Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
12 31 020 Removing and installing or replacing alternator (N63)
Necessary preliminary tasks:
- Switch off ignition.
- Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD
- Remove acoustic cover . See 11 00 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING THE ACOUSTIC COVER (N63 B44 O 0/1) or 11 00 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ACOUSTIC COVER (N63)
- Remove left and right INTAKE FILTER HOUSINGS
- Remove alternator DRIVE BELT
- Remove intercooler EXPANSION TANK .
- Remove FUEL FEED LINE
Cover radiator.
Release clamps (1).
Tightening torque 13 71 8AZ .
Release clamps (2).
Replace clamps (2).
Detach both charge-air ducts (3) and remove.
Check gaskets on turbocharger, replacing if necessary.
Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.
Detach hoses (1) from clean-air pipe.
Release screw (2).
Tightening torque 13 71 1AZ .
Detach clean-air pipe (3) in direction of travel from turbocharger.
Check seals on clean-air pipe, replacing if necessary.
Pull off cable duct (1) from cable holder (2) in upward direction.
Release cable (3) from holder.
Pull off plug (1).
Detach cover (2) and release nut underneath.
Tightening torque 12 42 1AZ .
Installation:
Reinstall cover (2) without fail risk of short circuiting!
Disconnect battery positive lead (3) from alternator.
Remove FUEL FEED LINE (4).
Release screws (1) on turbocharger coolant pump (2).
Place turbocharger coolant pump to one side. Do not remove turbocharger coolant pump.
Picture shows the left side, the procedure for the right side is identical.
Release screws (1).
Tightening torque 12 31 1AZ .
Remove alternator (1) together with bracket (2) in direction of travel.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.