Replacing Alternator on W210...
 

Anyone had the experience of replacing an alternator on the W210 yet? I see that I need to purchase a special tool to grab a few of those star type bolts? Any step-by-step instructions would be appreciated....

BTW.... What happened to that NorthEast GTG?

Can't you just replace the brushes?

Len

Wow!! I am surprised this needs to be done so soon. How many miles?

Can you take pictures and/or post a step by step? It sounds like I may be needing to do this too.

My E has 135K on her... When I use the intergrated climate control info setting, I see that the alternator has trouble maintaining consistent voltage. Last night when it was cooler the charging voltage actually stabilized. Stabilizing I mean that the voltage stays constant for at least a few seconds, ex. 13.0 or 13.1 for at least a few seconds depending on the electrical consumption. Normally it consistently flickers between 12.9, 13.0, 13.3 a few times per second. I had charging problems during the extreme winter last year at one point. SO I figure I don't want to play with brushes and voltage regulators and rather replace the entire unit. I am assuming that my E still has her original alternator in her. BenzBin has a decent price for an alternator, ofcourse with returning the core :-)

What ya guys think?

I think you should check to see if the regulator/brush assembly is replaceable like the previous models. Sorry, but I haven't looked at mine yet. If it is, then pull the VR and see if the brushes are really short. Then you have your answer.