Anyone know where the alternator is on the 2.5TDI? Guess placement is similar to the 2.8
 

Had been driving for just five minutes when the red battery lamp lit up, but not accompanied by sound signal. Pulled over and turned lights down to parking lights, checked under the bonnet to see if I could see anything loose or broken, but no obvious signs of damage. Got back in, voltmeter read a little below 12 volts. Turned around and drove home with regular lights, voltmeter dropped to 11 volts.

Battery is less than a year old and has been trouble-free, so I don't think the problem is there. Maybe the belt that drives the alternator is broken? I can't see much beneath the "V" of the engine, but I think the alternator may be to the right side, as I can see an extra fan there.

Lower pass side if I recall correctly.

Any chance at fixing things there without pulling the entire front off like for a timing belt job?

doubtful...
 

you should have access to the alternator from underneath (I know I do on my 4.2), but the problem is the serpentine/accessory belt. you'd have to get the belt off without removing the front end(unlikely, short of cutting the belt), keep the belt on all other pulleys while working, and ensuring that it stays there while putting the belt back on the alternator...needless to say, you'd need a miracle for that to happen.

Thanks! My baby goes to the shop today then
 

had the ABS module die right after having the timing belt done less than 10,000 km ago, guess I'll have that taken care of while it's in the shop.

My 4 old 100s had much more room to work :-(

shop says: dead alternator, front goes off, but no time before next week

ouch, sorry to hear that, best of luck on it though.