How much???

[jjovero25]

Hey guys,

Just trying the weigh the cost savings of replacing my drive, power steering, and alternator belt myself versus getting it done at the stealership or local shop. I've done belt replacement on my 300D but never on my 300E.

Thanks!
Jerry

[augapfel]

Well it's certainly doable for a DIYer but it's not a trivial task. The biggest pain is in accessing the 19mm throughbolt at the tensioner pivot point. You pretty much have to unclip the fan shroud, lift it a bit and move it aside to get at that bolt.
With that accomplished you have to loosen the adjuster nut up top to slacken the belt.
Depending on how many miles are on the car you'll want to check the various idler pulleys. There's the one on the tensioner, the one near the alternator, and also the one that the fan mounts to -- this one let loose on my 260E at about 165k miles. And then there's the tensioner shock as well. Make sure that you check the owners manual for the belt routing diagram -- it's interesting!

[Jayare]

And before you loosen the adjuster nut, make sure the 19MM is loose first and tightened down last.

Good Luck,

Jayare