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E36General discussion and technical help for (E36) 1992-1999 3 series cars. 318, 323, 325, 328.
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Your Ride: E36 325I
Alternatior intake, i think
So, there is an Air intake that looks like it feeds directly into the alternator. My question is what does it exacly do? Also, if i remove it what will happen? Is there a point to removing it?
If it matter is have a 325I, E36 coupe
Last edited by pizzahut24; 01-28-2009 at 02:45 PM..
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
I can't recall the exact ducting of the air intake, but the reason for its running to the alternator could be 1) to keep it cool, 2) to provide it with clean air in so doing. Yes, there would be a point to removing it, if you wanted to ruin your car, 1) by letting in all sorts of particles in the air that the air filter would catch, and 2) possibly messing up your emissions control.
I can't recall the exact ducting of the air intake, but the reason for its running to the alternator could be 1) to keep it cool, 2) to provide it with clean air in so doing. Yes, there would be a point to removing it, if you wanted to ruin your car, 1) by letting in all sorts of particles in the air that the air filter would catch, and 2) possibly messing up your emissions control.
the alternator duct is for cooling only, it has no filter element.
removing it will lead to your alt. running hotter but no emissions issues will result.
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
Thank you for the clarification. Again, I can't recall the ducting, but it seems the removing the intake to the alternator I think also means undoing, defeating the engine air take and air filtering, which I don't think is a smart move, in addition to depriving the alternator of cooler air.
Thank you for the clarification. Again, I can't recall the ducting, but it seems the removing the intake to the alternator I think also means undoing, defeating the engine air take and air filtering, which I don't think is a smart move, in addition to depriving the alternator of cooler air.
other then the hotter alternator it poses no adverse effect, of course that is if you dont mind shelling a few bucks for a new one because of heat stroke....
the intake duct is on the drivers side, the alternator duct is smack down the middle.
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Your Ride: 1995 325i
I got rather familiar with the arrangement about 4 years ago when I had to remove my failed alternator for a rebuild and then reinstall, but can't remember much about it now except there was ducting to the alternator. Right, "heat stroke" is in the offing as well as $$ and inconvenience. Can't see any purpose in going without it.
01-28-2009, 02:44 PM
