My MB mechanic wants to replace the belt tensioner for a healthy sum of cash I may say. What is it and do I need to have it done? Im new to MB and purchased a 1992 190e 2.3 with 90,000 miles. I took it to a German imports specialist to have it checked out. He has a nice long list of things to make the car perfect again for about 3200 bucks. I cant afford to have it all done at once and Im no where near mechanical. This tensioner was priority number two on the list. The car runs great, can this wait?

If it is bad enough to cause belt slip then it should be replaced.

The part costs about $140 or so and takes a few hours to replace.

Hope this helps,

The belt doesnt squeel or anthing so I think I will hold off?

The belt can slip badly w/o squealing. Watch it while running - if you see no vibration of flapping of the belt, it is probably ok for now. If you DO see the above, turn it off and press your finger into the belt between pulleys. Any flexing to speak of, replace the tensioner.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7

I will make a prediction based on my limited experiences with 2 different 300E's. Both experience tensioner failure somewhere around the 150K mark.

In both cases their was no evidence of impending failure until the tension was released to replace water pump. When the mechanic attempted to adjust the tension it would not adjust because it had failed. In both cases the failed part clearly showed the effect of years of heat on the rubber portion.

Steve