'04 E55K belt tensioner replacement

[E55BOF]

It looks very simple, if a bit fiddly due to the restricted space.

Remove the supercharger belt, relieve the tension on the serpentine belt tensioner, pin in to hold it like that, unscrew the central star bolt, remove central star bolt and pulley, reinstall bolt with new pulley (25nm tightening torque), re-tension and check belt seated properly, replace supercharger belt, make coffee.

Are there any snags I don't know about?

 

[Major774]

Have small arms lol.

I have just replaced my serpentine belt... Not much room in there.

Compared to my father's W210... I think I can shove my whole head in there lol.

 

[E55BOF]

I know what you mean. I'm glad there's nothing more to it than I've posted, but I'm on the large side, with teddy-bear mitts, and I'm expecting the odd skinned knuckle...

 

[E55BOF]

Done it! Some blood on the undertray and skin left on varous awkward projections, but I got there in the end...

 

[Minden99]

Sorry didn't see this post earlier. Could have warned you about the cuts. Scrapes etc lol

 

[E55BOF]

It's the supercharger pulley that really gets in the way, but I took the slam panel off and was able to move the top of the rad forward a little, which made it slightly easier. I gave up on trying to put a pin in to hold the tensioner; just not enough room - it was bad enough getting the bolt in to secure the new pulley wheel. Backing the tensioner right off with a long 17mm socket and extended ratchet handle, then replacing the belt by feel, worked out OK in the end. It's only pain...