Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (2024)

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Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (3)

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      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (4)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (5)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (6)

      • Applicable Models
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      • 15 Comments

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (7)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (8)

      Project Time:

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (9)

      EST Project Cost:

      Applicable Models:

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (10) Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (11)

      • Mercedes-Benz C350 (2008-15)
      • Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (2010-15)

      • Project Time: 1 hour
      • Tab: $25 to $45
      • Talent
      • Tools: 17mm socket
      • Parts Required: New drive belt
      • Performance Gain: Won't leave you stranded at the side of the road
      • Complementary Modification: New Tensioner

      You should check your drive belt every six months for wear, cracking, fraying, delaminating and drying out.

      If your belt shows any of these signs you should replace it. I recommend you buy two belts and always keep an extra one in the car. You don't want to be stranded on the side of the road for the lack of a spare drive belt.

      Replacing the belt on your Mercedes-Benz W204 is one of the easiest jobs you will do. You should be able to do it in less than 30 minutes. It is a great starter project if you are just beginning to DIY or "Do It Yourself" on your car.

      Let the car cool so you don't have to work around a hot engine.

      Hot tip

      Work on a cold engine

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (15) Steve Vernon, DIY Expert

      //

      Project Photos

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (16)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (17)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (18)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (19)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (20)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (21)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (22)

      UBA🌟2228551337+08114746122

      July 22, 2024

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Lukuman Musa

      January 8, 2024

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (23)

      Tim B

      August 22, 2022

      Good write-up. One thing to do is mark the direction of the old belt before removing if you plan on keeping it as a spare, they say a belt will wear and adapt over time and you want to reinstall it the same way. I noticed this when inspecting the old belt, it is worn differently on the sides. The old belt is still in good condition so i cleaned it and put it in with the spare tire and 17mm lug nut wrench if the new one ever breaks. While looking for the correct belt I was told 6PK2404 so thats what I bought, only to find the belt that was installed was 6PK2390. I installed the 6PK2404 and the line on the tensioner is between the two lines towards the left, seems that's right where a new belt should be. I didnt even bother to check where the line was with the old belt, wish I had. What i'm also finding is Mercedes belt 6PK2397 as fitting my 2010 C300 4matic Sport 272. I guess they are the same belts just slightly different lengths.

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Thanks for the additional info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (24)

      mcdonap

      November 12, 2021

      Thank you so much for posting this! The pictures were very helpful - I used them to reference the path of the belt when putting on the new belt.
      This was the first time I replaced the belt on my own. With really taking my time, setting up some good lighting, and taking pictures first, it took me about half an hour. My vehicle is a 2011 GLK350 4Matic.

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Thanks for the feedback. Glad we could help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Keith H

      December 30, 2020

      Thank you!

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Glad to help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Keith H

      December 29, 2020

      After recently replacing the belt for the 3rd time in 4 years on my 2011 ML350 4Matic 3.5L V6, I noticed "marking on the tension side red arrow" is NOT "between the marks on the mounted side yellow arrows when the new belt is installed see pic. I've suspected for some time one of the component water pump, AC compressor, alternator, power steering pump pulleys is causing the belt to shred prematurely. In between belt, pulley and tensioner replacements, I've had the water pump and recently alternator replaced. In ideas regarding what might be causing frequent belt failure would be much appreciated.

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Premature wear is sometimes due to a pulley that is either loose or not correctly aligned. Check the tensioner as well as any idlers. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (25)

      everight

      December 9, 2019

      Thank you so much for the instruction, it helps a lot. I got the same problem which AlyssaRae got, my car is 2010 glk350, the marker on the tensioner side is postion on the left side wider marker of mount side, the belt and temsioner are the right parts, please help. Thanks in advance.

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      As long as it lines up when tensioned, it is ok. https://cdn4.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W204/08-BASICS-Drive_Belt_Replacement/images_small/pic04.jpgOtherwise, they may casting marks and might not have tension marks. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      CQ

      October 23, 2019

      Your guide is very useful. But I had a trouble: I installed a brand new belt Contitech 6PK2404,all elements are OK no damages, or misaligment, tensioner is OK between marks... and just next day this belt was completely destroyed without apparent reason...help please! Thanks! W204 c350sport 2008

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Check all other components that use the belt. Check for looseness, play, binding. Also check pulley alignment. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      AlyssaRae

      August 15, 2019

      I replaced the tensioner along with the belt and another pulley. Without tension the mark on the tensioner is to the right of the two marks. With tension it is to the left of them. The old tensioner was the same way, which led me to replace it. Wondering why the mark does not line up in the middle. 2010 c300 4matic

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Double check the belt part number. If ok, it may not apply to your mode, the marks. I could not find info in MB's service data mentioning it for your vehicle. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Gooli

      January 6, 2019

      In what direction does the engine rotate? Clockwise or counterclockwise? I'm replacing my timing chain and need to put it back In OT position.

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      What is the year and model of the vehicle? - Nick at Pelican Parts

      pete

      October 16, 2018

      is there a way to adjust the belt tension to between the marks on Figure 4?

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      No , it is an automatic belt tensioner. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Tom jones

      August 5, 2018

      I did 95000 km on c220cdi 2009 australia

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Thanks for the Info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      M Miller

      January 11, 2018

      Your diagram and instructions are spot on! Thank you very much for posting them. Not only did you save me money by doing it myself, but your description along with the pictures made it very easy and straight forward to do. It took me all of 10 minutes. Thank you very much, indeed!

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Thanks for the feedback. Glad we could help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Chris N.

      June 6, 2017

      You can also use the factory-supplied 17mm lug wrench from the vehicle tool kit in lieu of a 17mm socket and ratchet/breaker bar. It is definitely easier with a longer ratchet or breaker bar, but it can be done with the lug wrench in a pinch.

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      Thanks for the additional info and feedback. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

      Dee

      February 17, 2017

      What's the name of the small little pulling next to the tension

      Followup from the Pelican Staff:

      I believe that pulley is part of the tensioner. - Casey at Pelican Parts

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      • Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (27)

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      • Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (28)

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      • Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (29)

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      • Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (32)

      Got more questions? Ask any of our automotive experts.

      Technical Forum Message Board Reader Questions About this Article

      Applicable Models:

      • Mercedes-Benz C350 (2008-15)
      • Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (2010-15)

      Mercedes-Benz W204 Drive Belt Replacement - (2008-2014) C250, C300, C350 (2024)

      FAQs

      How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a Mercedes c300? ›

      Labor costs are estimated between $94 and $118 while parts are priced between $29 and $42. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

      How much does it cost to replace a belt on a Mercedes? ›

      The average cost for a Mercedes-Benz E320 Serpentine Belt Replacement is between $97 and $143. Labor costs are estimated between $54 and $68 while parts are priced between $43 and $75.

      How long do Mercedes serpentine belts last? ›

      Your timing belt should be replaced anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 miles and your serpentine belt should be replaced anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles. We recommend consulting your owner's manual for Mercedes-Benz year, model, and trim specifications.

      Is replacing a drive belt hard? ›

      It takes maybe a minute. If the belt snaps, replacing it is trivial. You just need to pass the new belt around the fan, loosen the alternator's tensioning bolt, put the new belt on the crank, water pump and alternator pulleys, and tension it.

      How many hours does it take to replace a serpentine belt? ›

      That is why it's so important to stay ahead on your car service and get your belt replaced before it completely breaks. Depending on your vehicle, and the other service you may or may not be having done at the time, the whole process of replacing the serpentine belt should take no more than two hours.

      Should I replace my serpentine belt myself? ›

      Since you'll likely only replace your serpentine belt once during the life of your car, it's generally recommended to take your car to a professional mechanic. You can do a lot of damage to your vehicle if you drive on the road with an improperly installed serpentine belt.

      Is a drive belt the same as a serpentine belt? ›

      A serpentine belt (or drive belt) is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as an alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, etc.

      Can I replace my own drive belt? ›

      Can I change a serpentine belt on my own? Yes, with a few tools. Use a long-handled socket wrench to loosen the tensioner. This will allow you to remove the old belt.

      Are drive belts expensive to replace? ›

      But, what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? The cost of the serpentine belt itself could be around $50 and the cost of labor could be around $150. As a result, a serpentine belt cost for replacement could range from $70 to $200 depending on your exact model and where you get it replaced.

      Can a serpentine belt last 200 000 miles? ›

      The serpentine replacement interval is about every 60,000 – 100,000 miles. Because of their rubber material, serpentine belts will crack, peel, and wear down over time.

      Is a drive belt the same as a timing belt? ›

      The drive belt is not to be confused with the timing belt, which synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft. This ensures that the engine timing is correct, hence the name. A failed timing belt can cause extensive damage to the engine and call for a complete rebuild.

      How do I know when to replace my drive belt? ›

      There are many signs that your car's serpentine belt may need to be replaced, and these include:
      1. Squealing noise from the front of your car.
      2. Power steering stops working.
      3. Air conditioning stops working.
      4. Engine overheats.
      5. Cracking on the belt.
      Sep 21, 2020

      How do you know if your drive belt is bad? ›

      You hear strange sounds, smell burnt rubber, or see steam: When a serpentine starts to go bad, you'll often hear an annoying squeaking or chirping sound under the hood. Another sign you'll want to look out for is the smell of burnt rubber, as this smell can indicate the serpentine belt is failing.

      What is the life of a drive belt? ›

      Diligent Monticello drivers are smart to ask themselves, “How long does a serpentine belt last?” Serpentine belts, also called drive belts or accessory drive belts, are constructed of tough rubber, but that doesn't mean they're invincible. Typically, serpentine belts last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

      Does drive belt affect transmission? ›

      No, that's improbable. The serpentine belt (or belts) drive the accessories of the vehicle using the torque generated by your engine, including the alternator and the air conditioning. It doesn't affect the transmission, and so it would not have anything to do with your shifting.

      Is it worth replacing serpentine belt? ›

      Your serpentine belt was made to last. Under ideal circ*mstances, a serpentine belt will last 60,000–100,000 miles. It's important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle's scheduled maintenance, even if it looks okay. You don't want this car part to break while you're on the road.

      How do I know if my serpentine belt needs replacing? ›

      5 Warning Signs You Need A New Serpentine Belt
      1. Squealing noise.
      2. Power steering not working.
      3. Battery light comes on – not charging.
      4. Cracks in the belt.
      5. Air conditioning not working.

      Can I drive my car if the serpentine belt is broken? ›

      While not recommended, it is possible to drive with a broken alternator—or serpentine—belt, but only for short distances. Should your alternator belt break, the alternator will no longer charge your vehicle's battery, which means you may lose power at any time.

      At what mileage should I replace my serpentine belt? ›

      When to Replace Serpentine Belt. When should a serpentine belt be replaced? The serpentine replacement interval is about every 60,000 – 100,000 miles. Because of their rubber material, serpentine belts will crack, peel, and wear down over time.

      References

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