rnorthen

It appears I need a new alternator, the local dealer quoted $1250, which seems outrageous. Anyone else have their alternator replaced at dealer? Mind sharing what you paid?

Cwagon

It might just be the voltage regulator which is replaceable on these alternators.
FCP Euro sell them, https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...mer-0031546806

Star4life

i build high output alternators on the side. if you need help pm me. $1250 is absolutly insane. does that include install though?

rnorthen

No, that is just the alternator. Including install the price quoted is $1893.00 - mind blowing!

doncmleon

If you don't mind Auto Zone - $230 with tax ...$1,000 MB markup isnt worth it to me.

https://www.autozone.com/external-en...254727_23521_0

DadCar

installing it looks pretty difficult, but maybe you can find an independent shop to do it for less

E63007

Installing is simple, disconnect battery, unbolt main electrical connection to alternator and then the plug from alternator, make sure all is disconnected, then there’s 4 mounting bolts to unscrew, replace, am I missing something?

Trav63

Yes, you are missing plenty. Alt replacement on the W204 c63 requires a reasonable amount of time and understanding. Firstly, radiator support and fan need to come out, you can just squeeze the alt up being very careful not to damage radiator fins. You need to take the rear bolt and nut out of the sway bar mount, you can't get the alternator bolt in or out otherwise. There are also oil cooler lines bolted to the 2 bottom alternator bolts, putting them back in is very tricky as visibility from any angle is near impossible, a second pair of hands for this is highly recommended. You need to remove bottom reservoir coolant hose for access. Bottom radiator hose gets in the way but can be left in place, of course removing belt, connections etc from alt as well, then put it all back together. If it wasn't for all the things in the way and the ridiculously tight bay of the c class, it would be as easy as you said 😉

skullbox15

Is there a YT or thread on installing just the VRM on our cars?

roadtalontsi

install a $200 autozone alternator on the car and you'll get really good at using the lifetime warranty, replacement time and breaking down.

KLinNBC

You think tight space in a W204 is a problem, consider that the R230 SL 63 has a lot more space... but a crossmember and frame in the way such that changing an alternator on one of these requires removing the motor. Seriously, as detailed in WIS. I just about keeled over when I read:

1. Disconnect batteries
2. Remove motor.