[greenohawk69]

In the process of R&R the voltage regulator. After looking at the OEM one I took out and comparing to the new one (both are Valero), the old one has the brushes sticking out and the new one does not.

Not sure if this is an issue or that the brushes will engage after installation and starting the car.

I have questions after I watched a YT video and the new regulator (Bosch) on an E90 n54 335i had the brushes showing. You could definitely tell the wear between the old and new.

Got a call and pictures into FCP Euro last night @ 6pm CST and am stil waiting for a response as if 10am CST.

[lookalikehuuh]

The brushes should definitely be sticking out of the shell. That being said, I haven't replaced a Valeo unit, but just last week I replaced the brushes on my Tacoma's alternator. That Denso unit had a pin that was holding the brushes back, which helped with installation and I just pulled out to release the brushes to make contact after installation.

Does that Valeo unit have a pin or something else holding the brushes back?

I looked at the pics from FCP Euro for that regulator and the brushes are definitely sticking out. Take a look at picture 2.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...599102#fitment

[greenohawk69]

Thanks for the response. Was pretty sure the new regulator was defective, but wanted to confirm.

FCP Euro responded and said they're sending a replacement regulator.

I was concerned with the regulator as it came in a small box, product label outside the box and just the regulator inside. No other packaging or product info inside.

This is the second time getting a sketchy part (first was a water pump that looked like it had been installed).

Also got two coolant hoses (lower R radiator hose and the large bottom middle hose with ~ 5 connections) that were not correct for my car.

This is frustrating as I had to partially remove the intake manifold for the regulator. The hoses were irritating as that cost me hours in wasted time.

[greenohawk69]

Installed new regulator today. Started car and got a red battery pop up on the dash. Not sure what's going on?

Same Valero regulator as what is on the car.

Will check codes later.

[sonofsun]

What's the charging voltage inside the hidden menu or at the jumping terminals? if consistently above 13.5 or 14 v then it's good. Else, the regulator isn't charging good.

[mainbearing]

Looking on Rockauto, the Wells regulator for Valeo looks the same as in your picture.

I have a Bosch, maybe with the Valeo you need to somehow "release" the brushes??

[mainbearing]

This Mercedes owner with a similar Valeo alternator has an instruction sheet with his regulator.

He basically said you push on the round housing of the brushes (I take it before the screws are on so there can be movement?), and the brushes will then pop out. LOL!

Seasick video here:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mXrCLBgv3RU

[lookalikehuuh]

Originally Posted by mainbearing

This Mercedes owner with a similar Valeo alternator has an instruction sheet with his regulator.

He basically said you push on the round housing of the brushes (I take it before the screws are on so there can be movement?), and the brushes will then pop out. LOL!

Seasick video here:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mXrCLBgv3RU

This looks like exactly what the problem is. If you look at the pic that OP provided, it appears the brush is being held back by the cap. Makes sense once its installed you would push it down hard to release the brushes from being held back by the cover. Nice find!

[sonofsun]

Looks like the cover is acting like a shutter when moved down releases the tabs due to spring on the other side of the brush. Makes sense.

[mainbearing]

Yes, looking at the picture again, the round cover for the old voltage regulator was pushed to release the brushes. Whereas the new voltage regulator it is still in the blocking position.

The round cover is an installation aid plus dust cover. Looks like the bolts can be tightened first as well then.

[mainbearing]

I think the voltage regulator is likely ok, but whether it is genuine Valeo I cannot be certain. It might also be some prior buyers fraudulently returning stuff, so I would not paint FCP with a broad brush. In the video by the Mercedes owner he got an instruction sheet with his.

It is a reason I personally do not buy from FCP. I just have doubt about their sourcing as I said in a recent post (https://www.e90post.com/forums/showp...82&postcount=6), but I still think the regulator is likely just fine.

You can take a look at RM European and Silver Spring BMW as alternate sources for parts. Silver Spring would have gotten you the correct multi-way pipe with VIN number for sure. I think the manual transmission gets the 3-way and automatic 4-way pipe??? At least on 2007+ anyway.

I bought my last Pierburg water pump from RM European, and the next one will be too. (IMO Pierburg sucks, but they are OEM and I would not go aftermarket on this problematic water pump). INPA has been telling me the replacement Pierburg pump no longer spins above 90% when commanded to 95%. The original factory pump would not spin above 85% when commanded, and was giving me the "jet engine" loud radiator fan sound before it got immediately replaced by the now failing Pierburg.

I replaced the Bosch voltage regulator when I was changing the starter (with aftermarket TYC from Rockauto). I also changed DISA valves and plastic 3-way PCV pipe at the same time. It was one of those do it while at it thing.

The alternate way would be to remove the 4 one-use alternator bolts. Of course all electrical work is done with the negative battery cable disconnected.

Originally Posted by greenohawk69

I was concerned with the regulator as it came in a small box, product label outside the box and just the regulator inside. No other packaging or product info inside.

This is the second time getting a sketchy part (first was a water pump that looked like it had been installed).

Also got two coolant hoses (lower R radiator hose and the large bottom middle hose with ~ 5 connections) that were not correct for my car.

This is frustrating as I had to partially remove the intake manifold for the regulator. The hoses were irritating as that cost me hours in wasted time.

[greenohawk69]

So, I did learn about the cover acting as an aid during installation by keeping the brushes in place and not released.

The brushes should not be showing before installing. After the regulator is installed - before the outer cover is installed, you push that cover on the regulator over the brushes and you'll hear a click. This releases the brushes.

This is easier to do with the alternator removed > get the four aluminum bolts before you remove the alternator [they're Torque To Yield (TTY)].

I've added pictures for visual clarity.