Mercedes-Benz Alternator Replacement V6 M272 – V8 M273

Is your Mercedes-Benz battery warning light on, and is its engine stalling due to a faulty alternator? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing the alternator of your vehicle. This guide provides instructions on replacing the Alternator on a Mercedes E C CLK S ML GL R Class with the M272 and M273 engines.

Symptoms

• The battery warning light stays
• Engine stalls.

What you will need

Parts

• Mercedes M273 Alternator

Tools

• Metric sockets
• Ratchet wrench
• E12 Socket
• 12 mm Socket
• 17 mm Socket

Procedure

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brakes.
2. Allow the engine to cool down.
3. Pull the hood release under the dashboard and open the hood.  Secure the hood with the hood support. 
4. Locate the battery in the engine bay, trunk, boot, or under the seat, and disconnect the negative battery terminal. 
5. Create a diagram of how the serpentine belt is routed on the different pulleys.
6. Loosen the serpentine belt by using a 17mm socket to twist the tensioner bolt counterclockwise. Slide the belt off it.
7. Spray penetrating oil to the alternator retaining bolts and wait 15 minutes for easy removal.
8. Remove the alternator ground wire using a 12mm socket. 
9. Remove the components blocking your access to the alternator, like the engine plastic cover, hoses, power steering fluid reservoir, and overflow reservoir.
10. You may look at the alternator below to understand how it is connected to the engine.
11. Loosen four (4) alternator retaining bolts using an E12 socket.
12. Unplug the alternator’s electrical connector from the back of the alternator. 
13. Using both hands, you must move the alternator side to side while pulling it up.
14. Position the new replacement alternator.
15. Connect the alternator positive, ground, and electrical connector.
16. Connect the negative connector using a 12mm socket. Re-attach the rubber cap(if any).
17. Mount the alternator using four retaining bolts. 
18. Twist the tensioner bolt counterclockwise and reposition the serpentine belt.
19. Reconnect the battery.
20. Start the engine and check the voltage. You should be getting between 14.0 and 14.7 volts with the engine running.

Troubleshooting Mercedes-Benz Alternator Problem

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Frequently Asked Question

How do you know your alternator is bad?

• A common symptom of a defective alternator is when your battery light is on while the engine is running.

How much does it cost to replace a Mercedes Benz Alternator? 

• The average cost to replace a Mercedes Benz Alternator is between $447 and $800. Labor costs are around $386, while parts are between $350.

How long does a Mercedes Benz Alternator last?

• The average life span of an Alternator is about 6 to 10 years. It depends on how many miles the vehicle is regularly driving and how many aftermarket accessories the owner has installed, which may cause the alternator to work overtime.

How to test an alternator?

• Using a voltmeter, connect your positive lead to the battery’s positive terminal and negative lead to the battery’s negative terminal. It would be best to get 14 v to 14.8 v, which means your alternator works properly.

Can you drive a Mercedes with a faulty alternator?

• It is not recommended to drive the car once the check battery light is on since it is more likely that the car will stall after a few minutes.

Applications

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are equipped with an M273 engine.

M272 engine

• 2004–2011 R171 SLK 350
• M272 IN SLK R171.jpg
• 2004–2010 W219 CLS 350
• 2005–2010 C209 CLK 350
• 2005–2007 W203 C 350
• 2007–2011 W204 C 350 / C 350 4Matic
• 2011–2015 W204 C 350 BlueEfficiency / C 350 4MATIC BlueEfficiency
• 2005–2009 W211 E 350 / E 350 4MATIC
• 2009–2011 W212 E 350 / E 350 4MATIC
• 2005–2013 W221 S 350
• 2005–2012 R230 SL 350
• 2006–2017 W251 R 350
• 2006–2011 W164 ML 350
• 2005–2014 W639 Viano (known as the M272 978 in China)
• 2006–2013 NCV3 Sprinter
• 2008–2011 CL203 CLC 350
• 2008–2012 X204 GLK 350

M273 engine

• 2006–2011 E 500 / E 550
• 2006–2010 CL 500 / CL 550
• 2006–2010 CLS 500 / CLS 550
• 2006–2012 GL 500 / GL 550
• 2008–2011 ML 500 / ML 550
• 2006–2009 S 500 / S 550
• 2007–2012 SL 500 / SL 550
• 2006–2009 CLK 500 / CLK 550
• 2006-2015 G 500 / G 550
• 2007–2012 GL 450
• 2007–2013 S 450
• 2007–2011 ML 450

References

https://www.ebay.com/b/Alternators-Generators-for-Mercedes-Benz-C200/177697/bn_21268536
https://www.yourmechanic.com/estimates/mercedes-benz/e320/alternator-replacement

We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz Alternator Replacement V6 M272 – V8 M273 guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.