BMW Repair: X5 Alternator removal, water pump bearing, mass airflow sensor

Question
I have a 2002 x5 3.0 motor> I need to rmove the alternator how is the best way to do this?  It looks like they are a bolt behind the pully. How do I remove?

Answer
Willis, what you talkin' bout?
Sorry you probably get that a lot, but I couldn't resist. Remove from the top. Remove the air box with the mass airflow sensor. Don't have the key on or the vacant air mass will store a fault. Pop the plastic covers of the idler (on top also shares a bolt with the alternator) and the main belt tensioner pulley (lower). Remove the plastic one wire connector and the battery cable on the back of the unit. Insulate the battery cable end with masking tape because it is live with 12 volts and can ground out on anything metal (this step saves you from removing the cables on the battery and causing faults.) Note the Drivebelt routing. Draw a picture if you have to. Replace both belts if cracking. Get or barrow T-50 torx socket and place in main tensioner. Push in while turning clockwise on the ratchet. Slip belt off a pulley and slowly release tensioner. Unbolt Idler pulley (16mm head very long bolt.) Remove lower alternator bolt. I can't remember if you have to remove the main tensioner (two 13mm bolts) to get to the lower alt. bolt or not. Stop, it is a good time to check the water pump bearing by wiggling up and down. Also check Idler pulley and tensioner pulley for any bearing noises. They should be almost silent when spinning by hand. Use a pry bar to wiggle the alternator out. Install in reverse order. Make sure your battery is charged before firing up new alternator. The voltage regulator will eat itself trying to charge a discarged battery on it's virgin run. Good luck.
-Evan