For about the 15th time in the last week, I have tried to work out why my 190D throws the aux belt off the pulleys every time the engine is started. Its driving me mad.
At least one of the pulleys is out of line, or not running true. If it's a multi-rib belt, start with the tensioner. Then the water pump, as you do the easy stuff(both to diagnose and fix) first. After that, try a straight edge between as many pulley combinations as you can.
Ive replaced the whole tensioner mechanism as it was getting a bit worn. It all works as it should, but hasnt helped the problem at all.Alternator is a year old. Checked all pulleys for play and wobble. All seem fine. Havent used a straight edge yet though, so will give that a try.
Unfortunately I suspect crank vibration damper, pulley thing, as everything else seems fine, and the belt stays on while the engine is turned over, but jumps off the second the engine fires up.
If it is that, its over £300 from MB, and rare to find a good used one, so could be the end of the car.