BMW Serpentine Belt Replacement

Save hundreds of dollars by replacing your BMW's or MINI's serpentine belt yourself. Bavarian Otto show you how in this easy-to-follow video. All the parts you need are available at http://www.bavauto.com/


Have a tech question about your BMW or MINI? Find the answer at http://blog.bavauto.com/

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• Belts

[Kjhuynhz]

Very useful video. Quick question since i only know little to nothing about my 00' bmw e46. My car started to sound like cramp coming from under the hood for about 2 months now. Some says it was the tension and the belt? if so, should i continuing driving it like that for a while or should i get it check out?

[BavarianAuto]

@Kjhuynhz -

If you remove the two belts, one at a time (A/C first, then Main), and the sound goes away after removing one of the belts, replace that belt and the pulleys for it (or both belts and all pulleys). If the sound remains, it is not from the belts and we will have to diagnose further. It may be a vacuum leak (if it sounds like a squeal or whistle), which may be in the crankcase ventilation system. See our videos and blog posts for M52TU & M54 PCV system. BLOG dot BAVAUTO dot COM.

[fenceposter]

This was a great video. I like that the image is clear, the camera is steady, there is adequate lighting, and I especially like how the mechanic pauses to show the viewer each part that he removed. Great job BavAuto!

[BavarianAuto]

@fenceposter -

Thank you for the kind words!

[chicoloco101]

do you need a new tension-er when replacing the serpentine belt?

[BavarianAuto]

@chicoloco101 -

While you may or may not "need" a new tensioner or idler pulley, it would certainly be wise to replace all of the pulleys. This will assure that you do not have a pulley failure at some point after replacing the belts. A faulty pulley can cause an annoying squeal and eventually will seize or come apart. This will result in loss of and damage to the belts .... as well as a full vehicle failure as the water pump and alternator will no longer be operating.

[askfskpsk]

This is the best BMW DIY vid I have ever seen. Thanks a lot.

[BavarianAuto]

Without the pulley holder tool, you certainly could be rotating the belt, pulleys and engine, with the 32mm wrench. This will not cause any damage, but can be frustrating. Bavarian Autosport does offer both the pulley holder tool and the 32mm wrench. Note, in the video, how we suggest that a hammer be used (against the 32mm wrench) to shock the nut loose.

See our website at bavauto.com or call us at 800-535-2002

[tomaskantor1]

how do you keep your engine so clean

[rdcate]

I have a 2001 330i. Do you know if my car has the hydraulic or mechanical style tensioner? Thanks in advance.

[miut1983]

Great video! Very helpful, but I managed to change both belts in my e39 without taking off visco fan and air filter. I only had to remove radiator hose. It wasn't very easy but job done.

[zepres]

Thanks so much for the high quality video! Excellent job Bavarian!