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…

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Current rolling stock:
2001 E55 183,000+ Newest member of the fleet.
2002 E320 83,000 - The "cream-puff"!
1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
1998 E300D 155,000+
2001 E320 227,000+
2001 E320 Wagon, 177,000+

Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
1966 300SE
1971 280SE
1973 350SLC (euro)
1980 450SLC
1980 450SLC (#2)
1978 450SLC 5.0
1984 300D ~243,000 & fondly remembered
1993 500E - sorely missed.
1975 VW Scirocco w/ slightly de-tuned Super-Vee engine - Sold after 30+ years.

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

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1985 Mercedes 300DT

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

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14 E250 Bluetec "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 153k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 171k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver, 142k mi, wastegate conversion

19 Honda CR-V EX 61k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

that is amazing!!!!!

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Courtney
2006 E320 CDI
2008 ML320 CDI

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

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Current rolling stock:
2001 E55 183,000+ Newest member of the fleet.
2002 E320 83,000 - The "cream-puff"!
1992 500E 217,000+
1995 E300D 412,000+
1998 E300D 155,000+
2001 E320 227,000+
2001 E320 Wagon, 177,000+

Prior MBZ’s:
1952 220 Cab A
1966 300SE
1971 280SE
1973 350SLC (euro)
1980 450SLC
1980 450SLC (#2)
1978 450SLC 5.0
1984 300D ~243,000 & fondly remembered
1993 500E - sorely missed.
1975 VW Scirocco w/ slightly de-tuned Super-Vee engine - Sold after 30+ years.

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

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DrDKW

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.

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Strelnik
Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6

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.

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica

Better rebuild the original alternator instead of replacing it.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.