Belt and Pulley Replacement - WHEN???

[lfhunt1]

Hello - I drive a 2011 Z4 s35i w/17K miles. I do my own maintenance on my cars however, this is my first BMW, so - I want to make sure that I understand how the car needs to be properly cared for.

My questions:

1). Besides the obvious visually cracking, loose, squeaky belt issue(s) - when is a good time a belt and belt tensioner should be replaced for an 8yr old car not driven too often?

2). Is it necessary or recommended to replace BOTH the tensioner and belt at the same time?

(Fyi, this car has the original belt and parts but I would feel better if I kept it up with current parts.)

I would appreciate any mechanical advice you all can offer! Thanks in advance for any feedback/answers.

L Hunt

[NoQuarter]

Originally Posted by lfhunt1

Hello - I drive a 2011 Z4 s35i w/17K miles. I do my own maintenance on my cars however, this is my first BMW, so - I want to make sure that I understand how the car needs to be properly cared for.

My questions:

1). Besides the obvious visually cracking, loose, squeaky belt issue(s) - when is a good time a belt and belt tensioner should be replaced for an 8yr old car not driven too often?

2). Is it necessary or recommended to replace BOTH the tensioner and belt at the same time?

(Fyi, this car has the original belt and parts but I would feel better if I kept it up with current parts.)

I would appreciate any mechanical advice you all can offer! Thanks in advance for any feedback/answers.

L Hunt

After 8 years - replace the belt, tensioner and the other pullies


This is what happens with all the N54 engines - when the belt breaks, the belt can wrap around the main crank pulley. When this happens, it can wrap so tightly it gets pushed through the main seal, then into the engine where is shreds into bits and can be very costly to repair.

These engines will also leak at the oil filter housing gasket, which can contaminate the belt requiring a replacement for that

The valve cover gasket will also leak along with the oil pan gasket.

Check carefully around the pump for the top and make sure there is no moisture (from water getting into the trunk)