AlternaTOR
 

I have a 78 MB 300D. there is a small black box with a female connector on the back of my alternator. Any idea what this is? I am experiencing a lot of electrical problems. This is the third time I have changed my alternator. New battery and no shortage probs I can see. any Ideas????? :cool:

That would be the voltage regulator and if thats gone out then you're electrically screwed until you replace it... the 2 times I've put in a new alternator they've come with new voltage regulators as well so I never really troubleshot it any futher to exhonerate the alternator or voltage regulator. Sometimes changing the alternator and not the VR will work for a short period of time, but they generally die again within a week... month at the most from my experiance. The VR's are cheap, and the last time I got an alternator with a VR it was about $100. Bolted and plugged in and have been rockin and rollin ever since.

Good Luck!

black box
 

the box he is reffering to is not the regulator, the regulator does not have a female connector. he is however reffering to the condenser, i believe it acts as a noise surpressor, but it is not necessary for the alternator to function. it is mercedes part number 001-156-69-01
where are you getting the alternators? at my shop we only recommend and install bosch remanufactured units the bosch number for your car is a AL 80 X
hope this helps. send me an email if you have more questions. ray
mercedessd@cox.net