BMW Idler Pulley Removal : DIY [ How To ] /// 330i (E46)

How to remove and replace a worn out idler (deflection) pulley on a BMW 330i (E46)

NOTE: You'll need to loosen/remove the main Serpentine Belt to be able to remove the idler pulley Safely! This is done by releasing the force of the Tensioner Pulley.

Torque specs: 45nm (~33 ft.lbs.)

WARNING : BE CAREFUL when working on the Tensioner Pulley. There is quite a bit of force in this pulley!

Also, to make working on the idler pulley easier, I removed the Airbox, Upper radiator hose, Radiator Fan and Fan shroud to give myself some more room to work within.
These are not necessarily required removals, but they worked for me.
View the video DIYs here:
Airbox -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDsGAYwNb7M

and,

Radiator Fan & Shroud -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuKguZBW_MA

Please Note - Do this at your own risk. Follow all Safety Procedures. Wear Eye Protection! Wear mechanics gloves if possible. Not responsible if you break anything (Yourself or Property) End Legal Mumbo Jumbo Disclaimer.

This DIY was performed on a 02 BMW E46 330i automatic, alpine white paint, with Sport Suspension Package, you know the drill. So if that is not your vehicle, there might be differences.

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[Jetubeb]

what model is that? I have a 2002 325xi and my pulleys look different. They have I believe a T50 or T60 Screws attached to tensioners.

[bimmersgarage]

@Jetubeb

This video is for a 02 RWD 330i sedan. You may have the newer hydraulic type tensioner unit on your vehicle. The removal procedure is a bit different. Do a search for your type. Just be Careful to use the correct Torx socket.... so to avoid stripping the small bolt. Good luck.

[bimmersgarage]

@Jetubeb

I'm going to send you a URL about the issues you might face, look for it in your inbox.

[frtzdkt]

you can use a torque wrench to remove bolt if you use the correct one! Stahwille torque wrenches are capable of that thats why I own three. German tools on German autos! :p

[bimmersgarage]

@frtzdkt

Indeed.. That's very good to know. Thanks for sharing that bit of information. I'll have to look into some of these fine German Stahwille tools then.

[Criminaljustice79]

Is the tensioner and idler pulley the only componets in the belt area that would normally making that bearing failure sound? I recently had the tensioner replace but am getting this exact sound from the belt area when i rev the engine. Thanks any advice would be helpful

[bimmersgarage]

@Criminaljustice79

What's the mileage on your BMW?

The likelihood are high for these two components to be making these sounds when their bearings fail; however if you have a high mileage bimmer, you may have other component failures, like the steering pump, alternator, or water pump. Do you have a vid of the noises in your vehicle? (NOTE: you should not have replaced only the tensioner Alone back when you had it done. Tensioner AND idler should be replaced as a set, at the same time. FYI.)

[frtzdkt]

The Stahlwille Manoskop torque wrench also makes a distinctively loud click that can be heard and felt through handle and you dont have to twist handle to get to desired torque its a push of a lever reset to zero not necessary when done its a no load system uses leverage very nice equipment interchangable heads make very adaptable just spendy

[frtzdkt]

721 - Torque wrenches with reversible ratchet

Standard MANOSKOP® 721

Torque wrenches with dual "Stop" signal and cut-out, rapid adjustment, dual scale N m/ft.lb and long service life. Robust steel tube protects all working parts. Any force applied to the tool after the "click" or applied in the opposite direction to the current function - e.g. forcible loosening of a jammed screw - does not act on the trigger mechanism and cannot cause damage to it.

[Criminaljustice79]

@bimmersgarage yeah, at the time i just did what the dealer told me, i just took a video and moved my phone around each pulley and the loudest noise was coming from the idler. the tensioner is only like a month old so hopefully not too late to remedy this.. give me a min to upload the vid