Fried Alternator @ 411,000 miles – is it still under warranty? ;)
 

Is it still under warranty? ;)

Seriously though, the *original* alternator finally bit the dust at 411,000 miles. Amazing.

We all know how well engineered & built these cars were, but this is a testament to the sub-systems suppliers. (Such as Bosch) They were spec’ing and building things to last too. They may have been doing so at the behest of Mercedes, but nonetheless…

Haha...I'd say take it in to your nearest Mercedes dealer. They should swap you out one at not cost...:)

Piece o' crap...probably built in China. ;)

that is amazing!!!!!

I should add (confess?) that I did change the voltage regulator / brush assembly at some point - but that would simply be a "wear" item. The bearings and the rest of the guts were all still original.

What will be interesting is the (potential) "piece o' crap" that I just installed. Instead of rebuilding mine or buying a rebuilt alternator, I purchased a brand new Brazilian replacement. Any bets as to the longevity of that one?

That gives me an idea. I'll post separately on that over in this thread: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/347300-dang-you-%FCro-other-tales-woe-17.html

I would get your money back, it should have at least lasted 500,000 miles

Been through the "piece 'o crap" alternators twice with my current 240D. I bought this car with a dead 'mystery' rebuilt alternator. Then the Pep-Boys Mexican rebuilt I installed croaked within 6 months. Meanwhile, a friend had given me a couple used Bosch alternators that were cluttering his garage. The 65 amp went in my 240D. A year later the 100 amp went in my Euro 300TD when the original 65 amp unit died (after the required wiring changes and a new regulator).
Both are still working fine after several years!

Happy Motoring, Mark

I have been using the Volvo Bosch ALX129 (someone can check the number foir the correct model designation) and it runs great on everytying, it was built for engines in W126 cars.

Under 125.00 often, without issues.

It's not surprising that alternators last as long as they do as the only wear items are two bearings and a couple of slip rings in the voltage regulator. Since the voltage regulator is a service item, replaced with two screws, an alternator might easily be expected to last 500k miles or more.

The fewer moving parts and wear items, the longer the expected life. There are gas turbine engines that run continuously in oil and gas applications that have a TBO of up to 100k hours or 11 years. Hypothetically, if they were powering a car running at 50 mph, that would equate to 5 million miles. I'd venture a guess that the overhaul requirement is based on the turbine hot section, not the bearings.

Better rebuild the original alternator instead of replacing it.