Bosch Alternator 12V 180A 0121715112

The Bosch Alternator 12V 180A, part number 0121715112, is a new alternator built for 12-volt charging systems with a 180 amp power rating. It uses an internal regulator and a pad mount with direct fastening, so the physical mounting style and electrical setup need to match the vehicle application before purchase.

This unit is specified as an alternator type excluding vacuum pump, with a 6 groove pulley and a free-wheel belt pulley fitted. The pulley outside diameter is 49 mm, and the mount leg thickness is 63 mm. Those dimensions matter when checking the drive layout and mounting arrangement against the existing unit.

Bosch lists this alternator as manufactured in Hungary and covered by a one year warranty. It is supplied as an each unit and is identified in the rotating electrical product group, which is useful when cross-checking the replacement against the vehicle’s original charging system parts.

The listed features focus on durability and stable operation: quality raw materials, corrosion resistance, and a reduction drive intended to maintain continual speeds for easier starting. As with any alternator replacement, the key is matching the part number, mounting style, pulley setup, and electrical rating rather than relying on appearance alone.

Key Features

• 12V alternator with 180A charge current
• New unit with internal regulator
• Pad mount with direct fastening
• 6 groove pulley with free-wheel belt pulley
• Alternator type excludes vacuum pump
• One year warranty

Specifications

• Brand: Bosch
• Part number: 0121715112
• Power rating: 180 amp
• Voltage: 12V
• Regulator type: Internal
• Mount type: Pad
• Fastening type: Direct fastening
• Pulley outside diameter: 49 mm

Fitment information supplied

• BMW 1 series applications are listed in the fitment data, including model years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
• BMW 3 series applications are listed in the fitment data, including model years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
• BMW 5 series, BMW X1, BMW X3 and BMW X5 are listed in the fitment data.
• Fitment is vehicle-specific and must be checked against the existing alternator part number, mounting style and pulley details before ordering.

Application and Buying Notes

When replacing an alternator, the most reliable check is the part number 0121715112 together with the mounting and pulley details. This Bosch unit is a 12V, 180A alternator with an internal regulator, a pad mount, direct fastening, and a 6 groove free-wheel belt pulley, so all of those points should line up with the vehicle’s original component.

The alternator is specified as excluding a vacuum pump. That matters on applications where the original unit includes different rear housing or accessory arrangements. The 49 mm pulley outside diameter and 63 mm mount leg thickness are also useful checks when comparing the replacement to the removed part.

Bosch recommends additional repairs to the V-belt or V-ribbed belt. That is practical advice during alternator replacement because belt condition and tension can affect charging performance, noise and drive stability. If the belt shows wear, glazing or cracking, it is sensible to address it at the same time.

The listed fitment points toward several BMW applications, including 1 series, 3 series, 5 series, X1, X3 and X5 entries. Even so, vehicle fitment should never be assumed from the badge alone. Confirm the charging system layout, pulley groove count, mounting style and existing alternator number before finalising the order.

If you are working from a removed part, compare the old and new alternator side by side before installation. The key identifiers here are Bosch, 0121715112, 12V, 180A, internal regulator, pad mount, direct fastening, and 6 groove pulley. Those details are the best way to avoid a mismatch and save time at fitting.

This alternator is a new unit, not remanufactured, and Bosch lists a one year warranty. For workshop use or a customer repair, that gives a clear baseline for supply, but it does not replace the need to confirm the vehicle application and the physical dimensions against the original alternator.

Before supply, the safest approach is to confirm the original unit details against the listed part number, voltage, output rating, mounting arrangement, and pulley configuration. That checking process is standard practice in the parts trade because visually similar units can still differ in service-critical ways.

For workshop, fleet, and equipment applications, accurate identification of part number 0121715112 helps avoid unnecessary freight, additional labour, and vehicle or machine downtime. Where the application is not straightforward, the original unit, OEM reference, or workshop records should be used as the primary confirmation point.

Relevant published details for this unit include Type ALTERNATOR, Unit of Measure EACH, Warranty One Year, Pin Code IR168, Pulley Outside Diameter 49mm, Regulator Type Internal, Voltage 12, New / Reman. New, Fastening Type Direct fastening, Alternator Type excl. vacuum pump.

Additional published details for cross-checking include Recommended additional repairs V-Belt/V-Ribbed Belt, Packaging width 20, Manufactured in Hungary, Product Group 1 ROTATING ELECTRICAL, Part No. 0121715112, Brand BOSCH, Description Bosch Alternator 12V 180A, Mount Leg Thickness 63mm, Power Rating (Amp) 180, Pulley Section 6 Groove.

Compatibility note: Please confirm compatibility by matching Bosch part number 0121715112, the 12V 180A specification, pad mount/direct fastening arrangement, 6 groove pulley, and the vehicle application details before buying.

FAQ

Is this alternator new or remanufactured?

It is listed as a new alternator, not a remanufactured unit.

What is the voltage and output rating?

The alternator is 12V with a 180 amp charge current and 180 amp power rating.

Does it have an internal regulator?

Yes. The regulator type is listed as internal.

What pulley setup does it use?

It is fitted with a 6 groove pulley and a free-wheel belt pulley. The pulley outside diameter is 49 mm.

What vehicle fitment is listed?

The fitment data includes BMW 1 series, BMW 3 series, BMW 5 series, BMW X1, BMW X3 and BMW X5 applications, with sample model years shown for BMW 1 and BMW 3 entries.

What should I check before ordering?

Check Bosch part number 0121715112, the 12V 180A rating, pad mount, direct fastening, 6 groove pulley, and whether the vehicle uses an alternator that excludes a vacuum pump.