E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

First mechanical failure

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 02:05 PM
  #1  
The Thomas J's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 801
Likes: 73
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
First mechanical failure

While sitting in my office parking lot this morning doing some paperwork the car began to shake, but not like an engine shudder. It started at the front and stopped. It wasn't a violent shaking. It started again and worked it's way to the back. It reminded me of an earthquake. It was the same sensation. It lasted a few seconds, stopped and started again briefly and stopped.

So I am looking around, everywhere accept my dash board. I finally look at the gauge cluster and my battery light indicator is on. My first thought was did I just lose the alternator? I went to move the car and there is no power steering. Now I know I lost the belt.

Looked under the hood and the belt is off and shredding at the edges.

Drove it to my mechanic who is down the road and I lost two idler Pulley's. One snapped off, one melted off and the belt is shredded.

I am fortunate it happened so close to my mechanic and not while I was in Manhattan last night. By the time I got it to the mechanic the temp was going up and it's not a far ride.

Idler pulley's are a real PIA. I have had to replace them at some point on pretty much every vehicle I currently own. So annoying.

I will say this, losing a pulley on a Mercedes is a much more pleasurable experience than losing one on a Ford e-350 which sounded like a bomb going off under the hood and pulley landed flat on the A frame.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2016 | 09:48 AM
  #2  
cmriv's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
Originally Posted by The Thomas J
While sitting in my office parking lot this morning doing some paperwork the car began to shake, but not like an engine shudder. It started at the front and stopped. It wasn't a violent shaking. It started again and worked it's way to the back. It reminded me of an earthquake. It was the same sensation. It lasted a few seconds, stopped and started again briefly and stopped.

So I am looking around, everywhere accept my dash board. I finally look at the gauge cluster and my battery light indicator is on. My first thought was did I just lose the alternator? I went to move the car and there is no power steering. Now I know I lost the belt.

Looked under the hood and the belt is off and shredding at the edges.

Drove it to my mechanic who is down the road and I lost two idler Pulley's. One snapped off, one melted off and the belt is shredded.

I am fortunate it happened so close to my mechanic and not while I was in Manhattan last night. By the time I got it to the mechanic the temp was going up and it's not a far ride.

Idler pulley's are a real PIA. I have had to replace them at some point on pretty much every vehicle I currently own. So annoying.

I will say this, losing a pulley on a Mercedes is a much more pleasurable experience than losing one on a Ford e-350 which sounded like a bomb going off under the hood and pulley landed flat on the A frame.
Did you check your tension-er as well??? That screaming noise when your car use to run was it's way of saying, hey i'm a pulley, change me i'm noisy.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2016 | 03:48 PM
  #3  
The Thomas J's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 801
Likes: 73
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
Originally Posted by cmriv
Did you check your tension-er as well??? That screaming noise when your car use to run was it's way of saying, hey i'm a pulley, change me i'm noisy.
There was no noise.

Yes, had a new belt tensioner installed as well.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2016 | 03:59 PM
  #4  
cmriv's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 46
From: dmv
2009 E550 2000 Honda civic mash n' go
Originally Posted by The Thomas J
There was no noise.

Yes, had a new belt tensioner installed as well.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:06 PM.

story-0
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-3
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-4
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-5
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE