I have a 1997 E300 Diesel. The lastest problem is all the lights in the car twinkle from the instrument lights to the headlamps. The problem seems only to occur @ low rpms. Anyone had this problem??? No trouble codes are popping up... I'm thinking ethier the voltage regulator ($115) or the altenator ($397)... Thanks in advance for the help you guy's can offer!!!

 

Also, check belt tension and battery connections and that idle rpm is with specs. Low idle and a loose belt can result in poor charging current.
Just some thoughts anyone else???

 

Isn't the battery placed beneath the rear seat??? at least in my E320 it is placed there, so at low rpm's that area shouldnt receive as many vibrations as if it were in the engine compartment.... i think it is the alternator which is getting faulty (how many miles does ur car have?).... my car had an electrical problem similar to yours but instead of twinkling they would blow out.. it was the voltage regulator.....
but in your case it might very well be the alternator...

 

ah its a diesel!! no wonder they twinkle

 

I've seen the alternator on The Parts Bin for a lot less :-)

 

Well the problem lasted about 400 miles, and has since stopped. It's been 500 miles and it has'nt done it once... My e300 has 97,000 miles it's probally altenator time anyways.. Has anyone else experinced electrical gremlins with thier W210's????? lol..........

Thanks for the input guy's!!!!
Dennis

 

Is the voltage regulator built in to the alternator on the W210 or is there one mounted somewhere else? If so, where is it? My charging system dosn't read 14v while the car is running so I think that I have one of those 2 items bad. Is the standard alternator 90 Amps or 115 Amps on the E320?