What is the construction and purpose of alternators and generators?

Alternators and generators are devices mounted to the engine, designed to generate electrical energy for the vehicle's needs. A typical unit consists of a housing, rotor, stator, diode bridge, voltage regulator, pulley, and electrical connectors. This component operates in the charging system and works with the battery and the car's onboard electrical installation.

What are alternators and generators used for?

Alternators and generators are used to power electrical consumers while the engine is running and to charge the battery. They are responsible for the stable voltage needed for the operation of lights, control units, heating, fans, and other electrical systems. When they operate incorrectly, voltage drops, starting problems, and equipment malfunctions may occur.

What role does the voltage regulator play?

The voltage regulator is a component that controls the alternator's operation and maintains the correct charging level in the electrical system. It limits excessive voltage spikes and stabilizes system operation during varying engine speeds. Depending on the design, it may be integrated with the alternator or appear as a replaceable element working with the brushes.

How to choose an alternator or generator for a specific car?

It is safest to compare the OEM part number, interchangeable numbers, fuel type, engine version, and mounting type. It is also worth checking the electrical connector, pulley diameter, and current output. If there are differences between equipment versions, verification by VIN is helpful.

What symptoms indicate problems with an alternator or generator?

Typical symptoms include a battery warning light, flickering lights, weak charging, and noise coming from the engine accessory area. In some cases, there are also problems with starting the car or unstable operation of electrical devices. During diagnostics, it is worth checking the charging voltage, belt condition, and electrical connections.

What should be checked before installing a used alternator?

Before installation, it is good to compare mounting points, the plug, the pulley, and part markings with the removed unit. You should also assess the condition of the housing, threads, connectors, and any signs of overheating. It is also important to check cooperating elements, such as the accessory belt or power cables.

Alternators and generators

At Global Parts, we offer a wide selection of original used car parts, including alternators and generators for many popular car brands such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, and others. Our alternators and generators undergo quality control to ensure you receive a top-quality product.

More information

Make

BMW Z4 E89 23i 30i N52N Alternator Denso 170A 7552815

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8571357

BMW G11 G12 G20 G21 G30 G31 F33 F36 Generator Alternator 180A Bosch 8571357

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8578609-1

BMW F20 F21 F30 F31 Diesel Alternator Generator 180A 8578608

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8645329-1

BMW F20 F21 F30 F31 LCI B38 B48 Alternator Generator Denso 14V 220A 8645329

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7550967

BMW E81 E90 E91 E60 Petrol Alternator Generator 150A 7550967

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7802928

BMW E60 E90 Alternator Generator 150A 335d 525d 530d 535d M57N2 7800308

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7797660

Alternator BMW X3 E46 X5 E53 E85 Diesel Generator 150A 7797660

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7521137-1

BMW X3 E83 E46 E60 E61 E65 M54 Alternator Generator 150A 7521137

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7521137-2

BMW X3 E83 E46 E60 E61 E65 Alternator Generator 150A 7521137

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7555926-2

BMW E60 E81 E90 E91 Petrol Alternator Generator 180A 7555926

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7532966-2

BMW E81 E87 E90 E91 LCI Alternator Generator Lucas 150A 7532966

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7808074

BMW E70 LCI F10 Alternator Generator Engine 180A Valeo N57 Diesel 7803724

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7807187

BMW F10 F11 X5 E70 Alternator Generator Unit Valeo 230A Diesel Engine 7807187

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7834160

BMW E60 M5 E63 E64 M6 S85 Alternator Generator 170A 7834160

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7796125-1

BMW X5 E70 X6 E71 Alternator Generator 170A 170AMP 14V VALEO BM57N2 7796125

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7797661-1

Alternator BMW E53 E83 M57N2 Generator Diesel Engine Power 150A 7797661

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 1432978

BMW E39 Alternator Generator 14V 50/90A 1432978

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7550469-3

BMW E60 E61 E81 E87 LCI E90 E91 E92 E93 Alternator Petrol 180A 7550469

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7606628

BMW F10 M5 F06 F12 F13 M6 S63N Engine Alternator Generator 14V 210A 7606628

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7789980-1

BMW E46 Alternator Generator Diesel Engine M47N M57N 150A Lucas LRA02891

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7802261-3

BMW E60 E61 E81 E87 E90 Alternator Generator Valeo 180A N47 7802261

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8509226

BMW F31 Diesel Engine Alternator Generator 220A Valeo N57D30A 8509226

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7603779

Alternator BMW F10 F13 F07GT F02 Petrol N63 Alternator valeo 230A 7603779

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8515754-1

BMW F10 F11 F12 F13 N57N Diesel Alternator 210A Valeo 8515754

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7797661-3

BMW X3 X5 E53 E83 M57N2 Alternator Generator Diesel Power 150A 7797661

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8509023

BMW E90 E91 E92 E93 LCI X1 E84 X3 F25 Alternator Generator 180A N47N 8507624

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7550469-1

Alternator Generator BMW E60 E61 E81 E87 LCI E90 E91 E92 E93 Petrol 180A 7550469

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 2248296

BMW 3 X5 Series E46 E53 3.0d Diesel M57 Alternator Generator 150A 2248296

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8509225

Alternator Generator BMW F30 F32 N57N Diesel Electrical Unit Denso 180A 8509225

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7797521-1

BMW E60 E61 E63 E65 E83 Alternator Generator Lucas 170A LRA02319

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8509023-1

Alternator Generator BMW E90 E91 E92 E93 LCI E84 F25 Diesel N47N 8507624

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7555926-1

BMW E60 LCI E81 E90 E91 Petrol Alternator Generator Bosch 180A

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7543083-3

Alternator BMW E60 E61 E87 E90 E91 N52 Generator 155A Bosch LRA02970

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8509224

Alternator BMW F30 F32 N57N 330d 430d Diesel Engine Generator 230A Valeo 8509224

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7797521

BMW E60 E61 E63 E65 E83 Alternator Generator VALEO 170A 7797521

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8688838

High Voltage Inverter BMW i3 I01 Hybrid 60Ah Rex Electrical Machine Electronics

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7551252

BMW X5 E53 3.0i Petrol M54 Alternator Valeo 140A 7551252

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 2354130

BMW 3 X5 Series E46 E53 3.0d M57 Alternator Belt Tensioner 2354130

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8654280

BMW X3 G01 X4 G02 G20 G21 G22 G26 G28 G30 Alternator Generator 14V 150A 8654280

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7550469

BMW E60N E61N E81 E87N E88 E90 E91 E92 E93 Alternator 7550469

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 8570673-1

Alternator Generator BMW F07 F10 N57N N57Z Diesel Engine 230A Valeo 8570672

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7558220-1

BMW E82 E90 E91 E92 N54 135i 335i Alternator Generator 180A 7558220

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7801124

BMW X5 E70 Alternator Generator Engine Unit Valeo 220A 14V 7801124

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7789980

BMW E46 M47N M57N Alternator Generator 150A Valeo 7789980

Product currently unavailable

Part no. 7501593

BMW 3 5 X5 Series E39 E46 E53 3.0i M54 Generator Alternator 120A VALEO 7501593

Product currently unavailable

Showing 100-144 of 144 products