Alternator - Part Numbers - What do they mean ?

[Tony Russell]

Hello,
Alternator has gone, so I sourced and ordered a new one.
The part numbers on mine are a bit different from that sent, but the seller assures me it's the same bit.

Could someone explain the numbers perhaps please ?


Chassis Number:
WDB 414 700 2N21 3694

Alternator (Original and Replacement)
Valeo
Case Marking:
2548702 B
3-511002 03119

Sticker (original):
A668 154 0202
Q2
150A
14V

Sticker (Replacement):
A668 154 0102
Q1
150A
14V



I am guessing that the case number is a core, generic number referring to the shape and size.

• The Q number, I don't know.
• Volts and current are self explanatory.
• It's the A668 154 0202 I wonder about. is the 0202 a revision, or an option ?The current part from the dealer is 0302, apparently replacing 0202. So does that mean 0102 is a duff part that was obsoleted and revised ?

Given the amount of cash I've spent on this thing, I want to make sure it's the right beast before I get it fitted.

thanks,
Tony

 

[alibally]

The Q number is a modification number. eg Q1 is the first version, Q2 the second and so on. I think W168 steering columns were at Q14 last time I saw one!

 

[Tony Russell]

Great - thanks for that.

What about the
A668 154 0202
verus
A668 154 0102 ?

And also, would it make sense that a worn, noisy bearing would be placing an abnormal load on the engine, thereby accounting for the stark rise in fuel consumption ?
The two seem to be linked, co-incidentally or otherwise.

thanks, Tony

 

[markjay]

Great - thanks for that.

What about the
A668 154 0202
verus
A668 154 0102 ?

And also, would it make sense that a worn, noisy bearing would be placing an abnormal load on the engine, thereby accounting for the stark rise in fuel consumption ?
The two seem to be linked, co-incidentally or otherwise.

thanks, Tony

Based on your VIN, EPC agrees with your MB dealer and thinks that you should have A668 154 0302.

I suppose it is indeed down to revision, presumably what MB are quoting now is actually the 3rd incarnation (Q3)?

See also:

 

[grober]

These MB alternators could be made by Valeo Bosch or Lucas. Its possible that the A668154102 UNIT is a reconditioned unit rather than completely new. It's also possible that the armature bearing/s has/ve been uprated during any rebuild if that was a weak spot in the design. One thing that does give problems on these is the overrun clutch pulley which might?? give you some fuel consumption problems. The pulleys can be replaced as a unit rather than the whole alternator- are you sure that wasn't your original problem? If in doubt get the latest incarnation from MB but it will cost you more probably.

 

[Tony Russell]

Thanks for the replies.

To be honest, the MB device is only about £30 more than I paid for the Valeo that I bought from another supplier - I'd have gone for that if there was one available - that way I'd get a 2 yr warranty, and the risk would be with the garage.
However, all MB outlets are saying it's on back order and there is no lead time specified. Could be hours, could be months.

Right now I am thinking I will go with fitting the one I've bought (it has a years warranty), and get the old one reconditioned.

If I keep running around in it waiting for the MB part to appear, I'll have paid for it in fuel costs alone.

And the overrun clutch pulley likely ties in with all the other issues I've had to date with belts breaking. I'd rather just get a whole new unit than phuck around with bits to be honest. I'm sick of this car more than I can say.

Or is that just stoopid ?

 

[grober]

Since you have gone and bought it and the MB part is on back order[ makes you wonder why?] then if it can be fitted relatively easily then go ahead I would say.

 

[Tony Russell]

Hi,
And again, thanks for your kind help.

I went into Merparts tonight and the team had a look at the device and numbers.
They looked up EPC, and it said that the 0102 was for chassis number up to N21 1521, thereafter it's 0202, superceded by 0302.
Mine is N21 3694, so the numbers don't fit.

Paul made some call's and the general consensus was that the electronics will very likely not match with the car.
And, as Graeme said, Mercedes didn't revise it for the sheer fun of doing so.
If he was to fit it and it didn't work, the risk would be mine - that's fair.

The parts dealer (who was exceptionally helpful) did promise on email at the time that he would accept the device back if it was not correct, and I have no reason to doubt him.

So now I guess I have to go down the road of having Merparts order from Mercedes and waiting for the bits to turn up as they are apparently on back order.

Don't suppose anyone else has a supplier that they could try for a A668 154 0302 (or 0202) ?

thanks,
Tony