Hi, I have 04 with just under 30,000 miles. Take car in for oil change and a check up. Guy tells me my serpentine belt is coming apart and I need a new one. Car is kept in garage for winters. Does this seem possible? Thanks for your help.
Al

 

Look at it yourself. Check the ribbed side of it. If it is cracked or pieces missing, I would replace it. The mileage seems low, but it could have been a defective belt.

James

 

It's kind of like tires weatherchecking and causing the casing to breakdown. The belt may not have many miles, but it is beginning to have some age. If the rubber is getting hard and breaking down-change it.
My '05 will get a new belt this summer because the rubber grooves are starting to breakdown parallel with the belt. By the way, it is not uncommon for the cracks to run across the belts.
It shouldn't be too hard to change and it will be a cheaper fix than trying to find that belt and get it put on some Sunday afternoon when you were out for a nice drive.

 

There should not be cracks across the belt. If so, replace it. James

 

Cracks across the ribbed side of the belt are not cause for alarm. Cracks along the ribbed side or cracks on the outside are.

 

Cracks across the ribs are evidence of age & heat. Replace it. Then use the old one for a spare.

James

 

More than ten cracks per inch on the inside of the belt indicate immediate need to change your belt. Some random cracks are normal. No cracks on the outside or no wear along the edges is allowed.
I would also suggest you replace the belt just to be safe.
My opinion is to buy a Gatorback Poly-V belt w/Quiet Channel Technology but Dayco also makes good belts that exceed OEM specs for Mercedes engines.