The Valeo regulator is very easy to replace, no soldering required. However, finding the 230 Amp one proved impossible (or not economically feasible) when I was looking for one. When I was replacing the engine decided to take out the one in my alternator (@ 169K miles) and found out that the brushes were almost completely disappeared. There were some grooves in the slip rings also. I didn't realized it at the time that I had a 230 AMP regulator and purchased a 180 one just to be greeted with the "incorrect alternator" (or something like that) error message. Digging around I only found that Autozone had a 220 Amps CarQuest with lifetime warranty so I figured out that if it dies there are plenty of their store around. So far, so good no issues with it but only time will tell. At least in the N63 is right on top of everything (takes more time to remove the fan and serpentine belt than the alternator itself!)