*UPDATE: Could not find just the regulator or the brushes. Had an alternator shop ship me their very last NOS Bosch alternator from their warehouse for $150. Pulled the old alternator out, very little resistance and lots of bearing noise when turning the pulley, it was definitely the source of the noise I had been hearing. Put the new alternator in, noise gone, dash lights gone and the radio hasn't cut out since.

Thanks for all the help!

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1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel