For my 83 Benz, I went to NAPA and cross referenced the part number on the Voltage Regulator with their inventory.

They had a match (part number VR506). However, it looks different than the one that came out of the car.

The old one had a roundish top like this one.

The new one has a big rectangle on top similar to this one.

Are there any differences between the two? Will it hurt my benz to put the new one in until I can get a better match?

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Big Fred

(RIP Sept '10) 83 300SD Turbo Diesel (aka "Rocky")
(RIP April '10 - Accident) 86 Chevy M1009 CUCV (Blazer) - 6.2L Diesel (aka "Ogre")

Looks like the two you have listed from Allparts express are for "early" and "late" OM617 engines. The correct one will depend on your engine number; my guess is the "late" version (your first link with part number BSH043239) because that picture looks like the regulator in my '85 300D-T and my '87 300D Turbo. YMMV.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Get a round one.

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83 SD

84 CD

i've had this problem a few times with my local NAPA. and the grumpy old guys behind the counter don't know the w123's but won't admit it, so i go home being reassured that the part will work only to find out it doesn't. they did it to me with the t-stat housing bypass hose. found out it was the wrong diameter when my cooling system was in pieces in my driveway. did it to me with my wife's VW Golf as well, sold me an old style stop light sensor, assuring me that if it was listed on their website then it will fit.

just FYI. go with a mercedes specific parts supplier when you can.

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)