m3j0n

So I sold my E55 to go to a s600 v12tt. Havent driven the s600 much since its been getting some cosmetic stuff done at the paint shop. I just ordered an ecu tune and tcu tune and currently looking for downpipes. Picked the car up from the body shop today and the car died on the way back. Looks like an alternator.

Went online and noticed that it is a water-cooled unit - ridiculously expensive. Literally less than 50 miles on the car since I bought it and looking at this repair. car has under 70k miles... Damnit!

Looking for guidance. Do these units usually fail at this mileagE? If so, im guessing that buying a used one is a mistake since Im assuming the labor to do this is a royal PITA... Anyone got a DIY for this? ALl I could find were the n/a v12 replacements. Looks like downpipes are on hold for a while... Damn

Jack_88

Well, a failure like that isn't just about mileage, age is also a factor. As is the conditions it's been stored in when not driven. Given you're in Florida, I'd recommend checking all electrical connections associated with the charging system and any fuses that could be related. It'd be easy with the sea air to get a corroded ground cable or something like that. Once you've ruled that out, then I'd start to look at a replacement.

kraut56

Although the water cooled alternator is a PIA to pull out, it's not really that bad. You need the WIS, but ignore the "disconnect the engine mounts" instruction, and use a 2x4 to move the engine just a bit to get the alternator out.
Then, the case can be opened and the alternator/voltage regulator repaired like any other.

Before anything though, have somebody with the proper knowledge and equipment make ABSOLUTELY sure that is actually the alternator, and not some other parasitic drain.

Good luck!!

tusabes

Some owners have replaced just the alternator inside of the water cooled casing to save money

ItalianJoe1

You should cry about it on the forum, that helps fix the car right up usually.