Compare prices on a used Mercedes-Benz CLK alternator from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.
Find the right part faster and get quotes direct from UK breakers - free, and no obligation.
Used alternators vary between vehicles - and whether you call it used, second hand or a replacement, matching the right one matters. These are the details breakers need to match the right part to your car - our request form asks them so you only hear from suppliers with the correct part:
The CLK ran across two main generations: the W208 from 1997 to 2003, and the W209 from 2002 to 2009 with a facelift in 2005. Year matters because alternator output and mounting can vary within a generation, so always give your exact year alongside your engine code when asking a breaker for a quote. The engine code, found on your V5 or via a VIN check, is the single most useful detail you can supply.
2003 and 2004 straddle the W208-to-W209 generation boundary, so these are fundamentally different platforms and a straight swap is very unlikely. Name that boundary clearly when contacting a breaker, share your exact engine code, and let them confirm compatibility against your registration before purchasing. Never assume a part crosses a generation boundary without expert verification.
Both sit within the same W209 generation, so the engine code is your best guide to whether the alternator is shared, and many are. However, ancillary and mounting changes can occur at a facelift point mid-production, so confirm this detail with the breaker against your exact registration rather than relying on the shared generation alone.
For an alternator, trim level does not affect fitment — Elegance, Avantgarde, and AMG Line badges make no difference to which alternator is fitted. What does matter is the engine code, because different engines fitted across those trims (for example a 1.8 compressor versus a 3.2 V6) will require different alternators with different outputs. Focus on matching engine code and fuel type rather than trim name when speaking to a breaker.
No — diesel and petrol alternators are not interchangeable, as they are matched to different engine families with different mounting arrangements and electrical demands. Always specify your fuel type as well as your engine code when requesting a quote from a breaker. Mixing fuel types is one of the most common causes of a mismatch on this part.
Alternators on most CLK models are not typically ECU-paired in the way some other components are, but smart-charging systems on later W209 variants can involve communication with the vehicle's electronics. Whether your specific car requires any configuration after fitting is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration, as this can depend on build date and specification. Always clarify this before committing to a purchase.