Alternator Bosch or OEM Mazda

I recently purchased a 120 amp (refurbished) Bosch alternator at Advance Auto and kept the receipt. My original 90 amp alternator lasted 14 years before it stopped charging battery.

250,000 KM and still on the original alternator ( 1998 Audi A4 . Bosch 120 Amp Alternator ) . Had to replace a couple of bearings but that's it.

Alternators can be rebuilt. YMMV of course, but I rebuilt the Bosch alternator on my old Mk1 VW Rabbit several times (brush would wear down) with no issues.

I replaced it with a Duralast Gold. After replacing the issue still existed so I replaced the alternator with an OEM Bosch remanufactured unit.

My Lucas 18ACR (43 Amp) died shortly after I installed a big electric fan (I moved to Texas and felt it was a good idea), so decided to go with a higher output Bosch. I got tired of searching the parts shops (Advance Auto etc.) for a reconditioned Bosch that might or might not fit... In the end, I took my Lucas to an alternator shop and asked for a Bosch that would fit without modifications.

New Bosch installed Thanks for your help. It was in fact the alternator. Had a NEW Bosch installed by M&M Auto/Cycle in Jersey . Mikes the man when it comes to TDI service.

Order a 6 groove 120A alt though. It's an easy no brainer update. The car benefits under heavy loads and startup. Rainy days when the lights, wipers, a/c, heater, seat warmers, etc are all running will be worry free and your battery will charge back up with less drive time.

okay just did mine 14.7x after a cold start...can it be too much ? does that sound reasonble

We have been having a lot of trouble with Bosch reman alternators and starters in the last couple years. Pretty sad, used to be great stuff. Now all the boxes say made in china and everything is crap.

I figured alternator, so took it to Autozone to scan and everything passed. Then took it to Meineke for them to check and they told me alternator was bad and replaced it. Well my interior lights were still flickering so I took it back and they say seems like the one they installed was defective, so they replace it again with an OEM Bosch and also print me a printout of a bulletin stating that under load lights may flicker and there is no solution.