found this alternator on ebay (on accident). normally would NOT get an ebay part like this, but this did spark some interest.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGH-AMP-Mini-Cooper-S-ALTERNATOR-2004-2003-02-SUPERCHARG-GENERATOR-/131271679289?_trksid=p2054897.l4275
so its supposedly a "high amperage" alternator, putting out 130 amps vs 105.

both this and the denso unit have only a 1 year warranty, so same difference there i guess (at least i think the denso has a 1 year, ecs tuning site does not specifically say).

question is, will all that extra amperage damage my electrical components?!

always felt like the stock one was a little weak when running everything all at once (stereo, AC on full, headlights) while sitting at idle.

fwiw, dealer wants about $900 for an alternator.
when did they start making these things out of Gold anyway?

 

I replaced mine last month, but I put in a 105A with a lifetime warranty.

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer for you. I wondered the same thing about the high amperage alternators as it can be handy for aftermarket stereos and such. I asked the question earlier, but I don't know if there was a firm answer.

Anyone else?

 

thats what voltage regulators are for =)

id say your fine

 

voltage regulators wont necessarily limit current... and you dont want to cook any other electronics by forcing too much juice through them.

jamez,
can you inform me as to where you got this lifetime warranty part? i def dont want to have to replace this thing again if i can help it.

 

The Alternator is capible of 130 amps, it will only charge when and how much it needs to.

This would be great if you run lots of lights, two pair of 100watt driving lights = 400watts would draw about 33.3 amps (I=P/E)

So if you have a high load with everything turned on, the high amp alternator can keep up with the load and still charge the battery.

 

My local mechanic offered it to me as part of his service. It cost $900 CAD all-in.

But if I was to do it again; I'd just replace it myself. I could have done the job 3 times over for that price with an alternator from the aftermarket (not OEM). Book time is 3.2 hours (but simple to do).

Here's my thread on it:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...which-one.html

 

That was my philosophy as well (the system will draw whatever it needs and the higher output alternator will deliver it on demand), but I didn't have time or desire to take the risk on testing it out.

 

when mine finally takes a full dump, i may spring for this or similar "high output" version; always thought the stocker was kinda weak sauce anyway.

 

You cannot over current a device with a high out put source. If you could you would burn out your parking lights with the battery - a high current source. Its over voltage that would do that. The VOLTAGE regulator will prevent that.

 

Yep. V = IR. With a given voltage and a given load, the current is already determined.

 

Yup...
Guess you could install a 1000 amp alternator.....
And you MIGHT melt the fuse box and alternator cables/wiring if you installed enough items to draw the full current........
But since you are just increasing the SUPPLY SIDE....non issues IF it is a quality unit....
But the one above is just a typical $100 auto zone Chinese made alternator.....
With electric parts....go quality...or it will come back to haunt you....IMO.

 

Ran hi amp mechman Alts on my car audio builds. Never a issue. You'll be good

 

Anything you bought eBay is the same as anywhere else. You have to have a really smooth brain to think. There's people out there Counterfeiting everything