I replaced the factory Bosch alternator at 128,000 miles. That's great except the NEW Bosch alternator is not as good as the original. I paid my mechanic, a foreign car specialist, $440 for the new (not reman) alternator including installation. I was okay with that in that I would have replaced the alternator in an american sedan at around 70,000 miles. The problem is manufacturing is just not what it once was - even at Bosch. The new alternator only produces 11 volts at 700 rpm, so leaving the car idle with the air on drains the battery. Today I am going to clean the IACV following the step by step instructions on this site and I'll let you know if the idle speed increases. I am hoping that an idle speed increase to around 900rpm will be enough for the alternator to produce over 12 volts continuously.
