Have you had alternator problems? Is your car eating batteries like a kid eats candy? Is you mechanic trying to replace the alternator off the bat? \

Before you replace that thing, check the back of it and check the condition of the voltage regulator. It's a little plastic looking device screwed to the back of the alternator. Usually have a black part with white tabs that attaches to the alternator. These things wear out and causes problems that can sometimes be confused with the alternator. It's about a $25 part, ten minutes to replace and good as new. Many times people throw out the alternator out way too early get charged a core charge and the shop reaps all the benefits. They simply replace that thing, dust the alternator off and sell it for a hundred or so as rebuilt. Pure profits. Alternators of these cars, especially Bosches are pretty durable and should not have to be replaced or rebuilt too often. This especially holds true if you replaced the alternator in the past two years and the "expert" is giving you that bull jive of "oh your alternator is dead you need new one $500 for the alternator and $300 for labor. Oh and a $100 core charge." If it is really bad Bosch usually come with a good warrenty of up to five years anyways, but of course the "expert" is not goign to tell you that. Heavens no, how would they be able to sleep at night if the cant rip you off?

So check that $25 part before investing in a whole new alternator. Easy to tell if it's bad. WHen you pull it off, you will see two prongs or lack there of, usually when it's worn. These things wear down over time. Oh and if you really need a new alternator, make sure the "expert" do not reuse the old one, especially if it's near worn. They will gladly charge you for it without replacing the voltage regulator sometimes so make sure you know what your old one look like then ask for the old part back. But to avoid it all, stay away from those "experts" and go to a trusted expert that you trust or do it yourself.