I have a question.
My alternator light came on 2 days ago for the first time. I have a 1986 300E w/195k mi., on it. Yesterday upon parking in front of my house, once I turned the car off it wouldn't start again. I've been pricing Bosch rebuilts for this alt. The question is,"I'm coming up with 2 different alt's, one is a 70 amp which will fit engine #12-179741 for $167.95 the other is a 80 amp that will fit # 12-179742 for $158.35. The 80 amp is $10 cheaper, this doesn't include core charges. Does this make any sense? I thought my engine was #103.983. Also, I thought the higher amp alt. would be the more expensive part.

TIA

I would submit a request to partshop here for your. That might help you determine if the part is indeed for your car, and partshop may just have a better price for you.

I just had a rolls royce alternator rebuilt for my father. My Alternator guy made it 170 amps, much better than the original 65 amps. it wasn't cheap though, but it is very impressive, and the car charges perfectly now.

Have you priced getting a rebuild done with the same or higher amperage? If you can get yours rebuilt with a higher amperage for a similar price, I would do it. the higher amperage will help if you decide to add a high end stereo system. and other devices that put a big drain on the car.

That's my $0.02

Alon

------------------
'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust

Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

Before you spring for a new alternator, check the brush assy in yours. If you have no additional hi current loads, the stock unit should be OK. I'll bet those brushes are shot. Easy, inexpensive replacement. Remove connector, two phillips screws, tip the old one out and take a look. If you've got less than about 5/16ths left, that's the problem. worth a look..

------------------
Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
No matter what you fix, there will always be something else to fix..

I also have an '86 300E and I found the alternator weak. Without load it charges by about 13.75 volts, however if I have the rear window defog, the heater, and the full headlight set on inc. foglights the charge drops down just above 12 volts. MB changed the alternator for a stonger one in '90 from 70A to 80A. The 400 and 500 has a 110A alternator. So go for higher amps if you can.
Incidentally my alternator was rebuilt this Tuesday (the bearing was completely shot) and gives me the same output readings as before so I guess it is not strong enough for the electrical system.

Alex