E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

e320 w124 Serpentine Belt and tensioner question

Old Sep 19, 2013 | 02:41 PM
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todd5854's Avatar
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SL55 AMG
e320 w124 Serpentine Belt and tensioner question

Hey guys, I got an E320 sedan and it squeaks. As many have said, idiots try to loosen or tighten the tensioner rod, and the threads get stripped. Well that's what happened to mine I guess.

I typed my VIN into that Russian web site. (http://www.neoriginal.ru/cat/mb/) My VIN is WDBEA32E4RC048320

It came back that the engine code is 104992 12 034383

Do I use the number BEFORE or AFTER the 12?

Right now my belt is part number 6PK-2415, and this website has 6 different belts to choose from. I will also say that the previous owner said the belt was just replaced. I have no idea if that is true or not. But it seems that in order to have my current belt tight to spec, that tensioner will need to move about half an inch, maybe MORE, downward. So it seems to me that either the tensioner rod isnt long enough (doubtful) or the belt is the wrong size.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...20Drive%20Belt

My current belt seems to be too loose, because the tensioner rod is at the top of the threads, and still can't push far enough to tension the belt. (Unless I am wrong, and the rod has to go up in order to tension)


Which belt do I need? Apparently there is only ONE tensioner rod, which I will replace. Is this correct?

Last edited by todd5854; Sep 19, 2013 at 02:43 PM.
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Old Sep 22, 2013 | 09:42 AM
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1991 300CE, 1995 E320, 1998 E320
Todd, what year is your E320? You need to loosen the 10mm allen head clamping bolt in the center of the tensioner before attempting to adjust the tension with the rod. If you skipped that step you probably destroyed the tensioner and need a new one. When the tensioner is being installed it's important that the tensioner rod is oriented correctly.

If you call the Service Department at your local MB dealer with your VIN they will confirm the proper length belt.
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Old Sep 22, 2013 | 10:10 AM
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Thank you for actually replying, I appreciate that. I did call them and read the VIN, they gave me the MB part number which I now have on order, along with a new tensioner rod. The previous owner took the car to a non authorized MB shop and they ruined it.
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Old Sep 22, 2013 | 10:31 AM
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The article on this page shows the proper orientation for my 1994 E320, correct? (See page two of the PDF) http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/M...04/13-3200.pdf
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