Alternator VALEO or Motorcraft

Id go with whatever fcpeuro recommends. Aka valeo, bosch (which are both oems)

I just did a standard exchange on mine (Valeo 120A), paid 300€ deposit included, so it's definitely a good deal.

Only the NEW valeo or original BMW alternators last in these cars.

As far as replacements I've had good luck with Rock Auto Sticking to the better brands like Motorcraft, AC Delco, Remy, and Bosch.

Both Valeo and Bosch are good brands. I’ve never owned a Mercedes, but both Valeo/Bosch are installed in various BMWs from the factory.

The OEM motorcraft alternator in my focus lasted 14 years and its replacement, a Remy, lasted 6. If the difference in price between OEM and aftermarket isn't too big, and you plan on keeping the car for more than 5 more yrs, I'd go with the OEM.

I bought a new Valeo alt cheap because this part was broke. After days os scouring the internet I found two sources, but the would NOT retail the part. They only supply rebuilders in bulk.

Go with an OEM unit by Motorcraft even if it's more expensive. Not somethin you want to do twice, learned this lesson with my Explorer. Threw on an aftermarket unit and it doesn't communicate with Ford's smart charging system correctly so it doesn't provide correct voltages as needed, therefore throwing a charging system warning constantly.

Actually, yes. I did. They did take it back though, after a couple of phone calls.\n\n+1 for Valeo. -10 for Reman.\n\nIf your alternator goes, absolutely get a new one, original spec.

It's probably a crap reman one. The aftermarket reman ones that aren't Valeo, Bosch, or Delphi seem to last a year tops before they die.