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Re: engine drive belts (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 8-series (E31) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Phil M. on September 03, 2000 at 08:05:43:

In Reply to: engine drive belts posted by daric james on September 03, 2000 at 02:23:24:

Yes, it can be done for less, but there are two things that you have to watch out for. I'm not sure about the 840, but I did mine on the 850. I also replaced the tensioners.

1. The left side (alternator side) belt can't really be changed without removing the upper radiator hose. You can't get enough clearance to get to the nuts that hold the tensioner. So, immediately, you've got a messy project to deal with.

2. If your air conditioner compressor has been replaced (who's hasn't?), even if it's a BMW part, it is probably an upgrade and there's a good chance that the pulley diameter is a little bit different. In my case, I had to get the next larger belt. I made the mistake of getting the belt that was listed for my car instead of using the number of the one that I replaced.

After the belts settle and stretch a little, you may need to readjust the tensioners if they didn't have enough travel left to tension it themselves.

Bottom line: It's do-able at home depending on your experience level and your messy-project threshold.

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