So I ended up snapping the adjusting rod ring on my w201 after trying to tighten up the belt. I then needed to replace the rod, luckily I had a spare on hand (NOTE: when replacing failed or worn parts always try to keep components of the failed part that may be reusable or come in handy just in case). After getting the tensioner of and putting on the replacement rod I then discovered that my tensioner shock was bad. I can compress it but it would not return. I did not want to deal with a squeaking belt so what i did was put a spring on the rod, sort of like a coilover. The belt is now tight. I believe this may even permanently fix a worn tensioner shock.

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1990 190E 3.0L