Bpkred

So being that I'm 18 and in college I got a new stereo system installed. Right now I have 2 Amps, one pushing about 600 watts rms, and another at around 300 watts rms. I believe that the original alternator is providing 90 amps, which is right about the maximum load on the alternator. I do notice that my headlights dim when I'm driving, and more recently, there is a burning smell along with a squeal coming up front. My suspicion is the alternator is going bad so my question is what is the biggest alternator I can put in without changing the brackets (if possible). My car is a 1997 e300d (non-turbo)

Plutoe

I think you are looking at the problem from the wrong angle---I would investigate attaching a portable tow behind generator. This way I can make money at pep rallies selling cold beer at the same time relieving the draw on you cars alternator. Plus there are all sorts of other opportunities at all the frat houses!!

Bpkred

Haha I'm totally gonna do that now. Might as well as it charges the battery and pays for tuition.

skycrane

here are a few things you need to do. You need a 1-2 Farad capacitor to help slow the drain off the battery and alternator. it keeps a supply of power for when the bass hits when your at idle. Also upgrade the wireing from the batt to the cap and amps to a minimum of 4ga. Ground the batt to the chasis with 4ga as well, and ground the amp with the 4ga to the chasis. That will aleviate you problem with the lights diming...

This is coming from expierence with over 3kw worth of amps, and dual alterantors to keep it all powered up

EdzBenz

I've heard you can use an alternator from a W140 as a direct set up with the W210. You'll have to do some searching, but I believe I read about this on a forum. The W140 uses a larger alternator which I think is around 120 or 130 AMP.

Bpkred

Thanks everyone for the replies. Since thanksgiving break is coming up, I plan on doing the big 3. Anyways more recently I have been looking into bigger and better speakers, which means more power. I found a LActrical 150A alternator on amazon for $122, which can't be right, at least i don't think so because its so cheap. It says it fits only the turbo models but ill give them a call and see if it fits the non-turbo.

kajtek1

I think you are overthinking the issues.
You likely have 120 amp alternator, what is plenty and even 90 amp is a lot.
Your speakers power sounds impressive, but this is peak power, while average is way lower.
So I don't think you need bigger alternator, but bigger battery not only for extra power at peaks but also for steady voltage.
I would install 2nd battery next to amplifier and run it to car system via battery combiner so you could use radio while parking without worry about discharging the starting battery.

Bpkred

The alternator that came with the car is 90 amp. I checked because I ended up replacing the ac compressor. Anyway I'm looking to get more powerful speakers soon and with over 180,000 miles on the original alternator, I feel like the best thing to do is replace it. I do agree that I should get a second battery but if I do, I think its best to get a more powerful alt as it still needs to charge them.
Also at night I have led lights in the interior which probably robs another 5-10 amps

kajtek1

You need to redo your calculation.
90 amp alternator = 1300W. Will be less at idle and that is where 2nd battery might be important (regardless the alternator size).
Interior led light is usually 2-3 W so even if you have 2 of them , they take 0.4 amp
This year I sold 2 of W210.
266,000 miles each with original alternators.
I did replace brushes/regulators in them.

Bpkred

I do understand that 150 amp will be overkill however the stuff I plan on doing in the future will require more power. Also the leds I'm referring too are led stripes with about 120 leds total to light the whole interior at night. Almost like an underglow

kajtek1

You still don't get it.
10 amps of LED power is more light than your headlights output. I am talking low, high and fog beams combined.
You are right that if your alternator dies, replacing it with more powerful will be good idea, but now your calculation is scrambled eggs.

Bpkred

I'm not trying to argue but each bulb is 55w. Multiply by 4 and it's 220w. That over 18 amps not including fog lights. I'm guessing the lights are drawing about 6-7 amps in reality. I know the fuse is rated for 10 amps.

kajtek1

It is 6 halogen bulbs at 55W each = 330W what makes almost 30 amp.
Still no match to 10 amp of LED light power.
Think about it....

Bpkred

All of this is a confusion. I meant to say the led lights are drawing about 6 amps not the actual lights. My bad

Bpkred

i guess my new question is do the w210 turbo diesels have a different alternator and/or mounting brackets than the non-turbo. the alternator i found says it fits only the turbo models