i'm going down to nyc to fix my brother's car (An 88 240DL) but i'm only going to have 3-4 hours to work on the car...so i'd really like to be sure about what the problem is before i get there.

Here are the details from what he told me:

- He left the parking lights on all night and the battery was dead in the morning.
- He got someone to give him a boost (which worked) but as soon as the wires were disconnected his car died. AAA guy came and tried to give him a boost and it was the same thing. The dashboard light still came on though.

So now the car is at a mechanic who says the alternator is dead and is asking 400$ to put in a used alternator...seems like a bit much for an alternator.

I know some of the wiring is corroded and I think one of the wires to/from the alternator finally broke, does this make sense to anyone else?


On a sidenote...I have an old extra alternator from my 87 760T. Would it fit? And is there a way to test it while it is still outside of the car? (Its been sitting for 4-5 years)


Thanks!