BMW Alternator

If the AC compressor is the heart of the AC system, the alternator serves as the heart of the vehicle's electrical system. Since the electrical parts of the automobiles operate via a battery or batteries, there must be something to keep feeding the battery or else, it will surely lose its voltage and fail to function. And the job of feeding the batteries is done by the vehicle's alternator. It is a belt-driven component that's used to transform the mechanical energy into alternating current.

Alternators are great replacements for generators on cars. With alternators, the output current can be generated at lower rpm, the voltage can be controlled precisely, less maintenance is required and they need lesser production budget. Automotive alternators are rated in terms of the amperage that they generate.

Just like the alternators for other vehicle makes, your BMW alternator is made up of a rotor, a stator, a rectifier assembly, a pulley and a set of brushes which is used to maintain electrical contact with the rotor. All these alternator components except for the pulley are confined in aluminum housing. Alternators in modern vehicles use compact, electronic voltage regulators that may be contained inside the alternator. In some cases, the work of the voltage regulator may be done by the power train control module of the vehicle.

The basic function of your BMW alternator is to produce direct current for recharging the battery and for motorizing the vehicle's electrical loads. With that vital task, BMW alternators need to be maintained and taken cared of. There are several steps which you can apply to keep your BMW alternator in tiptop shape and condition. Check the BMW alternator's drive belt tension at every oil change. A belt that's loose can lessen the output of the alternator and run down the car's battery as well. Before you travel every spring, it is always advisable to have your BMW alternator tested as part of a complete starting, charging and battery test.