W210 alternator size
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1997 mercedes e 300d
W210 alternator size
So being that I'm 18 and in college I got a new stereo system installed. Right now I have 2 Amps, one pushing about 600 watts rms, and another at around 300 watts rms. I believe that the original alternator is providing 90 amps, which is right about the maximum load on the alternator. I do notice that my headlights dim when I'm driving, and more recently, there is a burning smell along with a squeal coming up front. My suspicion is the alternator is going bad so my question is what is the biggest alternator I can put in without changing the brackets (if possible). My car is a 1997 e300d (non-turbo)
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1997 mercedes e 300d
I think you are looking at the problem from the wrong angle---I would investigate attaching a portable tow behind generator. This way I can make money at pep rallies selling cold beer at the same time relieving the draw on you cars alternator. Plus there are all sorts of other opportunities at all the frat houses!!
Haha I'm totally gonna do that now. Might as well as it charges the battery and pays for tuition.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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96 E300D
here are a few things you need to do. You need a 1-2 Farad capacitor to help slow the drain off the battery and alternator. it keeps a supply of power for when the bass hits when your at idle. Also upgrade the wireing from the batt to the cap and amps to a minimum of 4ga. Ground the batt to the chasis with 4ga as well, and ground the amp with the 4ga to the chasis. That will aleviate you problem with the lights diming...
This is coming from expierence with over 3kw worth of amps, and dual alterantors to keep it all powered up
This is coming from expierence with over 3kw worth of amps, and dual alterantors to keep it all powered up
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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W210 W140
I've heard you can use an alternator from a W140 as a direct set up with the W210. You'll have to do some searching, but I believe I read about this on a forum. The W140 uses a larger alternator which I think is around 120 or 130 AMP.
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1997 mercedes e 300d
update
Thanks everyone for the replies. Since thanksgiving break is coming up, I plan on doing the big 3. Anyways more recently I have been looking into bigger and better speakers, which means more power. I found a LActrical 150A alternator on amazon for $122, which can't be right, at least i don't think so because its so cheap. It says it fits only the turbo models but ill give them a call and see if it fits the non-turbo.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I think you are overthinking the issues.
You likely have 120 amp alternator, what is plenty and even 90 amp is a lot.
Your speakers power sounds impressive, but this is peak power, while average is way lower.
So I don't think you need bigger alternator, but bigger battery not only for extra power at peaks but also for steady voltage.
I would install 2nd battery next to amplifier and run it to car system via battery combiner so you could use radio while parking without worry about discharging the starting battery.
You likely have 120 amp alternator, what is plenty and even 90 amp is a lot.
Your speakers power sounds impressive, but this is peak power, while average is way lower.
So I don't think you need bigger alternator, but bigger battery not only for extra power at peaks but also for steady voltage.
I would install 2nd battery next to amplifier and run it to car system via battery combiner so you could use radio while parking without worry about discharging the starting battery.
Thread Starter
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1997 mercedes e 300d
Yes but
I think you are overthinking the issues.
You likely have 120 amp alternator, what is plenty and even 90 amp is a lot.
Your speakers power sounds impressive, but this is peak power, while average is way lower.
So I don't think you need bigger alternator, but bigger battery not only for extra power at peaks but also for steady voltage.
I would install 2nd battery next to amplifier and run it to car system via battery combiner so you could use radio while parking without worry about discharging the starting battery.
You likely have 120 amp alternator, what is plenty and even 90 amp is a lot.
Your speakers power sounds impressive, but this is peak power, while average is way lower.
So I don't think you need bigger alternator, but bigger battery not only for extra power at peaks but also for steady voltage.
I would install 2nd battery next to amplifier and run it to car system via battery combiner so you could use radio while parking without worry about discharging the starting battery.
Also at night I have led lights in the interior which probably robs another 5-10 amps
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
You need to redo your calculation.
90 amp alternator = 1300W. Will be less at idle and that is where 2nd battery might be important (regardless the alternator size).
Interior led light is usually 2-3 W so even if you have 2 of them , they take 0.4 amp
This year I sold 2 of W210.
266,000 miles each with original alternators.
I did replace brushes/regulators in them.
90 amp alternator = 1300W. Will be less at idle and that is where 2nd battery might be important (regardless the alternator size).
Interior led light is usually 2-3 W so even if you have 2 of them , they take 0.4 amp
This year I sold 2 of W210.
266,000 miles each with original alternators.
I did replace brushes/regulators in them.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
1997 mercedes e 300d
Yes but
You need to redo your calculation.
90 amp alternator = 1300W. Will be less at idle and that is where 2nd battery might be important (regardless the alternator size).
Interior led light is usually 2-3 W so even if you have 2 of them , they take 0.4 amp
This year I sold 2 of W210.
266,000 miles each with original alternators.
I did replace brushes/regulators in them.
90 amp alternator = 1300W. Will be less at idle and that is where 2nd battery might be important (regardless the alternator size).
Interior led light is usually 2-3 W so even if you have 2 of them , they take 0.4 amp
This year I sold 2 of W210.
266,000 miles each with original alternators.
I did replace brushes/regulators in them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
You still don't get it.
10 amps of LED power is more light than your headlights output. I am talking low, high and fog beams combined.
You are right that if your alternator dies, replacing it with more powerful will be good idea, but now your calculation is scrambled eggs.
10 amps of LED power is more light than your headlights output. I am talking low, high and fog beams combined.
You are right that if your alternator dies, replacing it with more powerful will be good idea, but now your calculation is scrambled eggs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
1997 mercedes e 300d
You still don't get it.
10 amps of LED power is more light than your headlights output. I am talking low, high and fog beams combined.
You are right that if your alternator dies, replacing it with more powerful will be good idea, but now your calculation is scrambled eggs.
10 amps of LED power is more light than your headlights output. I am talking low, high and fog beams combined.
You are right that if your alternator dies, replacing it with more powerful will be good idea, but now your calculation is scrambled eggs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
1997 mercedes e 300d
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
1997 mercedes e 300d
new question
i guess my new question is do the w210 turbo diesels have a different alternator and/or mounting brackets than the non-turbo. the alternator i found says it fits only the turbo models
