HELP with 2006 C230 Belt Tensioner and Belt Replacement
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
2006 6spd C230 Sport
HELP!! 2006 C230 Belt Replacement
Hey guys. This is my second thread I make. The first one was my introduction a couple months ago. I try not to be annoying with threads when I can do my own research to get the help I need. But I'm having issues finding the info I need this time.
I just purchased my 2006 c230 sport sedan a few months ago and today I encountered my first problem. As I was driving today, out of the blue the steering wheel became so stiff, almost felt like it was locked. I quickly realized my belt had broke off. It has been squeaking a bit lately on start up so I wasn't surprised it finally broke. A few seconds later I got the alternator warning message which confirmed it. Luckily I was 2 miles from home and rushed back hoping I would make it before my battery drained out. I turned off the ac and radio to try and save battery power. I also unplugged my phone from the charger. I was able to make it home and parked up.
I popped the hood and found my belt was partiality stripped and came off. I removed it and threw it away. I got a new belt for $36 at my local autozone but I'm having a issue. This is my first time changing the belt but I'm handy at car repairs so I plan on doing it myself. The issue is I dont know what way to install the belt since there are a few components. If someone can show me a diagram or layout with the belt installed that would be very helpful. Im hoping to get this done asap so I can drive it again. I have found a few layouts but my layout is a bit different.
This is my belt that came off
-Mark
I just purchased my 2006 c230 sport sedan a few months ago and today I encountered my first problem. As I was driving today, out of the blue the steering wheel became so stiff, almost felt like it was locked. I quickly realized my belt had broke off. It has been squeaking a bit lately on start up so I wasn't surprised it finally broke. A few seconds later I got the alternator warning message which confirmed it. Luckily I was 2 miles from home and rushed back hoping I would make it before my battery drained out. I turned off the ac and radio to try and save battery power. I also unplugged my phone from the charger. I was able to make it home and parked up.
I popped the hood and found my belt was partiality stripped and came off. I removed it and threw it away. I got a new belt for $36 at my local autozone but I'm having a issue. This is my first time changing the belt but I'm handy at car repairs so I plan on doing it myself. The issue is I dont know what way to install the belt since there are a few components. If someone can show me a diagram or layout with the belt installed that would be very helpful. Im hoping to get this done asap so I can drive it again. I have found a few layouts but my layout is a bit different.
This is my belt that came off
-Mark
Last edited by Malsori; Jun 12, 2017 at 12:57 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
2006 6spd C230 Sport
Alright so I figured it out. I was searching for it the wrong way. I kept looking for it under "2006 Mercedes w203 c230 sport" and I found layouts but they didn't match my engine layout. I finally decided to look for my engine model which I didn't know of and found out I have the m272 engine. So I searched it up under "Mercedes m272" and I found a pic where it shows the belt layout exactly like mines. Honestly, I figured the belt goes on the way it's pictured using common sense but I wasn't 100% sure and I wasn't going to test it out on my car I just purchased. I wanted to be sure before doing it that it's the right way.
I posted the pic I found of the belt layout for the m272 engine. I have no idea if it's already been posted on the forum but maybe my thread will help someone in the near future in the same position. I'm not one of those selfish people who ask for help and then solve the issue and never return to share information that could help others.
I think though I have a bigger issue than just the belt. I spoke to my friend who sold me the car and he said he had the belt break on him 2 times in 12 months before selling me the car. It's obviously either 1 of 2 pullies or the tensioner. He said he changed the tensioner 6 months ago but the belt still broke on me so it could be a pully. But for now a new belt will do.
-Mark
I posted the pic I found of the belt layout for the m272 engine. I have no idea if it's already been posted on the forum but maybe my thread will help someone in the near future in the same position. I'm not one of those selfish people who ask for help and then solve the issue and never return to share information that could help others.
I think though I have a bigger issue than just the belt. I spoke to my friend who sold me the car and he said he had the belt break on him 2 times in 12 months before selling me the car. It's obviously either 1 of 2 pullies or the tensioner. He said he changed the tensioner 6 months ago but the belt still broke on me so it could be a pully. But for now a new belt will do.
-Mark
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 118
Likes: 32
2011 E350
If you have a known problem with the tensioner and or pulley then the belt is not going to fix the problem. You are just throwing a band aid and the next time it breaks it might not be so nice. I would replace the tensioners and pulleys ASAP then start a new belt and get a good baseline. If the belt breaks again you could lose the alternator, water pump, power steering. By themselves may not seem like much but think of the collateral damage like Battery, power steering, water pump (Overheating). My guess is losing those will be a lot more expensive than replacing the tensioner and pulleys.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
If you have a known problem with the tensioner and or pulley then the belt is not going to fix the problem. You are just throwing a band aid and the next time it breaks it might not be so nice. I would replace the tensioners and pulleys ASAP then start a new belt and get a good baseline. If the belt breaks again you could lose the alternator, water pump, power steering. By themselves may not seem like much but think of the collateral damage like Battery, power steering, water pump (Overheating). My guess is losing those will be a lot more expensive than replacing the tensioner and pulleys.
