Anyone know how hard of a job this is on my 1997 M3? I just got a new Alternator and need to put it on. Should I have some one do it? Is there any website with instructions and pictures?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Simple. Disconnect the battery negative lead. Remove the belt from the pulley. Remove the wires from the back of the alternator. Remove the two bolts which hold the alternator. Install is reverse of removal. Don't forget to install the cooling duct when complete.

Oh, I forgot to say to remove the air box.

It's as simple as UD///M put it.

I think.

Yes. Very very very simple.

Robert Bentley agrees.

I just did mine last Sunday. It is a very easy job. Took me 3-4 hours but I was taking breaks to watch the playoffs.

sorry guys! How do I remove the belt? How does that tensioner right on the top come off?

Do you have a Bentley?

There's a plastic cap on the tensioner that I think you're talking about. Under that there's a bolt. Take that off.

Sorry I am a idiot. I am working in the dark with a light and it is hard to see. I did see that and I got the old Alt. off. Problem now is when I called the Stealer I gave them my VIN # and they told me what Alt. I needed. They gave me a Bosch and now that my old one is off it is a Valeo. No big deal except that the bottom mounting ears on the Valeo are longer than the ones on the Bosch. So now the Bosch one won't fit all the way down on the bracket on the motor. Is there a fix for this? How do I make it work? There is another thread about the pulley being different on the Bosch from the Valeo. But that isn't the problem I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Have not done this yet, but are you sure this will not be a problem, meaning the pulley. The Valeo and the bosch units pullies are offset differently. Even if you do file away and get the bosch to fit you may then need to use a gear puller and pull out the pulley and get another retrofit pulley to get the pulley to line up for the belt. Unless you want to convert to bosch. Good luck

Please keep us posted, I know I'll be doing my alternator soon.

Alright it is done! It was very very simple. I was just getting a little frustrated having very little light to work with. Now that it is done I bet I can do it again in 30-45 min. The Bosch goes on no problem with the different pulley.
Thanks for your help guys and sorry for the stupid questions!