560 SEL Alternate alternators?
 

Is the 80amp alt specific to the 560 or is there some cross-compatibility. The setup is pretty basic after all. Higher amperage would be nice. But when I go rebuild shopping I want to know if I can use others designated for other Benzs.

Does it use a serp belt or v belts?

I'm amazed the 560 came with a wimpy 80 amp unit when it had a big stereo, heated seats, and all the other toys to run. I have a 110 amp unit waiting to go in place of the 80 amp on my car now.

-J

V belt. And I know what you mean. 80 amp is nothing and its not like other cars of the same vintage came with similar. Other cars easily came with 100+. Also not to mention that with age they degrade. Mine is putting out 13.9v at battery. That has me a little concerned that amp output is also down.

But since its a standard "swing arm" mount I would think others would either go right in or go in with little modification. At least I hope.

is that 13.9 at idle? That's not so bad. My Audi came with a 110A, and my 91/92 Jettas had 90amps, and those cars cost almost 4 times less then the SDL :eek:

There's an upgraded bosch alternator used on some Saab cars the 85 and older diesel guys upgrade to, perhaps that would fit your V8?

-J

Seems like there's a few old threads circa 2003-2004 on here on the mods necessary to do a 110 amp (maybe even a 140 amp) alternate. Took a little work, but not bad. It was something i had considered when i had the 560sel.

I think the AL129x alt will work based on the info I found. 115amps. From a Saab. Appears to be a direct fit. Another upgraded to 130amp, but had some slight mods to do because the pulley was too far out.

Thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/93569-alternator-115-amp-bosch-al129x-works-123s.html

I think all the frames are the same- just have to swap the pulley.

There are lots of ppl running the 110-143 amp and the 150 amp models.. on v-belt cars(up to 2001Alternators).
Used they are $50-125. Most ppl throw a new regulator/brush pack on the alt which is another $30-35. You can do bearings too for another $20. Rears seem to get a bit noisy- and it's the cheaper brg.

You have to make a new harness for the wiring- need switched power source and then bigger cable to take the power.


M

The Saab version fits, just the case has to be rotated 180° from when I test fit it a while back.

I do not see how you can get away with much more amperage with a skinny, single V belt.

Regardless, 115A > 80A.