newbster
Registered User
just finished changing alternators on my TDI, but should apply to most A3/S3
oem fitting is valeo or bosch, interchangeable, the bosch is a better unit as its a lot easier to change the bearings/brushes etc
bosch have been making the same basic unit for years, and are fitted across the whole range of engines
looking at the dimensions for one from a 2012 Passat tdi, it looked the same, but a lot higher current rating, I chose this one as it was on ebay when I was looking for a new unit
I took a punt on it as it was only £35, it did fit but the connection for the regulator was different, but being a bosch, a new regulator from an earlier model is a direct fit and has the correct connector.
so for about £50, I got a virtually new bosch 130A alternator, saving over £100 on the best price I've seen for these.
here's a picture of it in its new home, those of an OCD nature should not look at the rest of the engine bay
oem fitting is valeo or bosch, interchangeable, the bosch is a better unit as its a lot easier to change the bearings/brushes etc
bosch have been making the same basic unit for years, and are fitted across the whole range of engines
looking at the dimensions for one from a 2012 Passat tdi, it looked the same, but a lot higher current rating, I chose this one as it was on ebay when I was looking for a new unit
I took a punt on it as it was only £35, it did fit but the connection for the regulator was different, but being a bosch, a new regulator from an earlier model is a direct fit and has the correct connector.
so for about £50, I got a virtually new bosch 130A alternator, saving over £100 on the best price I've seen for these.
here's a picture of it in its new home, those of an OCD nature should not look at the rest of the engine bay