C230 Sport Coup

To those who already replaced the alternator on
M111 C230.

What did you do with the broken one?
Please contact me if you have a core, or
if you find yourself in the shop, be sure to ask for the part and contact me.
I'd like to buy it from you.


Thanks

BlackLiquorish8

i replaced mine but the dealer took back the old one....

SeaCoupe

Ditto.

I had the dealer replace it. However, Like an IDIOT, I didn't ask for my origional.

E

trisonics

I think you would be charged extra 80 bucks if you take your original back.

SeaCoupe

I could have had it repaired, then have an extra, or sell it to a member in need. Did you get yours replaced allready?

Did the mech comment on the difficulty at all?

E

trisonics

Yep, that would be a good thing if you can get it repaired.

I dropped off my car at the mechanic this morning. This one is a MB specialist and quoted 3 hrs for labour. Will have to wait and see.

jscavo

I heard it was a big job to replace the alt on a M111. something like remove the SC to get to it. Is it a DIY?

SeaCoupe

It really is an easy job, just would take some time. I can see how a MB mech could do it in 3 hours. But for me, I'm a hack.

Plus if you don't have an understanding of the tactile feel of threading into aluminum pieces, you are taking a big risk. The S/C manifold is aluminum, as is the S/C.

If you go in that far, I highly recommend getting your S/C ported too! If your car has over 100k miles, it would be a good idea to get the S/C oil flushed too.

I did take pics of my work, I'm just a lazy azz and haven't put up the DIY.

E

trisonics

I called four places for estimates on replacing the alternator and all of them quoted 500 bucks for the alternator. The MB dealer quoted 580 for a rebuilt

C230 Sport Coup

Thats the prices I'm seeing as well, hence I'd like to have one on hand for an event that isn't if, but when. Especially with the ASP pulley spinning it and xtra 20%.
There's several local auto electric shops I've used in the past that rebuilt alternators and it ends up costing a lot less if you just bring in the broken one and get it repaired. New brushes, bearings, voltage reg. and new commutator.
Generally thats all thats needed.

If I'd known it require removing the SC, I think I would have done it during the header install, had it rebuilt "while you're in there".

If the core charge is $80 bucks, I'd gladly pay that plus the shipping.
So what maybe $100? That'd be fine.
Then when mine dies, I can do the same for another member.

C230 Sport Coup

I just called this place
it's $150 bucks to rebuilt it (bosch). I've used them before.
Had the same alt rebuilt several time on my Bertone...errrr....FIAT.
Not always needing it, but when you have it in your hand to do a timing belt and water pump, and it's only $65 to rebuild it, vs. $450 new, well....."while you're in there"....

http://www.autolectrics.com/

See what I mean? So DIY, is maybe rental car for a day or 2, what maybe 50-100 bucks, $150 for the rebuild. 200-250 total vs. $1000 +.

Having a core onhand means not needing a rental, or at least having the part on hard and not needing a ride to drop off the broken one,
have it towed home. Fix it. Done.

trisonics

Sorry about the core C230, I didn't get it back

Anyway, on a relevant note, after getting the "Undervoltage Consumer Check Level" message I kept driving the car for three days. On thursday I started it up in the morning to take to the mechanic and I see a new error message "Battery/Alternator visit Mech" with a audible immediately the Check Engine light came on. I took to the dealer and he said it is bad alternator and relplaced it. He said he couldn't find any error code for the check engine light. Got my car back and all is fine so far. Today I am going through manual and it says the "Battery/Alternator...." message may mean that the Poly-V belt is broken and will damage water pump if I keep driving
Now the mechanic didn't find anything but I don't know if he looked properly, anyone had similar experience?

SeaCoupe

No worries Tri;

To get the alt out, he had to look at the serpentine belt. So, he did do a check, and for your light to be out, you have the belt on.

Besides, no belt, no accessory power, and NO S/C.

E

C230 Sport Coup

You'd see if the belt was messed up.

Man, the mechanics have quite the scam, sell ya an Alt for 600
400 for labor, then sell the core back (or get it repaired for at most
150 and sell for 600).

Total profit on one job, what like a grand? Why people always trying to bend us over anyway they can? Was looking over last years credit card summary,
I spent around 5 grand on repairs, maint, and upgrades for 2006, + 2100 in gasoline + 1500 for insurance. Geez. 1500 of that was for the CO's though,
and 300 for tint. Then there's the $400+ A service from Smyth, when I specifically asked for just an oil change.
I needed shocks no matter what, so no matter what I woulda had big bill for that...and I wanted the adjustable shocks.

And thats with doing much work myself, like the front AMG brakes, and coil packs....

Don't know what my next car will be, but this is rediculous.
I wonder if Chrysler 300 is this bad?

trisonics

I got charged 500 for Alt and 220 for labor. With tax it was $770.
I bought my car last month (in good shape) and in 50 days I spent 2000 dollars just fixing the car and it didn't end yet. I will have to change the oil tomorrow and then the AC smells like chemical sometimes, probably need to replace the compressor. I am thinking I of trading in this car for a Mazda 3.