I've run from Southern Georgia to the northern tip of Kentucky with a dead alt/and battery that died about 40 mins after it got dark. MB roadside saved me with a new battery, which magically made my alternator start working again. (I think the brushes just made contact again from shutting down the engine and starting it again). It went right back up to 14V and got us home + lasted another 4,500 miles before it went dead (fell to 12.4V) here in town while I was cruising around, so I promptly went home and replaced it (June)...over 3 months after the initial problems. 
Inspection of old alt revealed severely scored slip rings and almost no brushes left.
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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life- 
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)
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