I jumped the car last night and left the battery cables attached and the car ran perfectly. Removed cables, tried to start car and battery had nothing -- almost zero juice. Like I said, I can't conceive that a perfectly good battery would go bad suddenly like that so looks like I'm looking at a bad regulator or alternator.

BTW, alternator made no noises when it started. When bearings go bad, is it audible? I'm going to replace the regulator first thing Tues. It's a shame the dealer wants $71 for this part when it's available at Fastlane for under $10.

I will run down to the local autoparts store and have them check the battery in the meantime just to be sure.

Thanks again y'all

~Paul

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'91 300E, 213K miles