[gidge]

I guess this is where I should start. Just bought my first mercedes. It is a 1981 CDT. The it has abrand new battey but it is not charging. My first thought is the alternator. Is there a specific alternator I must get for this make and model? I don't want to be fed a line for profit from some dealer and can't afford to have them do the replacement. BTW I got this for a seal and will sadly have to resell it. Can't afford repairs and insurance is likely to be sky high.[]

 

[twenty3sky]

Well I think you are in the mindset like most Americans that owning a mercedes is expens...

Well I think you are in the mindset like most Americans that owning a mercedes is expensive. Which is the only explanation I can think of as to why more people don't dump the payments of a new car and buy a reliable inexpensive luxury car. Insurance shouldn't be much, I have just liability and its approx 40$ a month. As for the dealer, you are better off finding an honest independent MB mechanic. The cheapest way is DIY if you are mechanically minded. Just get a manual, most things are easy on your car. A new Bosch alternator is less than 100$ on the internet and a snap to install. Stick with it you won't be disappointed...

[]
check this site(there are many others) for parts
http://mercedes.thebenzbin.com/?year=1981&make=MB&imageField22222.x=21&imageField22222.y=6

 

[gidge]

Thank you

I am having one heck of a time convincing my 82 year old mom that we should keep this and sell the Honda and Nissan. I tried to tell her that we should be able to sell the Honda and Nissan and get enough to pay off the less than $1000 that I we paid for this and get a more reliable second car for her. Honestly I don't think she will have a legal licience for much longer but who knows. For now she is restricted by her MD and when her blood pressure stays down she must go take a test at DMV to grant her driving privalages back. I don't believe DMV will grant them but who knows. I have to get expensive insurance because I had the first and second accident in my life in one year! They were both my fault. I have to find a company and some money that will carry me. This car may sit for repairs and insurance with short trips out by my son to keep it in shape for a long time. I have two more years this December to keep a clean record for good insurance. Can you believe it one year two accidents and 40 years of driving. That means 39 years of no tickets no accidents down the tubes. Oh well I printed off your reply to show mom. Now I need to look into selling the Nissan or Honda and quickly so we can fix Mercy.

 

[dfwdiesel]

I guess this is where I should start. Just bought my first mercedes. It is a 1981 CDT. The it has abrand new battey but it is not charging. My first thought is the alternator. Is there a specific alternator I must get for this make and model? I don't want to be fed a line for profit from some dealer and can't afford to have them do the replacement. BTW I got this for a seal and will sadly have to resell it. Can't afford repairs and insurance is likely to be sky high.[]

There is a brush regulator assembly held on by two screws to the alternator. A little over $20 from on line vendors. Unless it is making noises likely all you will need. It can be the cheapest car you have ever owned. You will need a book to work on it and advice from seasoned owners.
John Gregg

 

[GoMonkiGo]

Have you checked the terminals to the battery? Make sure they aren't corroded and are ma...

Have you checked the terminals to the battery? Make sure they aren't corroded and are making a good connection.

I Had this same problem last week. Thought it was the alternator but it turned out to be the battery terminals, which was much simpler.

Maybe you have a neighbor or friend who likes to wrench on cars? Supply 'em with the manual and a cold one []

 

[gidge]

Fixing the non-charging battery problem

I am sure that it is not the battery or the terminals as the battery was replaced with a brand new one in February and it was installed by the local Mercedes dealership. Also, my son and I both looked at the battery and there is no corrosion or lack of terminal contact that we can see. This battery charges well on a charger but it drains once the car is turned on. My son is going to attempt to find a wiring problem after it is fully charged so he can get it over to his place. I am a little shaky having him and his room mate work on it as his roomy already has an additude about Mercedes that is not possitive. His roomy has worked as an auto mechanic but well....I have not the ability any longer but in my past I fully maintained a VW bug and rebuilt a 318 so I am not completely in the dark. I am leaning towards the brushes and if not them the alternator. I have so little income to repair this that it will have to be a wing it situation.

 

[dfwdiesel]

I am leaning towards the brushes and if not them the alternator. I have so little income t...

I am leaning towards the brushes and if not them the alternator. I have so little income to repair this that it will have to be a wing it situation.


Pull the brush/regulator assembly out. They are held in by two screws. It is done with the alternator in the car. Look on the bottem of the alternator. Not much over $20 from on line Mercedes supplier.
John Gregg

 

[heckflosse]

I wouldn't let the problem with the alternator put you off. It may be annoying somethin...

I wouldn't let the problem with the alternator put you off. It may be annoying something being wrong with a newly purchased car, but on one of my first Mercedes the fuel pump went a couple of days after buying it. At the time reliability issues ran through my mind but I purchased a new pump fitted it and 6 years later it was the only thing I ever replaced.
I think most people will agree that the W123 Mercs were one of the most reliable cars built period. I've owned three and my Fathers had two and they just keep running with very little maintenance. A run down of what's neaded replacing on mine can be found in this topic - http://www.mbnz.org/forums/messages.asp?messno=2249&id=26&view=t
Isn't there a local motor factors/part shop who will test the charging circuit for free near by? (you don't have to buy from them[])
As for insurance have you tried insuring it on a Classic policy?

 

[wsad]

Autozone

I know Autozone will, and I think Pep Boys will test your entire electrical system for free. Battery, starter, alternator, voltage regulator, etc.