Mercedes-Benz CL550 CLS550 E550 GL550 GL450 GLS550 ML550 S550 SL550 SLK550 Alternator
$172.95 price checked August 2026
If your 5.5L V8 engine requires a 180 Amp replacement, this unit is the correct choice for your vehicle.
Where the Mercedes-Benz Alternator Fits
The Mercedes-Benz 11808N replacement Alternator is for owners of 2011-2014 CL550 models who need a reliable 180 Amp power source to maintain the vehicle’s electrical system.
An alternator with insufficient amperage can lead to a drained battery or a warning light on your dashboard during heavy electrical loads. These symptoms often indicate the unit can no longer maintain the necessary voltage to keep the vehicle’s systems running smoothly.
The Mercedes-Benz 11808N replacement Alternator provides a consistent 180 Amp output to ensure your vehicle receives steady power. This specific amperage rating ensures that even high-draw components receive the electricity they need to function without taxing the battery.
We evaluated the alternator options we compared to determine which models meet specific vehicle requirements. This review is for owners of 5.5L V8 Mercedes-Benz models looking for a precise replacement part.
For those seeking a high-quality standard, browse our spec breakdown of the ACDelco 335-1086.
How Carworship picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed alternator listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 142 qualified. This product is one of 10 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked August 2026).
The Short Answer on the Mercedes-Benz Alternator
Best for: you need a replacement alternator that supports the 5.5L V8 engine and matches the 11808N part number.
We recommend this Mercedes-Benz Alternator for around $172.95.
- Pro: The 180 Amp rating provides the high-output capacity required for heavy electrical draws.
- Pro: It features a 6-pulley groove configuration to ensure compatibility with complex serpentine belt systems.
- Pro: The 1-year unlimited-mileage quality guarantee provides long-term coverage.
- Con: The 4.2 rating indicates a lower level of buyer consensus compared to higher-rated alternatives.
- Con: This unit is specific to the 5.5L V8 and will not fit vehicles with different engine displacements.
Don’t buy this if: your vehicle requires a different rotation direction than clockwise or a different pulley configuration than 6 grooves.
Price assessment: The $172.95 price point is fair for a 180 Amp unit with a 1-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Carworship score: 7/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
If you own an Acura, explore our guide on the best alternator for acura models to ensure reliability.
Compare different options by viewing our comparison of the best replacement alternator for toyota highlander owners recommend.
The Specifications That Matter
| Compatible Models | 2011-2014 CL550, 2012-2018 CLS550, 2012-2017 E550, 2013-2014 GL450, 2013-2014 ML550, 2013-2016 GL550, 2017-2019 GLS550, 2012-2014 S550, 2013-2020 SL550, 2012-2016 SLK550 AMG 4.7L V8 |
| Engine Compatibility | 5.5L V8 |
| Amperage Rating | 180 Amp |
| Voltage | 12.0 Volt |
| Rotation Direction | Clockwise |
| Pulley Groove Quantity | 6 |
| Replacement Part Numbers | 11808N, 11808, FG18S029, A0141540902, 0009068601, 0141540902, A0009068601, A3126 |
| Warranty | 1 Year Unlimited-mileage Quality Guarantee |
The 180 Amp rating ensures this alternator meets the high electrical demands of the 5.5L V8 engine and associated vehicle systems.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 142 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.2 rating places it #35, on 761 ratings – above the 318-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 33 of them.
Before You Buy: Mercedes-Benz Alternator Checklist
The first thing to check is your vehicle’s specific model year and engine type to ensure the alternator matches your Mercedes-Benz’s requirements.
- ☐ Confirm your vehicle matches the compatible years, such as 2011-2014 CL550 or 2012-2018 CLS550 — 11808N
- ☐ Verify your engine is a 5.5L V8 — 5.5L V8
- ☐ Check that your vehicle requires a 180 Amp output — 180 Amp
- ☐ Match the rotation direction to your current system — Clockwise
- ☐ Verify the pulley groove count for your belt system — 6
- ☐ Confirm the voltage requirement — 12.0 Volt
You should not buy this alternator if your vehicle utilizes a different pulley configuration or a non-5.5L V8 engine, as these units are not designed for universal mounting.
Performance: What the Specs Deliver
180 Amp Power Output
The 180 Amp power output of the Mercedes-Benz Alternator provides the necessary current to support the high electrical loads of luxury features and heated seats without overheating. Because high-end Mercedes models have heavy electrical demands, this amperage ensures the system maintains a steady charge while powering interior electronics.
6 Pulley Groove Configuration
The 6 pulley groove configuration on the Mercedes-Benz Alternator ensures proper alignment with the serpentine belt system. This specific configuration prevents pulley diameter mismatch, which can cause belt slippage or premature wear on the belt system.
1 Year Unlimited-mileage Guarantee
The 1 Year Unlimited-mileage Quality Guarantee provides coverage for the Mercedes-Benz Alternator regardless of how many miles you drive. This allows you to replace the unit with confidence that the part is covered for the duration of the first year of ownership.
How the Mercedes-Benz Alternator Compares to Alternatives
The Mercedes-Benz Alternator ranks first in our review for its 4.2 rating, providing the highest-rated performance among the six options we evaluated.
- The Mercedes-Benz Alternator costs the same price as the TRQ Alternator for Chrysler Pacifica at $172.95.
- The OCPTY Alternator for Chrysler 200 Town Country Dodge Avenger Journey is $0.04 more expensive than this unit.
- The DB Electrical 400-52051 Alternator for Toyota Avalon Sienna costs $0.49 more than the Mercedes-Benz Alternator.
- The DB Electrical 400-52375 Alternator for Toyota Yaris is $1.42 cheaper than this model.
- The TRQ Alternator for Chrysler Aspen Dodge Durango Nitro Ram 1500 Jeep Commander Grand Cherokee Liberty costs $1.67 more than this unit.
While this unit offers high-tier reliability through its 1-year unlimited-mileage quality guarantee, the data does not specify internal component materials compared to OEM standards. You should confirm the pulley design and housing material match your specific vehicle requirements before purchasing. If you require the lowest possible price, the DB Electrical 400-52375 Alternator for Toyota Yaris is the better pick.
Owners of Japanese SUVs can see how the Toyota Highlander Alternator performs in various driving conditions.
The Mercedes-Benz Alternator: Remaining Questions
Will the Mercedes-Benz CL550 CLS550 E550 GL550 GL450 GLS550 ML550 S550 SL550 SLK550 Alternator provide enough power for my vehicle?
The 180 Amp output provides the specific amperage required to maintain the electrical load for these models without triggering a low battery warning. This rating aligns with the standard requirements for the 5.5L V8 engines these vehicles utilize.
What happens if the Mercedes-Benz CL550 CLS550 E550 GL550 GL450 GLS550 ML550 S550 SL550 SLK550 Alternator fails after the first year?
A 1 Year Unlimited-mileage Quality Guarantee covers the unit should it fail during the first twelve months of use. Because this is a replacement part, you should confirm your local repair shop’s ability to service the unit if it falls outside of this specific coverage period.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CL550 CLS550 E550 GL550 GL450 GLS550 ML550 S550 SL550 SLK550 Alternator compatible with my 2014 GL450?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz Alternator is listed as compatible with the 2013-2014 GL450. It matches the required 12.0 Volt specification for this vehicle’s electrical system.
Does the Mercedes-Benz CL550 CLS550 E550 GL550 GL450 GLS550 ML550 S550 SL550 SLK550 Alternator fit a 2016 SLK55 AMG?
Yes, the data confirms compatibility with the 2012-2016 SLK55 AMG 4.7L V8. You should verify that your vehicle’s pulley groove configuration matches the 6-groove design of this unit before ordering.
Is the Mercedes-Benz Alternator Right for You?
The Mercedes-Benz Alternator suits 5 kinds of buyer and is the wrong choice for 4 jobs, listed below with the reason for each.
Who the Mercedes-Benz Alternator is for, and what it does well
Who the Mercedes-Benz Alternator suits
- Mercedes-Benz owners of 2012-2018 CLS550 models — the 180 Amp output specifically matches the electrical demands of the 5.5L V8 engine
- Independent auto repair shop mechanics — the 1-year unlimited-mileage quality guarantee provides reliability for high-volume service work
- Owners of 2013-2020 SL550 convertibles — the 11808N part number ensures a direct fit for this specific luxury chassis
- Luxury SUV owners with 2017-2019 GLS550 models — the 12.0 Volt output provides the necessary power for the vehicle’s electrical systems
- Owners of 2012-2016 SLK550 AMG models — the clockwise rotation direction and 6-pulley groove design are engineered for this specific V8 configuration
What the Mercedes-Benz Alternator handles well
- Replacing a failed charging system in a 5.5L V8 engine — the 180 Amp rating provides the necessary current for high-displacement engines
- Restoring electrical reliability in a 2012-2017 E550 — the 0141540902 part number ensures exact compatibility
- Maintaining a 2013-2014 ML550 — the 12.0 Volt output provides consistent power to the vehicle’s electronics
- Repairing a 2013-2016 GL550 — the 6-pulley groove quantity allows for proper belt alignment and power transfer
- Replacing a worn-out alternator on a 2011-2014 CL550 — the 11808 replacement part number ensures a direct fit
What the Mercedes-Benz Alternator is the wrong choice for
- Powering heavy-duty industrial machinery — the 180 Amp output is designed for automotive use and may be insufficient for industrial loads
- Fitting a 4-cylinder Mercedes-Benz model — the 5.5L V8 specific compatibility rules out smaller engine configurations
- Replacing an alternator with a counter-clockwise rotation — the clockwise rotation direction is a fixed mechanical spec
- High-output racing applications requiring over 200 Amps — the 180 Amp rating is a specific limit for standard luxury vehicle use
What to budget alongside the Mercedes-Benz Alternator, and what to skip
- Alternative 11808 part — the 11808N and 11808 numbers are already covered by this specific unit
- Voltage regulator — usually integrated into the 12.0 Volt alternator assembly
- Pulley adapter — the 6-pulley groove quantity is already built into the unit
Where to Buy the Mercedes-Benz Alternator
These retailers sell Alternator generally – we do not track which of them has this particular model in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- AutoZone (online and physical stores) — wide availability of standard and remanufactured parts with in-store pickup
- Advance Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — extensive catalog of aftermarket brands and professional-grade parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts (online and physical stores) — large inventory of remanufactured units and local store support
- Amazon (online only) — massive selection of third-party brands and competitive shipping options
- RockAuto (online only) — vast inventory of diverse brands and direct-to-consumer pricing
- PartsTech (online only) — specialist for professional trade accounts and wholesale sourcing
Final Verdict on the Mercedes-Benz Alternator
If you own a Mercedes-Benz model from the 2011-2020 range, such as a CL550, GLS550, or SL550, the Mercedes-Benz Alternator is the correct choice for your vehicle. You can purchase this replacement part for around $172.95.
The 180 Amp amperage rating provides the necessary power for a 5.5L V8 engine, and the unit maintains a 4.2 rating from 761 buyers. This consistent performance across multiple Mercedes-Benz models ensures reliable electrical output for your specific vehicle configuration.
Skip it if: Your vehicle requires a high-output alternator for heavy aftermarket accessories like winches, as this 180 Amp unit serves as a standard replacement rather than a heavy-duty upgrade.