Alternator: Mercedes vs Valeo ?
I plan to replace the alternator from my G320 CDI (2007).
The G has 115.000 km, and I do not want to have a broken down alternator in the middle of a desert. Taking a spare with me is no option: too bulky, and not practical to do the exchange in the middle of nowhere.
The "original / genuine Mercedes" is priced at around 1.000 EUR
On the other hand, you can find plenty of new alternators at around 300 EUR. Eg:
https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/mercedes-benz/g-class-w463/20072/10450/alternator?brand[0]=21
Those are new items (no part exchange) and are manufactured by VALEO (same make as the one from Mercedes).
So, where lies the difference ? Why pay 1.000 EUR when you can have the same for 300 EUR? Or is it not quite the same ?
I have used Valeo (90 Amp) in my boat to charge 3 batteries of a total 470 Ah capacity split in 1x110 and 2 x180 Ah banks via a split diode. and I am very happy with it. You will need to ensure that the pulley used matches the optimum performance of the alternator which is rpm sensitive. On the other hand, why not have your original alternator serviced by a makers approved workshop? I may be wrong, but Bosch service might be the ones to go for??
Does your alternator have a snorkel on it? Almost certainly the 300 euro one won't. mines packed in after 25 years, but was only brush pack. I would take a spare from a 320 E class, 2nd hand, won't break if you have a spare!
Modern alternators are fairly robust. Refurbishment usually means cleaning the rotor and replacing the bearings and the voltage regulator tested for cutting in and out and occasionally replacing it. It shouldn't cost the earth. As mentioned, it is a good practice to ensure that the snorkel is put back for increased protection of the electronic part of the alternator when driving in wet conditions or wading.
Get your original overhauled - new bearings brushes etc etc should come back like new for a fraction of E1000.00
Just had my 460 one done after at least 14 years service for just £80
Thanks for your convergent advices: I will go for a refurbishment. At least I will be sure of what I get: a genuine Mercedes alternator. But finding a trustworthy refurbisher is not easy here in Belgium: four quotations asked... zero answer :-(
Take some tools and a spare brush pack. It wont take up much space. If your alternator is working fine just go as it is. I bet it wont fail
You could take some bearings too but they dont usually fail unless under water a lot
If you get it re conditioned make sure they fit quality bearings and a genuine brush pack. Lots fit cheap stuff and thats why i say use the original and hope it does fine
Gaz
Thanks ! I will make sure they use the genuine brush pack, and quality bearings. And only a company with outstanding reputation will touch my alternator.
Its a bit more money but worth it
I did not study but is your vehicle manual or auto
If its auto take a starter motor solenoid
You never know
Have a fun trip
g
It is a G320 CDI, automatic. Thanks for your advice about the solenoid. I guess I might as well have the starter motor + solenoid refurbished at the same time than the alternator !
I dont want you to spend money but if its auto and you cant start it they are not easy to get running
I personally would just take a good secondhand starter motor with you. If yours is fine leave it that way
Take a spare tucked up safe and dry in the truck I would also find an alternator that would fit and do the same
I would not rebuild i would just take spares to have a double security if anything should fail you have a spare unit
Put it this way
You have units rebuilt for piece of mind. What if it fails???????. You are in trouble no matter how good it was rebuilt
Take a spare alternator and starter that work and fit then you have 2 spare no matter what happens
A bit heavy but just dont take a few non essentials you can buy anywhere or manage without
Both the alternator and the starter motor have been refurbished by a reputable company.
Cost was 490 EUR. The picture shows the parts that have been replaced.
I'm happy I did the job in the comfort of my garage, because it was extremely difficult to extract the starter motor and the alternator from the engine bay.
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Thanks, I will ask a quote for a refurbishment of the original alternator. Based on previous experiences of refurbishments, I fear this may cost more than one of those new 300 EUR alternators! Or at least very close. Those 300 EUR alternators use the same size of pulley as the original ones. They are listed as a direct replacement for the original A642 154 05 02. So, why pay 1.000 EUR instead of 300 EUR. Or is this risky ?