<![CDATA[e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location?]]>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!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/topic/3655/e30-alternator-ground-cable-locationRSS for NodeWed, 16 Sep 2026 04:53:04 GMTMon, 06 Apr 2015 01:56:29 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:49:11 GMT]]>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.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/57510https://wibimmers.com/post/57510Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:49:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Fri, 24 Apr 2015 23:01:01 GMT]]>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?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/57503https://wibimmers.com/post/57503Fri, 24 Apr 2015 23:01:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Tue, 21 Apr 2015 21:00:09 GMT]]>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

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/57390https://wibimmers.com/post/57390Tue, 21 Apr 2015 21:00:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Tue, 21 Apr 2015 01:57:06 GMT]]>Check the common grounds for the stereo wiring.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/57329https://wibimmers.com/post/57329Tue, 21 Apr 2015 01:57:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:34:47 GMT]]>OE head unit?

Sent from my potato phone

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/57317https://wibimmers.com/post/57317Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:34:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:31:18 GMT]]>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!

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/57314https://wibimmers.com/post/57314Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:31:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Thu, 09 Apr 2015 01:56:15 GMT]]>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.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/56925https://wibimmers.com/post/56925Thu, 09 Apr 2015 01:56:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Wed, 08 Apr 2015 14:15:43 GMT]]>I think some are rubber mounted and have a short braided strap, I can't remember where it goes to though.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/56894https://wibimmers.com/post/56894Wed, 08 Apr 2015 14:15:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:00:02 GMT]]>I have yet to see one grounded by a wire. They ground through the block.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/56841https://wibimmers.com/post/56841Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:00:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:55:02 GMT]]>That's usually the sole ground on BMW motors isn't it?

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/56833https://wibimmers.com/post/56833Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:55:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to e30 Alternator Ground Cable Location? on Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:50:38 GMT]]>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.

]]>https://wibimmers.com/post/56832https://wibimmers.com/post/56832Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:50:38 GMT