Bosch Alternator 12V 180A Part No. 1986A01281

The Bosch Alternator 12V 180A is a new rotating electrical unit with a 180 amp charge current, 12 volt operation, and part number 1986A01281. It is listed as an OE product and is supplied as an each unit for replacement work where the existing alternator matches the application details.

This alternator uses a 6 groove pulley, clockwise rotation, internal regulator, and pad mount with double pivot lever fastening. The mounting details supplied include a 70 mm mount leg thickness, 9 mm pivot hole diameter, and 50 mm pulley outside diameter, so the physical fit needs to be checked carefully against the vehicle and the removed unit.

It is described as an alternator type excl. vacuum pump and is made by Bosch, with manufacture noted as China. Recommended additional repair at the time of installation is the V-belt/V-ribbed belt, which is sensible to consider whenever an alternator is being replaced and the drive belt condition is uncertain.

Key Features

• Bosch OE product
• 12V alternator with 180A output
• New unit, not remanufactured
• Internal regulator
• 6 groove pulley
• Clockwise rotation

Specifications

• Brand: Bosch
• Part No.: 1986A01281
• Type: Alternator
• Voltage: 12V
• Power rating: 180A
• Alternator charge current: 180A
• Pulley section: 6 groove
• Pulley outside diameter: 50 mm

Fitment guidance

• Fitment information supplied includes Mercedes-Benz applications, with grouped coverage shown for C-Class, CLS, E-Class, M-Class, Marco Polo, Sprinter 3-T, Sprinter 5-T, Valente, Viano, Vito, and Vito / Mixto.
• The fitment preview also lists 5-T and 6-T applications across model years 2009 to 2018.
• Because the supplied fitment data is grouped rather than fully model-specific, confirm the exact vehicle application against the part number 1986A01281, mounting style, pulley details, and regulator type before ordering.

Application and Buying Notes

Before buying, compare the removed alternator with this unit’s key identifiers: Bosch 1986A01281, 12V, 180A, 6 groove pulley, clockwise rotation, internal regulator, and pad mount. These details matter because a visually similar alternator can still differ in mounting, pulley arrangement, or electrical configuration.

The listed mounting dimensions are important for physical compatibility. Check the 70 mm mount leg thickness, 9 mm pivot hole diameter, and 50 mm pulley outside diameter against the vehicle and the old unit so you do not rely on appearance alone.

This alternator is supplied as a new Bosch OE product and is not a remanufactured unit. If you are replacing a worn alternator, it is also worth inspecting the V-belt or V-ribbed belt at the same time, as the recommended additional repair indicates belt condition should be considered during installation.

The application information supplied points to multiple Mercedes-Benz model families and some 5-T and 6-T year coverage, but the fitment should still be verified on the exact vehicle. Confirming the part number and hardware layout remains the safest way to avoid a mismatch, particularly where several alternator variants may exist within the same model range.

Before supply, the safest approach is to confirm the original unit details against the listed part number, voltage, output rating, mounting arrangement, and pulley configuration. That checking process is standard practice in the parts trade because visually similar units can still differ in service-critical ways.

For workshop, fleet, and equipment applications, accurate identification of part number 1986A01281 helps avoid unnecessary freight, additional labour, and vehicle or machine downtime. Where the application is not straightforward, the original unit, OEM reference, or workshop records should be used as the primary confirmation point.

Relevant published details for this unit include Type ALTERNATOR, Unit of Measure EACH, Warranty One Year, Pin Code IR228, Power Rating (Amp) 180, Pulley Section 6 Groove, Rotation CW, Voltage 12, New / Reman. New, Fastening Type Double Pivot Lever.

Additional published details for cross-checking include Recommended additional repairs V-Belt/V-Ribbed Belt, Packaging width 22.5, Manufactured in China, Product Group 1 ROTATING ELECTRICAL, Part No. 1986A01281, Brand BOSCH, Description Bosch Alternator 12V 180A, Mount Leg Thickness 70mm, Pivot Hole Diameter 9, Pulley Outside Diameter 50mm.

Bosch Alternator 12V 180A. Part number 1986A01281 should be checked first. Listed voltage is 12. Listed output rating is 180. These details form the core reference points used by parts interpreters when confirming the correct replacement.

Mount style is Pad. Regulator type is Internal. Pulley configuration is 6 Groove. Those physical and electrical details should line up with the original unit before the replacement is approved for fitment.

For part number 1986A01281, the normal identification sequence is part number, electrical rating, mounting arrangement, connector or terminal style, and pulley or drive details. Using those checkpoints helps confirm that the listed unit matches the service requirement rather than only looking similar.

For a alternator in workshop, fleet, trade, agricultural, or construction service, the listed voltage 12 and output 180 should be checked carefully. Incorrect selection can affect installation time, return freight, and equipment availability.

Available application references include 5-T 2009, 5-T 2010, 5-T 2011, 5-T 2012, 6-T 2009, 6-T 2010. Even with application listings, final confirmation should still be based on the exact unit being replaced and the service requirements of the vehicle or machine.

Compatibility note: Confirm fitment by matching part number 1986A01281, 12V 180A output, 6 groove pulley, clockwise rotation, internal regulator, and the mounting details against the removed unit and vehicle application before purchase.

FAQ

Is this alternator new or remanufactured?

It is listed as new, not remanufactured.

What is the electrical rating?

The alternator is rated at 12V and 180A, with alternator charge current also listed as 180A.

What type of pulley does it use?

It has a 6 groove pulley with a 50 mm outside diameter.

Does it have an internal regulator?

Yes, the regulator type is listed as internal.

What mounting style does it use?

It is listed as a pad mount with double pivot lever fastening, with a 70 mm mount leg thickness and 9 mm pivot hole diameter.

Which vehicles are listed in the fitment data?

The supplied fitment data references Mercedes-Benz applications including C-Class, CLS, E-Class, M-Class, Marco Polo, Sprinter 3-T, Sprinter 5-T, Valente, Viano, Vito, and Vito / Mixto, plus 5-T and 6-T year coverage from 2009 to 2018.