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I got the red battery light message on my e350 (base model) and was told it was my alternator that went bad. However, I was told by the dealer & mechanic that this model has two different alternators available a 180 amp & 150 amp.
I was able to take a photo of the back of the alternator to get the part number.
Part number A 272 154 0002
I looked up the part number on eBay and someone has the alternator listed as a 180 amp,so I called the dealer to confirm the correct amp, and I was told that I needed a 180 amp, but he didn't sound confident. Consequently, I called another dealer and gave them my vin # and part number and was told that I needed a 150 amp,but that's it's no longer available and a 180 amp alternator would be OK to install.
Does anyone have any advice?
Has anyone replaced their alternator on this model?
If you don't trust dealer's Parts Dept, than who will you trust?
Did you try to replace Voltage Regulator on your current alternator?
How many miles?
The car has roughly 145k miles on it. My only option is working on the car from the top,so if I'm pulling out the alternator I might as well just replace the alternator and not just the VR.
How much is new alternator for your model?
For my Bluetec retail was over $1000, so I was happy with VR for about $50.
Also on my car to pull alternator I would have to disconnect something, like radiator or bottom parts.
For VR replacement I just unbolted alternator, turn it 90 degree still on the side of engine and that gave me good access to VR.
How much is new alternator for your model?
For my Bluetec retail was over $1000, so I was happy with VR for about $50.
Also on my car to pull alternator I would have to disconnect something, like radiator or bottom parts.
For VR replacement I just unbolted alternator, turn it 90 degree still on the side of engine and that gave me good access to VR.
The alternator from the dealer is close to $1000. On Bosch's website they have a local auto parts chain store (O'rileys) as a supplier of their remanufactured alternators,but i was told by O'rileys the alternator is not available order. Hence,I will have to go with some third-party brand alternator or try some other auto-parts store.
How many miles did your car have when you had to change the VR?
I did not have to change VR.
I did preemptive replacement at 170k.
Took a picture comparing the brushes. Maybe I would make another 10k, maybe not.
Mine is 180 amp alternator and has pretty long brushes.
Good luck with 3rd party parts
Since I am having my indie change fluids (transmission, brakes, & Power steering) next week, I went ahead and purchased a VR from Huskers. I paid $77 since I have a cdi. The others were in the $60 range. I figure since my cdi is coming up on 140k, I'd do a little preventative maintenance on the alternator.
Mike T.
There is not much prevention in replacing part that is about 90% worn out.
For some reason alternator brushes is one of most neglected maintenance on cars.
Even if you replace the brushes (too bad you have to buy whole VR in America) at 70% wear, it sure beats towing and emergency repair like above.
To top it - just like sample above shows, mechanics will talk you into whole new alternator.
So let's talk how $70 prevention can save you $ 1300-2000 spend at dealer.
Since I am having my indie change fluids (transmission, brakes, & Power steering) next week, I went ahead and purchased a VR from Huskers. I paid $77 since I have a cdi. The others were in the $60 range. I figure since my cdi is coming up on 140k, I'd do a little preventative maintenance on the alternator.
Mike T.
Just wonder if you are still running with the original battery.
Just wonder if you are still running with the original battery.
No. The main battery was changed during January 2014 at the recommendation of my MB service department. I changed out the auxiliary battery during August 2013, since I got a great deal on the battery on the web. MB also recommended to change out.
Mike T.
No. The main battery was changed during January 2014 at the recommendation of my MB service department. I changed out the auxiliary battery during August 2013, since I got a great deal on the battery on the web. MB also recommended to change out.
Mike T.
Thinking about doing PM on both VR and battery the same time when the car reach 10 years in 3 months. Thanks,
Battery is easy accessible, relatively easy available and will give you good warning before going completely dead.
I have no problem to drive with 12 years old battery and replace it only when on cold morning it will turn the engine slower, or will not turn at all.
VR on other hand can lead to $2000 situation I described above and you can easy calculate 150k miles life expectancy.
I finally transfer the picture that shows alternator brushes with 170k "head to head" with new ones.
Let me know if you need more explanation
Battery is easy accessible, relatively easy available and will give you good warning before going completely dead.
I have no problem to drive with 12 years old battery and replace it only when on cold morning it will turn the engine slower, or will not turn at all.
VR on other hand can lead to $2000 situation I described above and you can easy calculate 150k miles life expectancy.
I finally transfer the picture that shows alternator brushes with 170k "head to head" with new ones.
Let me know if you need more explanation
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