Hi, I just joined BimmerForums.com and am glad to be a new member. I have a 74 2002 with many mods. I had a question about alternators. Several people have told me that it is possible to put an alternator from a 77 530i into a 2002 without much modification. Is this true, and if so, what needs to be done to make it work?

Glad to see you made it to BF :buttrock
Unfortunatly I cant answer your alternator question. So I'll just give you a bumpedy bump....

Welcome! I'm a relative newbie at this board and there are a lot of good folks here.

Don't know about the 5-series alternator, though. The most common swaps are the E21 320i alternator or, if you are not a purist, a GM Delco 100 amp alternator (my car has this one).

Instructions for the 320i alternator are in the following link. Maybe you can eyeball the 5 series one to check if it'll fit.

320i Altrnator Swap From 2002FAQ (http://www.bmw2002faq.com/electrical_and_ignition/e21_alternator.html)

same. I've got a 320 alternator but don't know about those other ones. I can tell you the 320 one works well!!

I believe you can use a 85 amp alt from a 318. Whats the reason for the alt. upgrade? Im afraid a upgraded alt. will slow me down. Thats no good.

with my upgraded headlights, speakers, fog lamps, etc. my alternator doesnt give enough oomph. i want a little more amperage from an updated alternator. Thanks for the 320 idea, i might try that one.

with my upgraded headlights, speakers, fog lamps, etc. my alternator doesnt give enough oomph. i want a little more amperage from an updated alternator. Thanks for the 320 idea, i might try that one.

I have some kind of sealed beam headlights, a set of driving/fog lights, and 6 speakers, and havent had a problem with power. I wouldnt try to blast the heat, stereo, and run all my lights with the wipers on, but I dont see it being a problem.

Does anyone think a upgraded alternator would help with the weak wipers?

Post pics of your car, and tell us about your audio "system."