Car is '97 E320 with 112K miles. Sounds like the alternator is beginning to get noisy. Anybody willing to comment with their experience? TIA

MB always supplied bearings for alternators. BUT requires a press & pullers.
Unless you have access to that equipment>>>? I wouldn't waste any $$

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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Our 300D just started having (very) noisy alternator bearings. I pulled it and verified it does indeed have a grinding sound (but still spins freely). It was a bosch rebuild and the regulator brushes are about 80% gone....so its not exactly new...probably has a good number of miles on it.

We ordered a new bosch rebuild from online....the McParts store units are junk.

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'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
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'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I assume you are saying that a little bearing noise is nothing to worry about? Thanks for your insight.

No, I meant that most would rather replace the alternator with a reman unit that take the time & effort to install bearings.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I would take the alternator to the local electrical rebuilder. I've had bad results with over the counter rebuilds.