I've seen many posts offering NOS regulators for sale. What is the advantage of the original over a new solid state replacement? Is it merely to look original? I can't imagine a mechanical relay being able to regulate the charging voltage as well as a modern electronic unit. What am I missing?

There has been a high failure rate reported on the solid state model by various manufactures. They all seem to be made in China. They also have been know not to fit the relay board correctly, not making good contact. Bosch makes a solid state model but it is stupid expensive.

The old mechanical Bosch VR seem to keep going like the Energizer bunny and rarely fail. Moisture is its biggest enemy. You can open the can and make adjustments to this model.

I have about 20 used VRs. I dont think i have ever sold a voltage regulator in the 15 plus years i have sold parts. Some people just like new. I dont see any advantage to solid state regulators. Just the preception that nore modern is better

I agree with Brad, the old ones are perfectly fine and seem more reliable than the cheap Chinese brands, including the new expensive Chinese shorter Bosch. We have at least 200 good used ones here. Even the new ones from Porsche are bad as they do not fit!!!! (several other brands do not fit the relay board as well. If I was going to replace these days, I would find a good used one and clean it up, or find NOS for concours presentation

+1

All good comments. Thanks for the feedback.