W211's needing replacement springs is widely known. - Tensioners going snap, aren't, to my knowledge. However, it wouldn't be a bad idea replacing them as a matter of expedience, while you're in there. OEM, only.

Lower ball joints are a known weak point too, on these cars. Just heard the hubs are a necessary replacement item too, because of wear, on the front suspension.

Strange things happen, especially when cars have 200,000 miles on them. Car is fine after the $76 genuine tensioner and $32 genuine belt. Took about 2 hours to R&R, $110 repair with all genuine parts, no big deal, back on the road.

I ordered the tool for the alternator pulley so I'll address that down the track.

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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500

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