I was kind of surprised Kaleb even asked the original question. :p This is a classic case of a flaky alternator. Most likely just the regulator needs replacing.
If you do opt to change the alternator, might as well get a 100A+ unit instead of the anemic stock 70A (which has rather poor output at idle). I have a nearly-new 115A alternator for sale from my E500 if anyone wants it (I upgraded to a 150A). It will bolt up to any MB engine from 1984-up with a serpentine belt. =) -Dave M. > ------------------------------ > Date: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 13:44:54 -0500 > From: "Potter, Tom E" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [MBZ] wierd SDL charging problem. > > > I agree with Peter. I had the same thing happen to me. > > Thomas E. Potter > Telephone: (713) 215-2877 > Fax: (713) 215-2551 > Mobile: (832) 794-0536 > > > -----Original Message----- > Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 9:18 PM > To: Mercedes mailing list > Subject: Re: [MBZ] wierd SDL charging problem. > > > The brushes are worn out on the voltage regulator. Get a new one, pull > the splash pan, remove the old one (two screws) put the new one in, > problem goes away. > > You must have at least 13.5 V at max load above 1200 rpm to charge the > battery. This is a common problem -- you have about 200,000 miles, right? > > > Peter
