e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location?

[jayinmadison]

Hey guys, 

Does anyone know where to properly mount an alternator ground cable on an e30 m20? I've searched online and in my repair guide with no luck. 

It looks like it can reach from the back of the alternator to the engine mount ground cable location. Is that where it should go? 

Hoping it will limit the amount of radio whine I am getting. 

Thanks!

[GunMetalGrey]

There is no alternator ground, unless yours is on rubber mounts but I don't believe any 6 cyl. has that.
Check your engine ground on the pass/drivers side frame rail.

[Earl]

That's usually the sole ground on BMW motors isn't it?

[Jeff]

I have yet to see one grounded by a wire. They ground through the block.

[jc43089]

I think some are rubber mounted and have a short braided strap, I can't remember where it goes to though.

[straight6pwr]

Everyone is spot on. If you choose to add the strap anyways, which some people recommend, the engine to body spot is a good one.

I've had radio whine in every e30 with aftermarket radio that I've had so hopefully you can get rid of it.

[jayinmadison]

Thanks guys. This didn't resolve the radio whine. Does anyone have any tips to resolve that issue? Also right now only my rear left speaker puts out audio. The rest just good 'ol whine!

[jc43089]

OE head unit?

Sent from my potato phone

[YoungCR]

Check the common grounds for the stereo wiring.

[straight6pwr]

there are some suggestions I've heard. i didn't bother to do anything, because i could only hear the whine if the radio volume was quiet and the car was not moving.

1)separate left/right channel wires from large power wires in stock wiring

2)completely new wiring with RCA cables, aftermarket amp, etc.

3)noise suppressors?

4)ground the radio to the same ground as the alternator

5)new radio ground on sheet metal as close to radio as possible

[jayinmadison]

Thanks guys. Stock radio. It has 10 disc cd changer in the trunk. (Rad, I know lol). Is the Radio's ground wire near the deck or antenna?

[straight6pwr]

I don't know exactly, but finding the diagrams in the etm would help you here. My guess is the stock radio harness probably grounds to a bracket or body in the drivers footwell. If you take out your radio and kick panel you should be able to follow the harness.