Are N54/55 Alternators compatible with the N52?

Volasko · 10-10-2018, 08:07 AM

A bit of a long shot but I have my IM off to swap a starter that failed and I figure it would be a good time to swap the alternator too on my high mileage N52 (260k km or 162k miles). I found someone parting 2010 335xi which I'm already taking the starter from. Aside from ensuring the amp rating matches is there anything else I should be aware of? A part of me is hesitant tossing in a newer unit with regards to it being compatible with the older 2006 control modules. Anyone do this with success? I don't have coding capabilities. Yes I checked the part numbers on realOEM and they don't seem to match.

Quick responses are appreciated, I'm meeting the guy soon to pick up the starter.

hassmaschine · 10-10-2018, 09:07 AM

I don't think so, the whole pulley arrangement and mounting of the accessories on the N54 is different, as the AC is on the drivers side to make room for the turbo.

Volasko · 10-10-2018, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

I don't think so, the whole pulley arrangement and mounting of the accessories on the N54 is different, as the AC is on the drivers side to make room for the turbo.

Make sense, not really worth risking it.

nabs · 08-21-2024, 07:33 AM

Waking up this old thread since I did this successfully. And would want someone in future take this help. In my case, I used an N52 alternator on N54

Yes they are compatible, the only difference would be the pulley which luckily can be either swapped over from the donor alternator or bought a new one for longevity.

Make sure you're getting the same AMP alternator. Also, remove/add the extra pulley that sits on the alternator as per your engine configuration. N54 has no extra idler pulley while N52 has an idler pulley. The alternators have the same housing, just the pulley arrangement is different which can be changed.

The alternator on the n54 is a PITA to get it to seat. It might seem like the N52 alternator doesn't fit but it's just a very tight fit on N54. I even tried refitting the old alternator just to see if there was a difference but even that was tough.

N52 pulley has 5 grooves
N54 pulley has 6 grooves

You need a alternator pulley removal tool which FCP euro sells conveniently or local parts store might also keep.

10-10-2018, 08:07 AM	#1
Volasko Colonel 719 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 06 330i E90, 18 530xe G30 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW 530e M Sport [9.00] 2006 BMW E90 330i [8.28]	Are N54/55 Alternators compatible with the N52? A bit of a long shot but I have my IM off to swap a starter that failed and I figure it would be a good time to swap the alternator too on my high mileage N52 (260k km or 162k miles). I found someone parting 2010 335xi which I'm already taking the starter from. Aside from ensuring the amp rating matches is there anything else I should be aware of? A part of me is hesitant tossing in a newer unit with regards to it being compatible with the older 2006 control modules. Anyone do this with success? I don't have coding capabilities. Yes I checked the part numbers on realOEM and they don't seem to match. Quick responses are appreciated, I'm meeting the guy soon to pick up the starter.
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10-10-2018, 09:07 AM	#2
hassmaschine Major General 3978 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	I don't think so, the whole pulley arrangement and mounting of the accessories on the N54 is different, as the AC is on the drivers side to make room for the turbo.
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08-21-2024, 07:33 AM	#4
nabs Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 535i, X3, 135i Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Waking up this old thread since I did this successfully. And would want someone in future take this help. In my case, I used an N52 alternator on N54 Yes they are compatible, the only difference would be the pulley which luckily can be either swapped over from the donor alternator or bought a new one for longevity. Make sure you're getting the same AMP alternator. Also, remove/add the extra pulley that sits on the alternator as per your engine configuration. N54 has no extra idler pulley while N52 has an idler pulley. The alternators have the same housing, just the pulley arrangement is different which can be changed. The alternator on the n54 is a PITA to get it to seat. It might seem like the N52 alternator doesn't fit but it's just a very tight fit on N54. I even tried refitting the old alternator just to see if there was a difference but even that was tough. N52 pulley has 5 grooves N54 pulley has 6 grooves You need a alternator pulley removal tool which FCP euro sells conveniently or local parts store might also keep. Attached Images
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