Ancillary Components And Drive Belts: Alternator: Notes

Due to the high power capacity of 180 A, the alternator is cooled by the engine's cooling system to enhance heat dissipation. The brushless Bosch alternator is installed in an aluminum housing which is mounted to the engine block. The exterior alternator walls are surrounded with circulated engine coolant. The function and design of the alternator is the same as in the M62, with only minor modifications. The BSD interface (bit-serial data interface) for the ECM is new.

Fig 1: Identifying Alternator

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 2: Identifying Alternator Coolant Flow

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.