Is BASS an alternator killer?? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gsxr · #16 08-22-2003, 02:15 PM

Go read the thread referenced above, it lists exactly what years & models to look for to get a used MB 143A alternator, and where to find them. Prices range from $50-$150 but you can usually get one under $100 (for a USED one). New or rebuilt will cost you $300-$600 or more.

wjm · #17 08-22-2003, 02:54 PM

Check out www.car-part.com

You'd think I owned stock in this website. It's a junkyard search engine. I bet you can find one for $65 + shipping.

#18 08-22-2003, 05:01 PM

GSXR
"This is not a "question" post, this is just a summary of what I did to my car, and thought it might help others as well. Due to large bulbs in my Euro lights and a hefty stereo planned, I needed more output. I picked up a 143A alternator from a 1998 S420 and experimented with it. I swapped my original pulley onto the 143A unit because the S420 pulley didn't stick out far enough. Otherwise it bolted right up - same mounting brackets, bolt spacing, everything. The new unit is larger and comes pretty close to the lower radiator hose but doesn't touch. So how does it perform"

I called Potomac Auto, and they said that there is not a 143 amp alternator for my model, So i was wondering since they are available for 124's or a 140(i think) are they interchangeable? how hard would it be to switch them? Would i just be switching the pulley?
thanks
bob

gsxr · #19 08-22-2003, 05:14 PM

Of course PGA will say that. Your car came with a 70A, same as mine. All the alternators with serpentine belts, from about 1984-2000, are all interchangable with the proper pulley. From the previous post:

The donor car must be a 1996-1999 S or SL class with a V8 (SL500, S420, etc.) Others may work but I don't know what years & models, and most others are smaller (100-120A).

Also read the bottom line of this PDF file:

http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/Alternators.pdf

Never tell a recycler that you have an 86 SDL, they'll try to sell you a 70A. You need to find a 143A or 150A unit on car-part.com and then call that place, and tell them you have a 1999 C43 (or whatever they list on their website), just to avoid stupid arguments. And make them read the amp rating off the label before they ship it to you - must be 143 or 150.

#20 08-22-2003, 05:20 PM

I just saw that, and was about to change my post. Thanks for all your help I will try and order it Monday and i will tell you how it works out.
Your help is very much appreciated!!
Thanks again
Bob

#21 08-26-2003, 08:33 PM

One more question, This is the last one, i promise. How do i wire the new alternator in, Do you have a wiring diagram? ( if so can u send it to me) or did it just plug in? thanks
bob

gsxr · #22 08-26-2003, 08:50 PM

Assuming you get a 143 or 150A unit, it will have two posts on the rear, instead of three blades. Run a heavy cable from the big post to the battery terminal - 4ga minimum, preferably 2ga. That will take the place of the two stock 10ga wires (the thicker of the 3 in the stock wiring bundle to the alternator). The third little teeny wire from the stock bundle needs to stay, and it gets connected to the small post on the alternator. Study the photos at this URL and it should help you out:

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_stereo/white_87/

Regards,

Zeus · #23 08-27-2003, 11:26 AM

gsxr - nice pics and great job on the install!