Who's the #$%^& genius that put the alternator
 

where you can't remove it from the engine compartment?????????
Should be simple right? 2 bolts, remove, replace, voila. No dice. Able to remove it, but it won't fit out through the gaps between any of the engine components. Eventually loosened all v-belts, loosened the fan shroud, passed alternator into space between radiator and engine block, cut the top portion of the fan shroud in half (neatly, despite the fact that it was 10:30 at night), bent the fan shroud outwards and finally, there it is.What a PITA!! Anyone else have this problem? Alex

Nope. I got it on and off easily. But my engine is sitting/hanging in my garage. :D

Should be back in this weekend.

Really now, its not that hard. Was straight forward for me. Witha 240 there is more space. Is the engine mount arm in the way?

The engine fits pretty tight in the 115's engine bay. Wait till you have to get to the water pump. That big ol bracket that hold the AC compressor has to come off which is a pain.

not too bad compared to some cars ive worked on

I guess I am glad I went with a w123 240d. It looks like there is plenty of room in there.

My first repair on my 300SD was the alternator, and even I, a total noob, was able to get it off in about 20 min, and back on in 45 (I had to take the mounting bracket off when putting it back in because I couldn't get the big spacer in the right place with the bracket still attached to the engine).

According to the sig, it's a 115, right?

a 75 is a W115

Should've bought a Ford Ranger with a V6 (Specifically for the ease of alternator changing)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...scamera125.jpg

The 89-93 Buick Century alternator is even easier than that to get at....its right up at the top passenger side. I swapped one in about 10-15 mins on my wife's old car. Sigh, I wish she had kept that one instead of the Rav4.... :o

As for alternator difficulty, I have yet to see one more poorly designed/located than on a late 80's Saab. WHY. WHY did they design it that way?! :eek:

you should see what chevy did on the 03 camaro's... they actually cut a dimple in the frame to clear the alternator.... the thing is bolted directly to the block and tucked into the subframe... I'm thinking it's easier to remove the entire subframe with motor attached to get that thing out...
and the 97 is SOOOOO much easier. right on the front of the passenger's side of the motor.