Alternator - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

robaincltnc · #1 12-05-2004, 10:42 AM

Can you guys tell me how much to expect for a new alternator and replacement? Also, if I buy off line and there is a core charge..do I get the core charge back when I return the old alternator?

Its for a 97E420.

Thanks!

CzarFC · #2 12-05-2004, 11:22 AM

From this site a new alternator for your car is $225.10. If you took it to a shop or dealership, it would be closer to $350-$400 plus installation which would be another $100+ since its about an hour job (in my guestimation based on my experiance with my '78 300CD and '88 560SEL)

I was going to say this is a snap to do for a DIY'er but I'm not familiar with your model. (I'm a DIY'er on the previously mentioned 2 models) On my cars the alternator is held on by 2 bolts so it's pretty simple. The tools needed for the job (at least for my 2 cars) are a socket wrench and a closed-end wrench sized appropriately to the nuts and bolts used to hold the alternator on.

And yes, if there is a core charge, its a deposit you get back upon sending in the old alternator.

Good luck!

Scott

robaincltnc · #3 12-05-2004, 11:27 AM

Scott,
Thank much for your reply.
Have a great Sunday.
rob

Mike Murrell · #4 12-05-2004, 06:58 PM

Rob:

I would do one of two things:

a. Find a good rebuilder in your area. You live in a large metropolitan town, so there should be plenty of places that can do a quality rebuild on an MB alternator. This works if you can remove it and take it in.

b. Buy a new/reman unit locally. There won't be a core charge as you'll be turning in an old unit when you buy the reman. Same as item a...you have to do the removal/reinstallation. Some places hve a core charge for reman, but not for new; then some have it both ways.

Internet shopping for auto parts is all fine and good for some things - core charge items like starters/alternators is a pain. It just ain't worth all the trouble you have to go thru packaging/returning the old part. I've been especially turned off by all of the caveats web sellers place in the "return" instructions section.

My 2 cents.

LK1 · #5 12-05-2004, 07:05 PM

Don't forget to change the pulley and belt if they're old. i have had no trouble buying parts from the internet(s).

Ashman · #6 12-05-2004, 07:38 PM

what exactly is wrong with the alternator that you need to change it?

In some cases you only need to change the regulator which screws into the back of the alternator (not sure if this applies to your car.)

Also if needing to replace it, may as well try to find a higher output alternator from another model benz that will work on your car.

Alon

robaincltnc · #7 12-05-2004, 08:46 PM

LK and others,
Are you referring to the multi rib belt and idler pully? How many pully's should I need? I think both are original and I've noticed some dry rot on the belt.
Thanks!

Knight Rider521 · #8 12-06-2004, 12:04 AM

What Ashman said is so true!!! Last summer I took my car to Sears because I thought that something was wrong with the battery when the light kept coming on. Come to find out that it was the alternator. Sears tried to tell me that I need a new alternator and that it would cost me about $340. I said there was no way they were touching my car to do anything but rotate the tires or to swap out a battery. So I drove the car to my mechanic where he rewound the alternator brushes for a total of $50. I have learned the hard way over the short few years that I have had to deal with car repair shops that they will try and get as much money out of you as they can (except my mechanic, of course!!).