vorex

So I get a message on my 2005 C230 Kompressor that my alt is going bad and around the same time I begin to have some weird electrical issues...

When I put the key in and turn the car on one of 3 things happen:

1. The car refuses to start (no sounds, nothing)
2. The car starts and immediately all the gauges go to 0 (fuel gauge if it's not already warm being the most apparent) and the following other things don't work:

• The gear indicator doesn't show what gear I'm in (D, P, N, R, etc)
• The comfort/sport indicator doesn't display anything
• Power Windows
• A/C
• Turn Signals (Hazards DO work)
• Ambient Light Sensor (for automatic headlights)
• Speedo/Tac/Fuel Gauge/Coolant Temp Gauge
• Heres a pic for visual folks (this is with the car running)
  

3. The car starts and everything works as expected
- I can notice lights flickering quite a bit


I say ok well if there isn't enough juice from the alternator that can cause weird issues so let's get that replaced ASAP. I go ahead and do that and now it seems I have all these issues (except for the crazy light flickering, (full disclosure: I may be hyper sensitive) I seem to still notice a slight flickering in some of the lights.

I am stumped, hoping someone can give me a next step.
It's not throwing any codes what so ever.