81 300SD 180 miles;

After lights, heater, cooling fan, stereo how much more amperage can the alt handle for accessories such as cell ph,CD etc.

How often are you going to have all of the accessories running at the same time? Usually small items such as phone ect. are OK.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I was thinking of putting in an FM modulated CD stacker and Accessory Front Fogs in my diesel 126. I do a lot of Mountain Driving and I:m goona need my lights + fog, heater, wipers and stereo. Considering I use these quite consitently , I:m worried about overworking the alt if I put in any accessories. On the other hand I was think (hoping) the diesel 126 has the same alt as the gas 126, thus giving me some breathing space in terms of amps.

Any recommendations ?

Benzmac - Please correct me if I'm wrong. I have always been under the assumption that the alternator must be able to carry the full electrical load of the car, plus at least a 25 percent surplus to keep the battery charged (ie. with 100 amp. load, you need at least a 125 amp. alternator ). This is supposed to count only the equipment that would be on full time at night, in the winter,not any intermittent loads.
Is this info still correct or has the "rule of thumb" been changed?

On a Mercedes they do not adhere to this rule so readily. The diesels will actually run, once started, with no electricity at all. The alt on this engine may be a 60 or 80A. You can check on the side of the Alt housing. It will say on the sitcker.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM