blackmercedes,

As usual - thanks for the thoughts...

PB did both a static and load test. They said it was like new. I will replaced ASAP since it is about time anyway.

I still do not understand how it could be the battery since the car had been running for plenty of time before any of this happened. I am missing some fundamental knowledge here. Can someone please explain?

Should I trust PepBoys evaluation of the alternator?

__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction