So, alternator was failing (battery light on dash, no loss of power steering, ~11a @battery post). Looked up my serial on realoem, and they had my generator listed as the 105a unit, which lists the Bosch as superseding.

I ordered a used 110a Bosch and started tearing in to the project only to find a 120a valeo once I had removed it. I went ahead w/ the 110a for the time being so that I could keep driving (resulted in some interesting kludging, since the bolt guides are shorter)




Desperate times, desperate measures, and all that.

So, to the title question:

In an R50, with cold weather package and sunroof, will the 110a Bosch suffice, or do I need the 120a?

Follow up question: Can anyone point me to a rebuild kit for the Valeo (preferably one that doesn't cost nearly what I can go to Autozone and pick one up for)?

No that is totally the wrong alternator if you had to use nuts like to install.

Get the correct 120amp alternator it will prevent issues and keep everything operating correctly. Remember the P/S is electric so it needs all the juice.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/altern...per-non-s.html

OK... that being the case, can someone confirm that Valeo part #593455 cross references with Mini part # 12427516175? Everywhere I find, folks want $130-170 for the Mini specified part, but I can get the Valeo regulator for $35-50.

Also, if someone can point me to a full rebuild kit, I'd be much obliged.... though I'd be willing to just swap the regulator and risk the bearings.


EDIT:

Way, am I misreading this then? It looks like that says that the 110a Bosch superseded the 120a Valeo and that it's exchangeable retrospectively.

Further research has brought me to finding that 439469 is the current Valeo part number for the R50 OEM application, but I have yet to come across a full rebuild kit.

I have found the regulator if anyone can point me to the bearings.

No nothing superseded to a diff amp alternator. The link I posted we have a drop down menu to select the correct amp alternator so you would just select the 120amp

Not to be contrary, but this 120a has to be a swap.




I think I'm going to still find the parts to rebuild the valeo, but I don't think I'm concerned about the 110 being enough.

For anyone interested (probably only me):
After reaching out to several places that offer alternator parts, I've finally gotten a reply from one of them, and they can source me a new regulator, and 2 new bearings for $55 + shipping!

They have a generic Valeo video (I think they had a GM alternator in that one), but I'll probably make a Mini specific one to share here. More to come, in a how-to thread!

Find the same solution for the a/c compressor and I will nominate you for Mini Man of the Year!

If you could get me the Manufacturer's model number for it, it would help...

Everything on the Mini's (and I assume BMW) are only listed as assembled units. So, finding new, used and reman'd items w/ the Mini part number is a breeze. If you want to go any deeper than that, you need the supplier number (for instance, the Valeo part numbers are SG12S073, 2542669 and 439469 for the 120a alternator).
Obviously, the parts exist to reman, otherwise all the chain stores would only have OEM available (as opposed to mostly remans, whether you want new or not), but finding suppliers to the public for those is still finicky. Nonetheless, you don't find (in my case) bearings, regulators*, rotors, stators or rectifier bridges for a Mini # 12317515426 alternator, but, with enough persistence, you can for a Valeo #SG12S073.

*Mini does list a part number for the regulator, pulley and rear cover, and our site vendors can get/ do have those items. The cost difference is much the same as the cost difference between a Mini branded drive axle and a Lemfoerder branded one. The fact that Lemfoerder made the Mini shaft is irrelevant. As soon as it's in a Mini box, you pay Mini Price.