Where are you located? Where is the car? I have always found it wise to take a car to a shop of my choosing to do the 110-point inspection and get a full report. Well worth the $65 . . . then I can plan the repair/R & R schedule. The alternator can cost you a mint, not to mention the time it will take to R & R it, unless you can replace the diodes from behind the alternator, while it's still mounted. Most general mechanics cuss up a storm having to R & R MBZ alternators. Some swear the alternators are installed, and the rest of the car is built around it!!!! LOL.

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1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002