RHW

I have an 89 300CE and a bit of a high end stereo...so was thinking I'd like to upgrade the alternator. Car is not starting after a few days and battery tests good. Saw the suggestions and will replace all fuses.

But it looks like my early engine number version car only offers a 70amp alternator. (I've seen the 150 amp alternator but wonder if that is not potentially harmful overkill)

Can anyone point me towards a new/reman Bosch type with 90 amps or up that would fit my car?

neanderthal

go to mercedes shop dot com and search for a thread in technical help where a fella upgraded to an alternator from a W140. i think all he did was change the pulley.

RHW

Thank you cave dweller!

I have seen 80 and 90 amp Bosch alternators for later model W124s and wodered if these can fit...Frankly if it was bolt up or close, the 90 amp Bosch for a '92 or '93 would be my first choice.

BenzBro

You have a capacitor for your sound system?

joef

The I've had it explained to me by a few different people and at one time I found a thread on this is; you should do a combo of three items no just the alternator upgrade. If you do an alternator upgrade you should install a larger battery and stiffening cap. Too many time a battery upgrade and/or cap upgrade will be done and it puts stress on the alternator. The both the alternator and the battery fry. The same goes in reverse.
Hope it helps

RHW

Thanks very much for the responses.

The car in question does have a capacitor. The Amp is a JL500/5, so not desperately power hungry.

I am using my other cars at the moment (the 4matic wagon lives for the winter work) so just ordered a set of replacement fuses before I start anything.

Seems the trick is a local alternator guy. He'll upgrade the wire and rebuild/upgrade the alternator. With a capacitor already in place, does that just leave me needing a beefier battery?

Any specific suggestions on battery? Whats in a '95?

RHW

The stiffing cap, that's the capacitor that they installed with the stereo?
(don''t want to assume that and find I've missed something)

Makahveli

Bringing this back to life, need an alternator bad and its cold here so a good charge is important, trying to find a higher amp alternator since I love my bass, any help what stores sell them for our benz's?

Saijin_Naib

I don't know about the alternator, though I'd suggest you look at RockAuto (believe they had some there).

For the battery, a group 49 battery WILL fit and fits perfectly. I had to replace my Group 48 battery 2 weeks ago because the cold weather killed it and it didn't have enough CCAs to get me moving. My group 49 battery is about 250 CCAs higher than the group 48s and so far, has been well worth it.

ocpanther

I have an 89 300E that had the 70 amp alternator originally. When it died two years ago (before I found this forum) I replaced it with the bosch reman form my local auto parts place. When I got it back and all bolted up I realized it was slightly larger. It turns out I ended up getting an 80 AMP replacement for either the 300TE or for a 1990 300E. I had to adjust the tensioner a little and change the plug on the back of the alternator but it still works great.

joef

I managed to pick up the a 140 or 150 amp alternator for a V8 w140 s-class. Works wonders on the stereo in my cabrio. I think I originally got it from Potomac, it's been a few years

Makahveli

any chance you remember the plug being the same or did you have to change that?

joef

I don't remember for sure. My cousin did the upgrade and I don't think he said anything negative about it. I think all the info is on GSXR's website.

BOSS_W124

can anyone provide a proper link on this. I know one day I'll want to upgrade and I don't have the proper info atm thanks!

ocpanther

I don't know if you ever got an answer to this but here is a link I came across today.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ator-143a.html

BOSS_W124

thank you!