How long does the C32 alternator usually last?
10-17-2008, 01:39 AM
#27
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02-24-2009, 05:06 PM
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2005 C55; 2003 360 Modena
Since there is some misinformation in this thread, and it has since been referenced in another thread of a similar topic, here are the correct details:
C32's came equipped with either a Bosch or Valeo alternator as original equipment. Rating for either is 120 amps. Either alternator can be replaced with each other, as they are interchangeable. The failure rate referenced above for Bosch units was related to the regulator, which has a production clean date in 2005. The devil, as they say are in the details... so here goes. Valeo doesn't play in the IAM, so in order to get a 'real' Valeo, you need to source it from the dealer, or an outlet that sources from the dealer. When I say 'real', I mean a Valeo core rebuilt by Valeo. There are many rebuilders that can source core and rebuild the unit, but that brings into question OEM specs and components. Just because you buy a unit from your local parts retailer and it says Valeo on the case - it is highly unlikely that Valeo rebuilt it.
The Bosch scenario is different. Bosch is well established in both the IAM and OES distribution channels. Bosch supplies both channels (OES, IAM) with the exact same unit, remanufactured by a Bosch remanufacturing plant to the original equipment specification using the original equipment components. You can go to your local dealer or IAM outlet and get the same unit - BUT - (here's the details again) the IAM unit must be part number AL0787X, with plant code 095 or 788. This insures that it is a core that Bosch rebuilt and supplied. If you go to a local retailer and buy an alternator XYZ, open the non-Bosch branded box, and find a unit that says Bosch on the core - THIS IS NOT THE SAME OEM SPEC and COMPONENTS, same as for Valeo above.
C55's came equipped with a Bosch alternator as original equipment, rated at 150 amps. Same Bosch verbiage from above applies, except the part number is AL0819X.
Some bogus information from the post is:
There is a defined life for an alternator, but it is in hours not miles. Taxi cabs are a good example of high miles and hours. To say how long a given alternator, or practically any automotive component should last, is impossible nor a valid question.
Bosch unit won't work.... not enough voltage.... ALL WRONG. C32s were dual supplied by both manufacturers. Both are 12v / 120 amp units. Both units can be used to service the vehicle. If you go to a retailer and buy one - you're going to get one or the other - rebuilders have consolidated the units. If a Bosch or Valeo unit was sourced and it didn't fit - then it was a mis-packaged unit.
Wagneralt.com has the OEM part. Not necessarily. Their catalogs state that OEM names and numbers are used as reference only. Their pictures clearly show OEM and knock-off parts. Look at page 7 of their W2008-09 catalog - you'll see three Bosch external regulators listed at the bottom. Only the right two are clearly OEM parts. The black one is a knock-off.
C32's came equipped with either a Bosch or Valeo alternator as original equipment. Rating for either is 120 amps. Either alternator can be replaced with each other, as they are interchangeable. The failure rate referenced above for Bosch units was related to the regulator, which has a production clean date in 2005. The devil, as they say are in the details... so here goes. Valeo doesn't play in the IAM, so in order to get a 'real' Valeo, you need to source it from the dealer, or an outlet that sources from the dealer. When I say 'real', I mean a Valeo core rebuilt by Valeo. There are many rebuilders that can source core and rebuild the unit, but that brings into question OEM specs and components. Just because you buy a unit from your local parts retailer and it says Valeo on the case - it is highly unlikely that Valeo rebuilt it.
The Bosch scenario is different. Bosch is well established in both the IAM and OES distribution channels. Bosch supplies both channels (OES, IAM) with the exact same unit, remanufactured by a Bosch remanufacturing plant to the original equipment specification using the original equipment components. You can go to your local dealer or IAM outlet and get the same unit - BUT - (here's the details again) the IAM unit must be part number AL0787X, with plant code 095 or 788. This insures that it is a core that Bosch rebuilt and supplied. If you go to a local retailer and buy an alternator XYZ, open the non-Bosch branded box, and find a unit that says Bosch on the core - THIS IS NOT THE SAME OEM SPEC and COMPONENTS, same as for Valeo above.
C55's came equipped with a Bosch alternator as original equipment, rated at 150 amps. Same Bosch verbiage from above applies, except the part number is AL0819X.
Some bogus information from the post is:
There is a defined life for an alternator, but it is in hours not miles. Taxi cabs are a good example of high miles and hours. To say how long a given alternator, or practically any automotive component should last, is impossible nor a valid question.
Bosch unit won't work.... not enough voltage.... ALL WRONG. C32s were dual supplied by both manufacturers. Both are 12v / 120 amp units. Both units can be used to service the vehicle. If you go to a retailer and buy one - you're going to get one or the other - rebuilders have consolidated the units. If a Bosch or Valeo unit was sourced and it didn't fit - then it was a mis-packaged unit.
Wagneralt.com has the OEM part. Not necessarily. Their catalogs state that OEM names and numbers are used as reference only. Their pictures clearly show OEM and knock-off parts. Look at page 7 of their W2008-09 catalog - you'll see three Bosch external regulators listed at the bottom. Only the right two are clearly OEM parts. The black one is a knock-off.
07-13-2009, 09:19 PM
#31
ScottW911 is correct. The Bosch unit definitely will not work (at least in the long-term; it doesn't put out enough voltage). Several forum members here have tried the Bosch unit. To my knowledge, it has been a truck-load of fail in each case.
For the C32, you need part # 112-154-02-02-88. This is the Valeo unit.
FWIW, here's a link where you can supposedly purchase the Valeo unit for $276.89. Personally, I think this is the pricing for the Bosch unit and it could be a mistake on the website - I'd call them and verify. If it is the right part (i.e. it's the Valeo unit), I'd snap it up because that's very cheap for a Valeo unit.
Also, I'm still not convinced that these alternators can't be remanufactured/reconditioned (if it's not a voltage regulator issue). When you remove your old alternator, please save it. If you don't want to check into repairing it, please allow me - I'll pay for shipping. If I can get it fixed, I'll give it back to you.
For the C32, you need part # 112-154-02-02-88. This is the Valeo unit.
FWIW, here's a link where you can supposedly purchase the Valeo unit for $276.89. Personally, I think this is the pricing for the Bosch unit and it could be a mistake on the website - I'd call them and verify. If it is the right part (i.e. it's the Valeo unit), I'd snap it up because that's very cheap for a Valeo unit.
Also, I'm still not convinced that these alternators can't be remanufactured/reconditioned (if it's not a voltage regulator issue). When you remove your old alternator, please save it. If you don't want to check into repairing it, please allow me - I'll pay for shipping. If I can get it fixed, I'll give it back to you.
http://www.bimmerspecialist.com/part...54-02-02%2088#
07-13-2009, 09:28 PM
#32
Hey Bud my alternator went out can you give me details where to get it rebuilt as u did?
08-30-2011, 02:31 PM
#33
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Black on Black stock ' 03 C32
Getting the alternator replaced this week. about $300 for the brand new Bosch unit, and $150 labor, $450 total. I spoke to my mechanic about some of these posts above. He's a big Star Specialist shop, always busy, always does a great job at a good price, and he's a real OEM die-hard, will not deviate from AMG/factory spec stuff. His opinion is that the cars came with both Bosch and Valeo units, and are fairly interchangeable, but he tries to avoid Valeo parts if ALL other things are equal because he believes Bosch units have a much lower failure rate, and Valeo products have been the cause of some of the most notorious of Benz's problems (like the radiator/transmission contamination).
My alternator was the original from factory, was a Bosch unit, and it lasted 135K miles, until this week. (I have an '03 C32 AMG, with everything stock)
Interesting sidenote: I recently had the transmission rebuilt, but last week the tranny kept going into 3rd gear on the highway, (that's why I took it in this week) and my mechanic says that the low system voltage from an alternator that was only putting out 11.2 V can cause erroneous reading for the tranny computer and therefore cause irregular shifts.
I had gotten the red "Alternator/Battery" warning on the dash, but it was intermittent and it was raining so I thought (or rather, hoped) it was just some wet belt slippage, but no, the alternator was only putting out 11.2 V.
So, in response to the original post: My original Bosch alternator lasted 135K.
My alternator was the original from factory, was a Bosch unit, and it lasted 135K miles, until this week. (I have an '03 C32 AMG, with everything stock)
Interesting sidenote: I recently had the transmission rebuilt, but last week the tranny kept going into 3rd gear on the highway, (that's why I took it in this week) and my mechanic says that the low system voltage from an alternator that was only putting out 11.2 V can cause erroneous reading for the tranny computer and therefore cause irregular shifts.
I had gotten the red "Alternator/Battery" warning on the dash, but it was intermittent and it was raining so I thought (or rather, hoped) it was just some wet belt slippage, but no, the alternator was only putting out 11.2 V.
So, in response to the original post: My original Bosch alternator lasted 135K.
