you go somewhere like lordco or pretty much anywhere, if you buy a new alternator, they ask for the old one? thats so it can be rebuilt and sold. its much cheaper that way, and they are back to OEM spec'

[Initial D.oug]

alternator swap on the e21 is a breeze. Couple bolts and that's it. Hopefully it solves your problem!

[blacke30]

I sooooo miss my car it had all those good bits it was techno violet and stupid fast. I blew the motor and had one built that literally scared me once or twice, did not have LSD but did have insane rust so I sold it to a guy with 425 K on the clock and so little rust it was rediculous. Enjoy the car and take care of it.

[Poon]

Well, after a crazy alternator change the car finally runs and charges like it should! Took it for air care today and it pasted with flying colours!

Looks like the mintgrun goes in the garage, and the 320is is my new daily driver!

[marrymathew21]

Thats really great. cool car