C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

To those who already replaced the alternator...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 19, 2007 | 06:57 PM
  #1  
C230 Sport Coup's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
To those who already replaced the alternator...

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
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2007 | 07:14 PM
  #2  
BlackLiquorish8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
C3Twon AWD Jumpofffff
i replaced mine but the dealer took back the old one....
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2007 | 02:10 PM
  #3  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Ditto.

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

E
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2007 | 08:00 PM
  #4  
trisonics's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
I think you would be charged extra 80 bucks if you take your original back.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2007 | 03:15 PM
  #5  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Originally Posted by trisonics
I think you would be charged extra 80 bucks if you take your original back.
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
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2007 | 03:38 PM
  #6  
trisonics's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
Originally Posted by emrliquidlife
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
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.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2007 | 04:53 PM
  #7  
jscavo's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
w203
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?
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2007 | 04:57 PM
  #8  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
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
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 21, 2007 | 07:18 PM
  #9  
trisonics's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
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
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2007 | 02:26 PM
  #10  
C230 Sport Coup's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
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.
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2007 | 02:35 PM
  #11  
C230 Sport Coup's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
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.
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2007 | 05:26 PM
  #12  
trisonics's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
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?
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2007 | 06:27 PM
  #13  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Originally Posted by 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?

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
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2007 | 04:32 PM
  #14  
C230 Sport Coup's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
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?

Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jun 24, 2007 at 04:35 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2007 | 05:21 PM
  #15  
trisonics's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
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.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:28 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE