Alternative Alternator
 

I have heard of the GM CS style alternator being retrofitted for our OM617s. I was wondering if the GM 2 wire-style alternator has been tried. In fact, what others have been successfully fitted with fairly painless efforts?

I believe that you can get an 85-amp alternator from a W126. Would this be easier?

Also, here is a very informative discussion of easy(er) ways to upgrade the alternator. I contacted the seller first mentioned in post #4 to ask if he still sells these.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/93569-alternator-115-amp-bosch-al129x-works-123s.html

I'm running the 115Amp Bosch AL129X Alternator, slight modification to wiring is all that's required.

For some reason I can't find this part on the bird.
1987-1994 Saab 9000 Alternator - Engine Electrical - Bosch 87-94 9000 Alternator - 6535-07099814 - *********

I have a used 120 amp 94 SAAB Alternator coming from an eBay Purchase; $40 with free shipping.

People say it work as a direct fit on the Mercedes Alternator Bracket; but you need to rewire as there is no socket for the Connector. Also, due to the higher amps people have increased the Wire Gauge used when they do the re-wire.

You need to swap the original Pulley to the SAAB Alternator.

The Seller claims a 30 day return poilicy. I plan to take it to Autozone for testing before I fool with it.

The re-wiring seems like a pain but with the exception of the Terminal Block on the Fender Well the Wiring connectors/contact areas on My Car have not been cleanded.

I put an older style Delco Alternator with the internal V Regulator on the Volvo a long time about 1993ish. It is not a direct fit but I got it to work reliably.

GM 15SI 90AMP
 

After replacing 4 bosch alternators (2 were bosch factory remans at really premium prices), I installed a GM 15SI 90 Amp unit with dual pulleys from a mid 80s GM. I cut the bosch plug off and connected the dash charge light wire to terminal 1 of the alternator, a short jumper wire from the output post to terminal 2. Then added a 2nd power lead to the block on the inner fender to handle the added output. I removed the adjuster bracket and added a simple adjusting strap from a early 70's Chevy inline 6. The light works properly and I have a 45amp charge rate at idle and full charge of 90 amps at 2100 RPM. That was 92,000 miles and 7 years ago last September and it still is doing just fine. :)

Sounds like a great system.

I have to say that I like the Saab alternator, which is on my W123 240D. It is 9 degrees out, I can leave the car without the lobk heater and it starts within 3 seconds, the alternator keeps the battery WELL charged, so glow plugs glow and the starter spins the motor quick.

I paid 79.00 for a new one, MUCH better than a Bosch.

The seller said that he still sells these, but you would need to contact him for one.

129X also in my 300SD. Hell, it also fit my 560 with a simple reclock.

The idle output is a bit lame on my SD with the one from Eagle, as soon as engine RPM goes up 250-400rpm output increases big time. Not sure why, perhaps the pulley reduction is different than the V8. The one on the V8 is from Autozone.