I went out and took a look at the alternator this morning. The condensor is missing. I am thinking that the alternator was replaced by the PO, and as often is the case, the condensor was not swapped, as new alternators do not come with new condensors. I'll be making a trip to the dealer today.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.