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So my sons 2005 CLK320 red battery warning light came on. He is in another part of the state so I am doing this so far from a distance.
Assuming it is the alternator (or voltage regulator) I am confused as to which alternator is the correct one...the Valeo or the Bosch. Most sites list both. Is this because they are interchangeable? Or because some cars used a Valeo and some used a Bosch and you need to replace like with like?
one of the thoughts I had was maybe the Bosch has 2 large lugs for the aux battery used on some applications while the Valeo has only one lug. If so can you just use the Bosch and use just the correct lug and leave the other not connected?
Since I likely have to drive 2 hour and install it in the driveway during 30 degree weather I would like to do it only once.
They are interchangeable. Both Bosch and Valeo are OEM's for MBZ. Bosch is German, Valeo is French, both have factories around the world. As Anker mentioned, there is a huge problem with fake Bosch parts and placed like Amazon and eBay are full of them. My advice is get your part from a reputable dedicated parts supplier like Autohaus AZ, RM European, Pelican, FCP Euro, etc. Or, if you don't care to get a genuine Bosch part, get a lifetime warranted rebuilt unit from someplace like Advance Auto. It very well may be a Bosch unit, but will likely be rebuilt in China. But, they'll replace it for life if (when) it fails.
I am replacing the alternator on my 2004 CLK320. What is weird is the 2 conductor electrical connector on the new alternator (DB Electric) doesn't fit even though Amazon said it would. Most of the sites where i can see the back of the alternator have a oval connector, but the wire on the car is square on one side and rounded on the other. Has anyone run into this?
03-18-2019, 05:19 PM
