Help identifying correct part
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Joined: Nov 2014
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2008 gl320cdi
Help identifying correct part
Hopefully someone can help me determine correct specifications for a serpentine belt for a 2008 gl320cdi. My belt shredded last evening likely due to oil contamination from a leak. I really don’t drive the car very much so haven’t really inspected it. The dealership is closed and I like to confirm the number of ribs and length before picking one up from a parts store. Looking on line they have compatible belts listed but different stores have different specs. Just like to confirm the correct length and rib number. Thank you
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
I've never checked the amount of ribs when buying a belt (for ANY car that I've ever owned, including the GL320) and it's never been an issue. But, if you really want to, just count the valleys on a pulley. Although, I woudl have certainly known there was an issue when I put it on.
For length, yes you will likely see a small variance of less than an inch from one manufacturer to another. But it's not important since the tensioner allows for some leeway. A small difference in length is inconsequential over the entire length of the belt. That tiny bit of difference won't affect performance (or cause belt slipping) in any way.
But, either wait till tomorrow and go to a dealer or a NAPA (NAPA would be my choice to get a good belt without paying an arm and a leg)... or got an online place like Rock Auto - they often list the specs.
Or... later on, I can look at mine and give you the part number stamped on my belt... which, unfortunately, I had to buy from a dealer because I was on a time-sensitive trip. I didn't even look at the price breakdown on the bill... I didn't want to know how much I pad for, what should have been, about a $40-ish part.
For length, yes you will likely see a small variance of less than an inch from one manufacturer to another. But it's not important since the tensioner allows for some leeway. A small difference in length is inconsequential over the entire length of the belt. That tiny bit of difference won't affect performance (or cause belt slipping) in any way.
But, either wait till tomorrow and go to a dealer or a NAPA (NAPA would be my choice to get a good belt without paying an arm and a leg)... or got an online place like Rock Auto - they often list the specs.
Or... later on, I can look at mine and give you the part number stamped on my belt... which, unfortunately, I had to buy from a dealer because I was on a time-sensitive trip. I didn't even look at the price breakdown on the bill... I didn't want to know how much I pad for, what should have been, about a $40-ish part.
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2008 gl320cdi
Thank you. I appreciate the response looking at some videos appears to just be a 17 mm socket that I’ll need to release the tension. Hopefully I can find one today not many in town and today I’m free the rest of the week will get busy but that’s how it goes. And let go yesterday as I was leaving the grocery store so I went out and just looked and it appears to have seven ribs. When I called last night some parts stores were saying eight ribs which didn’t seem correct
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
I'm not sure what size socket is needed - but that's easy enough to figure out - heck, you can figure that out faster in person than by watching videos! 
But yes, that's all you have to do. Don't overthink this - replacing a serp belt is about as easy as easy gets!
But yes, that's all you have to do. Don't overthink this - replacing a serp belt is about as easy as easy gets!
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
You’re not wrong in not being sure here - 2007 used 8-rib belts and 2008 onward either 7 or 8 ribs. The parts guy just reads what his system says.
Google om642 belt, cut a small section from the old one, go to a parts store, and compare.
Google om642 belt, cut a small section from the old one, go to a parts store, and compare.
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
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Thread Starter
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2008 gl320cdi
Thanks. I didn’t have a lot of time today. But I was unsuccessful. I will print a picture as I was getting confused and having to keep going back to the phone. It seems the charge pipe is a bit in the way or maybe it was the way I was inserting the belt.
is there a good place to start ? It is such a long belt that it kept getting twisted and in my way. I did see a video where the poster placed a bolt to lock the tension out while placing the belt.
I was having issues also around the charge air resonator. Mine is an aftermarket piece that secures with two mounting points. I did not want to remove. But seems it would be a bit easier to see what I was doing and not have it in the way.
thanks for the help.
is there a good place to start ? It is such a long belt that it kept getting twisted and in my way. I did see a video where the poster placed a bolt to lock the tension out while placing the belt.
I was having issues also around the charge air resonator. Mine is an aftermarket piece that secures with two mounting points. I did not want to remove. But seems it would be a bit easier to see what I was doing and not have it in the way.
thanks for the help.
Last edited by smiledr996s; Feb 6, 2022 at 06:06 PM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 245
Likes: 7
2008 gl320cdi
Does the resonator for the charge air have to be removed? It seems to get in the way with the two mounting points, at least the one I have which is not oem. When I removed what was left of the belt It had to be cut from around the hose pipe. I saw a Videos online much more with the Ml and didn’t look like this pipe was there to be in the way at all. This looked much easier.
I will try to search for some more GL videos.
I will try to search for some more GL videos.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,932
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
If it makes it easier, I wouldn't worry about what other people say (including me!) - just do it and get 'er done!
I'll look at my setup later tonight, though - just to double check.
I'll look at my setup later tonight, though - just to double check.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Yes, that bit my mechanic following water pump replacement on my ‘07. He got to cover the flatbed truck recovery to his shop when the incorrect belt shredded. Granddaughter liked the ride in the big truck!
