Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

Replacing Alternator Belt on BMW 3

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Alternator

Removing the non-functioning alternator? Let's see how to remove and replace it in the engine compartment of the BMW 3. Open and lift the hood, disconnect the engine cover, remove the air duct hose and, if necessary, the front bumper. Use a wrench to loosen the tensioner pulley and slide the belt off. Use a socket wrench to remove the tensioner pulley mounting bolt and unscrew the mounting bolts of the alternator. Remove the alternator from the engine compartment. Install the new alternator, the tensioner, and the belt, and tighten everything with the socket wrench. Test the operation at the end of the installation of all parts.

Updated on 20 March 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Alternator Replacement Instructions
Alternator Replacement Instructions
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) To replace the alternator, first remove the air filter housing (air box) and the cooling fan: you will need a special wrench to loosen the nut securi…
Replacing the Alternator on the BMW 3 Series
Replacing the Alternator on the BMW 3 Series
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) In this brief and simple guide, find the main instructions on how to remove and replace the alternator on the BMW 3 Series. First, open the hood of y…
How to replace the timing belt of the BMW 3 Series
How to replace the timing belt of the BMW 3 Series
BMW Serie 3 (2005-2013 / E91, E90, E92) The replacement of the timing belt is a maintenance operation that can be carried out independently. To perform this operation on a BMW 3 Series, we …

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Check the Oil Level on a Jeep Renegade?

To check the oil level on a Jeep Renegade, you need to open the bonnet to access the components inside the engine bay: on the lower left side of the engine block, you will find the dipstick for checking the level. This should be pulled out and thoroughly cleaned with a cloth: once cleaned, reinsert it back into its tube and pull it out immediately after. This way, you can check that the oil mark is between the minimum and maximum levels; finally, you can place the dipstick back in its tube.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos