[randomman]

Just took my 2012 C300 4matic into the dealer for the 80k service.

The vehicle had been making a whining noise I asked them to check out. They came back and told me that I needed a new guide pulley ($300) and a new alternator ($2000).

Getting service there is one thing, but the alternator is a little too rich for my blood.

Has anyone else experienced a failing alternator at 80,000 miles? Seems a little early for me.

And does anyone have a recommendation for a good independent shop in the DC area to get this work done cheaper?

Thanks!

randomman

 

[mb1068]

I would check napa or similar parts store for cost of rebuilt alternator and non dealer pulley. Any auto electric shop should be able to put those in for you at fraction of dealer cost quoted here ...

Yep - bearing can start to fail at 80-100k - hence the noise - and regulator/diodes will fail due to heat . I had Bosch Porsche alternator rebuilt at local shop (check yellow pages) for $199 .... diodes failed at 70k ....

 

[ms_irreverent]

Where in the D.C. area are you? I've got two good indies in Fairfax County. One's in West Springfield and the other, a German car specialist, is in Newington. The one in West Springfield should be able to do an alternator. He sends me to the other guy for the complicated stuff that requires Mercedes diagnostic equipment.

 

[randomman]

Thanks everyone.

I actually live in the District. But I'm willing to travel a little...

Looks like a proper rebuilt alternator is about $800. One call to a northern Maryland dealer got me a quote for $700 less than my normal dealer. Crazy! $1250 sounds like a much easier pill to swallow. Might just go that route...

 

[glenmore]

Does the C300 alternator use a voltage regulator?

With my past W124 300CE and current W202s, usually all that was needed was a new regulator. The alternators seem to just go on and on.

 

[A.D.S.Mann]

HI Best shop so far i ever visited ,i mean its best shop
is Import Auto Service, 6540 Edsall Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312
just go there and you are all set.they use mostly german brand parts like INA,FEBI,TEXTAR,ETC.i mean its pure german shop,
just call them ask for Raj the owner he will give you best prices

i own 2008 c300 4matic ,and usually do my services on my own as am aeronautical engineer ,but now i go to them as i have no time now,

forget other german in springfield or newington shops ,i visited them all and they all are fake.they act like they know all stuff about mercedes as they were born in some mercedes enthusiast german family,
once i visited one of them for new tpms sensor they told me it will cost me 200 and i told them i can buy one from advance auto thats of european brand and cost me 50 and you take labour ,and they refused and explained me that you have to take sensor to computer and program it and other sensors do not work,

and they were trying to fool an aeronautical engineer.

 

[ms_irreverent]

Interesting. I wonder which place in Newington you went to. There are two that have German in their name. The one I went to has never tried to upsell me anything.

But I'm making note of your recommendation for the other place. Never hurts to have options.

 

[Lawndart]

Mine when at about 80k too. Dealer wanted 1300.00. They are just parts changers. Lucky I have a neighbor that rebuilds alternators, starter ect. My other neighbor is a mechanic. Put new bearings and regulator and installed for 300.00. You got to take it out from under car. Real skin and blood loss. They cant make it easy. John