260E Alternator Cost?
 

Unfortunately yesterday my alternator gave way in the middle of the freeway so I had it towed to my mechanic. I searched the web last night and found new/refurbished alternator for $165.00. Could anyone tell me wether this is a good price and how much labor time is involved in replacement?

Thanks again, Igor.

had mine rebuilt recently for 125. dealers want 175.

I had my alternator replaced in my '95 E420 at the Richmond Mercedes-Benz dealership...I was charged $202.40CAD for labour...at a rate of $92CAD/hour...so I am guessin' something like 2 hours, depending how accessible your alternator is compared to the V8 W124's...I paid something like $450CAD for the alternator from M-B...note that even M-B's alternators that you get from the dealership parts shop are rebuilds...you seldom see "brand new" alternators/starters out there...they usually contract out to shops to rebuild these things back to M-B specs give it a good cleaning, and package it in the M-B box...

My friend had his alternator rebuilt at 170,000km in a '92 325i...he now has over 200,000km on the car...and it is still runnin' strong...I believe he spent $79CAD on the rebuild with all taxes included...if you want to save a few $$$, a rebuilt alternator may be a good alternative...provided you can find a good reliable shop to do the job at a good price...good luck...

joel,

nice to see somebody else from the Lower Mainland here...was $125 for the rebuild + uninstall/install, or just the rebuild? it would be great if you could share the shop here for further reference...thanx...

It was the brushes!!
 

Actually my mechanic just called and told me that he replaced the brushes and it started charging fine again. Total cost with 2 hrs of labor and tax was $220.00.

Again, I thank you for your replies.

Igor, Minneapolis.

P.S. Yesterday was 88F and tomorrow we expect snow!?!? :confused:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=61413&highlight=alternator+battery

Hi MDuck,

Click on the above thread, it has the breakdown of
charges made.

My indy is RJ Motorworks located at Vulcan Way
Richmond. Don't know the phone no. off hand but
they are listed in the phone book.

Ask for Rick, owner-operator, he looks after all of my vehicles.
Tell him Ed from Subway, sent you over.

Bought my W124 rebuild at FastLane for $125...this was two years ago.

I also installed it myself. It's pretty much a DIY job. It's a bit tight for room to get at the mounting bolts, but deinstall took me about an hour.

Install was simpler...30 minutes including replacing the serpentine belt.

brushes
 

IZELJIC,
If it was the brush on the rectifier/regulator, should it not cost about $40 for parts and a two minute labour. The rectifier/regulator can be replaced without taking the alternator off.

Will know more tonight
 

I will be going to pick up the car tonight and will get the breakdown of the charges. I read that the brushes are very easy to replace so I don't know where $220 came from.

I'll let you know as soon as I see the invoice.

Thanks, Igor.