1993 BMW 316 Eurpean vs. American spec car

I own a 1993 European-spec 3-series BMW (316) and need to replace my alternator. I am living just outside Naples, Italy (in the Navy) and would like to buy an alternator and to the work myself. I can buy an alternator from AutoZone. Com and have it shipped here, but I don't know if I will get the right alternator (if I need a special 'European-spec' alternator). Can you tell me if it makes a difference which 3-series alternator I use?