Mercedes W212/W204 Alternator and Drive Belt Service (2008-2012 C-Class, 2006-2011 E-Class)

►Getting stranded is never fun. Figuring out a tow and how you are going to get the car to a shop are all situations that no one enjoys having to deal with when their car breaks down. For the Mercedes W212 and W204 with the M272 engine a failing alternator can lead to this exact situation. (Ask us how we know). Typically when the alternator fails, you will get some warning on the dash to let you know that you need to service this part immediately. Performing this service around the 80k mile interval as preventative maintenance can help you avoid getting stuck on the side of the road.
Our resident Mercedes guru and catalog manager, Kyle, walks you through the steps to servicing the alternator and drive belt system which we highly recommend doing at the same time. This job is relatively simple and with only a few tools and some patience, it can be completed in any home garage.
Read this DIY on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-repla...
00:10 - Fitment Application
00:28 - Alternator Diagnosis
01:26 - Parts Needed
02:11 - Tools Needed
04:44 - Job Start
06:22 - Belt Removal
08:09 - Tensioner Pin Explanation
12:35 - Alternator Removal
17:46 - Voltage Regulator Service
21:13 - Alternator Installation
25:39 - Pully Installation
27:13 - Belt Routing
31:27 - Conclusion
Buy These Parts Here:
Drive Belt Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/merc...
Voltage Regulator: www.fcpeuro.com/products/merc...
Alternator: www.fcpeuro.com/products/merc...
These Parts Fit:
Mercedes-Benz E350
2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5
2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 Base 3.5L
2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 Base
2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5L
2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 Base 3.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Base 3..5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Base 3..5L
Mercedes-Benz ML350
2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic 3.5L
2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic 3.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4Matic 3.5L
Mercedes-Benz S550
Not for vehicles w/ High Capacity Alternator (Code 910)
2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 Base 5.5L
2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic 5.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic 5..5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 Base 5.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic 5.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz S550 Base 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz SL550
2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Base 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Base 5.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Base 5.5L
2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Base 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz CLK550
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Base 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Base 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz CLS550
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Base 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Base 5.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Base 5.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Base 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz GL450
2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Base 4.6L
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450 Base 4.6L
Mercedes-Benz E550
2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic 5.5L
2007 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic 5.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base 5.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic 5.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic 5.5L
2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Base 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz CL550
For vehicles w/o High Capacity Alternator (Code 910)
2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Base 5.5L
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Base 5.5L
2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic 5.5L
2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz C300
2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sport 3.0L
2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Luxury 3.0L
2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sport 3.0L
2009 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Luxury 3.0L
Mercedes-Benz GL550
2008 Mercedes-Benz GL550 Base 5.5L
Mercedes-Benz G550
For vehicles w/ Bosch alternator
2009-2015 Mercedes-Benz G550 Base 5.5L
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[@sothatsprettyneat]

I'm really glad you guys are coming out with more W212 maintenance videos

[@glasser2819]

lucky they all share the similar maintenance needs: serpentine tensioner & plastic idlers alternator brush set passenger intake camshaft phasers & tensioner PCV System leaking oil and intake vacuum oil-coolant heat exchanger... mayo factory! oil filter housing economy tiny gasket OBD2 DTC Faults from modules gone wild (SAMs, doors, KGo) reliably predictable 🤗 ....

[@NDLAP66]

Best Benz Lessons on KZbin. Much better than these other guys fumbling around with their cars on camera~

[@fcpeuro]

Kyle takes pride in his work for sure!

[@millpepper2012]

I do not have a need for an alternator job for my W204. I watched the video for the interest. I must say this is a very good quality and very informative video. From your video I learned about the self tapping bolt as I found metal debris during the pulley bolt removal (for the thermalstat replacement). Thank you very much for the video. Good presentation and good footage.

[@ODMIJ084]

Please please keep these types of videos coming very informative very entertaining great presentation good work

[@BrownFella]

Very amazing and well explained step by step video man! ✊🏾🔥

[@Itsme-mr8xg]

Did this today, super simple steps! Thank you for your help!

[@1RJW381]

EXCEPTIONAL JOB DESCRIBING SYMPTOMS SOLUTIONS AND FIX. GREAT JOB TO THE NARRATOR.✅🎬

[@fredwilliams4234]

Very informative and precise detail information, it was a pleasure watching the video!!!

[@coreythompson9269]

Really liked your video... Excellent work! Made the job simple for me!

[@travisdelphia8607]

Your guide worked perfectly. Thanks for the video.

[@nicky2406]

Kyle an excellent video, I will certainly give it a try.

[@GreggDurbin]

WOW!! One of the best instruction videos I have seen.

[@muhammadrezasadeqi2919]

Hello to FCP EURO.!!! Thanks a million, i just can't believe how useful your videos are. I'm about to establish a workshop for German cars, and these days I'm researching about all the german cars platforms, and amazingly right now, as I'm researching about the W212 Platform, you guys are uploading videos about it too. FCP EURO is just fantastic.! Thank you so much for all of your videos and contents, they are supremely helpful and useful. After this please make videos about W213 Platform, that will be awesome. And in the near future... If Mr.Bascombe, will make a complete Review about the S-Class platform, like W221 and W222 that would be just tremendous and excellent for everyone. Again, Thank you so much for all the videos and contents.! I wish the best luck for Everyone body in FCP EURO.!!!

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you so much, we are very happy to hear our videos are useful!

[@nicky2406]

Excellent video, I will certainly give it a go.

[@njlarry100]

Best video on this. Would like to get torque settings.

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

When I did the oil cooler housing gaskets and VVT magnets on my 2007 W219, I just held the tensioner with back one ratchet and used a second ratchet for the last bolt holding the tensioner body. I did pin the tensioner for faster installation.

[@andrewtraudes2425]

Once the alternator is out, you have access to the top of the front differential. If you pop the breather cap off of it, you can use that hole as a fill port. Very handy considering it doesn't have a fill plug.

[@jeflores1000]

Appreciate the video..very helpful! Thank you!

[@PinkCougar]

Excellent demonstration.

[@dlamb1753]

Literally, well done!!!

[@mrmotosasa1]

thanks for the information. the belt was loose after putting on new tensioner and after seeing this instructional video realized we forgot to pull the pin. lol

[@fcpeuro]

Happens to the best of us!

[@VegaNow]

Omg. Thank you so much for the detailed guidance. Wow. 😊

[@LamborghiniV12M]

Awesome video bro! 💪🏾

[@paulwright3261]

Thank you so much Kyle! I really appreciate your detailed video tutorial! I am not looking forward to that repair / maintenance, but if it does crop up then I have your how to video saved!

[@fcpeuro]

You're very welcome, Paul!

[@watsoncade8922]

i know im randomly asking but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow forgot my password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!

[@josephtimothy4630]

@Watson Cade instablaster :)

[@watsoncade8922]

@Joseph Timothy Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@watsoncade8922]

@Joseph Timothy it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@johnclark7406]

Another great video by Kyle. He always does a good job on Mercedes. I think he deserves a new engine cover for his AMG? :)

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked the video, John! We'll make sure Kyle gets a new engine cover!

[@omarmiah4329]

This video is a life saver! Thank you so much for making it!, quick question though, if my alternator works when idle but cuts out sometimes when driving , would that be more the serpentine belt at fault?

[@markharvey5666]

Just a great Video.. Have you done motor mounts on a 4matic, Mine need doing. I have seen a video that the Tech removed the Alternator and A.C. Compressor to get to the mounts out of the front. What do you think about that procedure?

[@Ivan-nd7kh]

Hi, I would like to know ( ball park) how long will last an alternator (Mercedes) just average use. Thanks, Ivan

[@drosser8461]

Carl, great video. I need to do this job on a 2013 W212 E220CDi. Your video should help even though the engine is different. One point that I am unsure of - you mention removing a 'combi' valve. I am not familiar with this name (I live in the UK so we may have a different name for it) - what does it do and do turbo diesels have one in that location. Any further tips would be welcomed?

[@georgesnassar744]

you are amazing man nice video and goodluck for you. Always show us how we can get to the car menu and what we can do with it and how to use it and get to it (like: phone button and ok button)

[@jithinmathew6326]

Hello, What is the part number of the spacer that you pulled out from behind the grooved idler pulley? I am unable to find it and that part is very important because without it the belt will squeel like my car even though all the pulleys and drive components check out good.

[@alfonsosurace8967]

Very strange when my alternator malfunctioned my srs sensor was going off. The vehicle died overnight and upon jump start the vehicle would not move when placed into drive or reverse.

[@danishh3819]

Thank you sir ❤

[@Dnasty1]

Hey I just inspected my w207 e class before I took the alternator out and I see a second ground wire going to the starter. Is this standard? It seemed strange to me.

[@miiikeg5357]

Will this work with a 2012 e350 4matic?

[@adrianjakeman5433]

Is this process the same for an E350 2011 diesel or is the alternator located in a different position. I have the dreaded red battery light and car shutoff on me I managed to jump it and replaced main battery so car now starts and runs ok with exception of the warning light is still on causing the command system to shutdown. People have mentioned auxiliary battery but the dealers said my car doesn't have one due to no stop\start function.

[@frankejolin4615]

Can you override the alternator so the battery can just run through the engine directly instead of replacing the alternator if you're strapped on cash for just a temporary period of time of temporary. Asking because I'm having this problem right now and I need to get the doctor's appointments Etc and I don't know if I'll have the money to actually replace the alternator because that alone will run possibly $800 to $1,000 counting labor. I would do it myself but idk if I evem would have the tools plus I have a back injury and not really supposed to be doing this type of labor cuz it just make the condition worse.

[@nicholasvonrhine541]

Outstanding.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you, Nicholas!

[@javicr2570]

Well tonigh I learn to change the alternator, belts and tensioner of this Mercedes engines. 😁

[@sebaj8386]

Can you use a v6 c300 alternator on a c250 1.8l car?

[@Lymeng25]

Do I need to charge the battery if I am just changing the volt regulator?

[@krisperkreme6021]

Great video. Can you make one for an old Benz m116 timing chain and guides replacement?

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you like the video! We can add that to the list for the future!

[@FernandoHernandez-jc5hz]

Hi I have a 2010 E350 4matic the belt broke causing the top pulley to get stuck and shatter. watching your video I decided to replace the 2 pulleys and the tensioner, a week later the belt broke again. The installation was done according to your video and replacing the parts one by one, double checking the diagram and adjusting tights the bolts. I bought a more expensive belt thinking that the one I bought was defective, I drove back to my house another 45 miles and again it was about to break into pieces. Does anyone know or have any idea what the problem may be?

[@Alex-jp3ek]

My E50 is barely at 80,000 miles. I barely use it for the most part. Do you recommend me just changing the regulator ? Please help FCP I’d appreciate it ⚠️

[@muzafferaliyev852]

Very nice

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks!

[@cesarbojorquez7418]

What is the torq for the smooth pulley?

[@niagarajoe4402]

I have a question that is a bit off topic from this video…..I recently purchased an 08 C300, it’s in immaculate condition….I have noticed that when I could start in the morning, the secondary air pump makes a loud squealing noise…then goes away after a few seconds, it only does that first thing in the morning….even after he car sits after driving, it doesn’t ever happen mid day. Does this mean the pump is on its way out? And could it do damage to the engine driving with a bad secondary air pump? Thanks!

[@NewShockerGuy]

I'm about to buy everything for my 2009 e350 from ya'll. Tensioner, belt, pulleys and new alternator. However, on your site you have both a 180amp and a 150amp Bosch. Both listed to fit my car but they physically look different on your site. How would I know without removing mine, which is compatible? IE: I still need to drive my car so I can't take the alternator out now to look at it. I was hoping to order everything today and have it by the weekend to work on the car. Excellent videos! This is exactly why I always order from you! Still have no clue how Kyle stays so clean while installing everything. Last video I saw he had a sweater on while doing an install...lol

[@robertyoung6119]

Hello. I just had this done this past Friday. We drove it home, then late Saturday afternoon the car would not start. There was absolutely no power at all to the vehicle. I put the jumper cables on, and the open door lights on the car would not even come on. The battery is only 1.5 years old. Do you think the mechanic did something wrong? The car has an electronic shifter. How do I get the car in to neutral so I can have it towed?

[@muzimaphophe4102]

Please do for w205 as well, I need help

[@quening]

what torque did you use for all bolts?

[@mightyjun3244]

Thx! life saver!! ;)

[@ibnusuhelzi6725]

terima kasih informasinya mr. semoga sukses selalu... salamualikum ww

[@carllumpkin5196]

How first of all. Great job on the video. May I ask. What the average cost of the replacement of a 2010 E350 Mercedes Benz Alternator.

[@Sweetpjoe]

According to my mechanic here in Detroit, MI average cost is $900-$1200. The dealer wants $1600.

[@vadimZ1000]

Wearing Apple Watch while under the hood is another level.

[@fcpeuro]

I'm still trying to get him to do a video in a tux.

[@Ivan-nd7kh]

Hi, how long will last an alternator (Mercedes) with regular use. Just averaged mileage ball park. Thanks, Ivan

[@Sweetpjoe]

My 2012 has 166,000 miles and the alternator just went.

[@mca1901]

The difference between W 40 W 30 the first brand oil what difference between Castro local Molly and mobile and Mini company I need top 10 company

[@Sweetpjoe]

Hi Kyle, Thanks for the video! A very nice and detailed job. This just happened to me on my 2012 e350. Kept driving it hoping I could get it to the shop. It died on me just as I was pulling into Hertz to pick up a rental on the way to the mechanic. My mechanic is charging me around $900 to replace the alternator and belt. Is that a good price?

[@niagarajoe4402]

Do it yourself!

[@jetttskiman]

How about just the regulator?

[@stanley83hsgl]

Tengo el mismo problema con mi c250 ,

[@AlphaGamingCa]

Would love to see this done on a 2013 e550 :) So little space to work I'm wondering if I need to remove the full radiator to remove the alternator.

[@Eddie89]

How'd you end up getting it out? There is NO room even to get those bolts out. I got them off somehow but my god it is NOT how this dude does it lol.

[@AlphaGamingCa]

@@Eddie89 I had to flush and remove radiator. Then you're able to wiggle the alternator and remove it from the top. Wasnt able to have it pass by the bottom as frame didn't give enough clearance.

[@AlphaGamingCa]

@@Eddie89 Oh and I didn't replaced the alternator, simply un soldered the brush of the voltage regulator, soldered new ones and did a quick cleaning. In my case, At over 348k km and other costly issues it has, it wasn't worth it to buy a 1400$ MB alternator. Drove 9000 km since and no issues. Repair cost (MB) 1350$ +tx alternator. 120 coolant Estimated 700$ hourly wage. 2495$ estimate with taxes. My cost : 12 for the brushes 55 for MB spec coolant. 25$ taxi to go to an alternator ship amd get the right brushes. 102$ with taxes. About 8hr labor as I am not a mecanic, searched the next best step multiple time, getting parts, etc.

[@jrock5995]

@@AlphaGamingCa 700 a hour? Where? I'd have to punch the mechanic in the stomach and run off with my car for that price...That's a lot 1350 for the alternator? I would buy one on Alibaba. There like less. Mostly.

[@AlphaGamingCa]

@@jrock5995 Brand new MB alternator for the E550 are indeed 1350$ cad. Sometimes found on discount at 1000$. Less I was was noname brand at 400$cad with 2 week shipping and I needed the car ASAP. And yup, they quoted 690$ for the labor. MB does charge 230$/hr in Québec and it's a 3hr job.

[@paulhickinbottom1154]

Why would you cut the belt🤷 how did that save you time

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

Is that high of an amp draw post repair within a normal range? Last I checked mine on my c207 it was significantly lower w/ a 13.6-9 voltage. Also, great to see you actually getting dirty like the rest of us for once! Still don't get how you did the cleanest 722.9 service in history!

[@fcpeuro]

Kyle seems to be able to get dirty without actually getting dirty 😂.

[@Phil-Matic]

At 16:06 of the video, where he says accidentally putting in slightly longer bolts to fasten your Alternator, shouldn't be understated, or mentioned sarcastically. Especially, since a $300 Alternator mistake, can ruin your entire engine if the bolt is too long, and punctures it! Don't assume the old Alternator bolts fit if your replacing your Alternator. The previous installer may have not tightened the bolts all the way down, so you have no puncture. But, when you go to install the new one, you tighten it all the way down and... BOOM.. engine toast! As in my case. Double check all bolt lengths!!! Especially, if it's running in the direction of the motor. I took one for the team, I might as well get something good out of it, by warning other MB owners. (Salute) -Anybody got a car for sale?😅

[@jamesbambury]

Looks like this is an early M272 car is this the same for the later M276 cars

[@glasser2819]

very similar maintenance needs besides the direct injection with the oily valves. Failed PCV system rains on a lot of troubles with engine vacuum leak bypassing throttle control and engine oil contamination of intake track. M276 also features a variable engine oil pressure controlled by a damper solenoid to help promote the low lubrication issues on the passenger side camshaft journals, shaved out phaser lock pin and worn out leaky tensioner. "The best or nothing"... LOL 🤗

[@njlarry100]

Firstly....if you ever try this number one!...disconnect the negative terminal at your battery! Two... trying to perfeclty line up the the heavy alternators with no slack wiring and all four bolts in all three planes is much harder than this video pretends! Tried it....sending mine to the shop.

[@user-bn3qt6vt1l]

Why you guys never talk about s classes!?

[@dionpradiptapradipta781]

can we just simply replace the regulator without putting out the alternator from its position?

[@wizkid01]

Why the music? This is supposed to be a how to vid

[@elviejon84ful]

w 272 we need more videos like this 👍👍

[@fcpeuro]

More to come!

[@adamxiong1817]

Couldn't you just replace the alternator from the bottom of the car? Seems like if you removed the under panel, those 4 mounting bolts could easily be accessed from the bottom. That's if you're just doing the alternator and not the drive belt servicing.

[@Eddie89]

Replace, no. The chassis and a few hard lines are under there so it doesnt let it slide out. Bolts ARE easier to access... this is based off of a V8 set up though. Might be possible for the v6

[@Daveunruh]

question: who has an E12 wrench..... and a ratchet wrench at that.

[@fcpeuro]

When you work on these enough its a must! Oftent times can get a cheap enough E ratcheting wrench set.

[@3636Nils]

So others parts...change to camshaft position sensor Oil leaks damage..... Next to video....

[@UNLVbasketball]

This job is made much easier by getting under the car IMO

[@user-ye9vz7qs8n]

I was following and I cut the belt before you mention to check routing wtf that’s worst instructions ever

[@user-ye9vz7qs8n]

Why you using 5mm Allen when you got a ton of these lying around wtf is up with lies

[@805on.4]

Would this work for a 2013 250c?