Several key points: 1. For e90 328, the pin for belt tensioner needs to be removed and use the method in this video to put belt on tensioner. Belt can not be put on tensioner with pin on unless you have extremely strong finger. 2. The T60 is necessary. With tensioner go beyond the pin position to get belt on, you can easily strip the T60 hole on tensioner. 3. The T60 is better to be knocked on by a hammer to get fully inserted and then put on the break bar. If not fully inserted, T60 can also strip the tensioner hole. 4. Need to inspect whether the bell is in grooves especially for the bottom part of the AC pulley and bottom left pulley. As always, working on e90 is a careful job.
BMW told me $445. I just did it myself, thanks to you. I needed to replace a cracked idler pulley. I ended up replacing the other parts as well. The tensioner pulley and belt only had about 30k miles but I figured I should replace them anyway while I was in there. I was slightly worried and wondered if I tightened the bolt too much because the new idler pulley didn't spin freely after I installed it, but I think that's just because it's new. It moves when I spin it manually but it's stiffer and doesn't continue to spin like the old one in your video. Also the kit you linked to from Amazon comes with a "component alert" paper that says the bolt retaining clip "must be removed before installation" from the idler pulley. This is INCORRECT. The clip should stay on like you did in the video. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for saving me money.
Falco One great to hear it! With DIY more of us can enjoy these cars without going broke. Yes the new idler will not spin like the old worn out ones. The old ones have very worn bearings to spin like that. Interesting they must have made a mistake with the instructions or it’s a Chinese copy? Who knows with amazon these days.
Secret tip. Grove side of belt to grove pulley and smooth side of belt to smooth pulley. Never ever ran into any problems ever. It is now almost idiot proof. No diagram needed. Back in the day that was a different story.
Damn. People always yap about BMWs being hard to work on. But honestly this looks easy asf. Thanks for the video man. While I’m down there I guess I might as well replace the power steering pump and water pump.
Nice video. When I did this same job on my Mercedes C230 I recall that the new "pinned" tensioner allowed me to fit the serpentine belt completely. I then released tension on it slightly to remove the pin.
exactly Vic, that's how most will experience this job with this tensioner as well. I had some trouble fitting the belt routing and removed the pin during the first go at it... of course I edited that out!
Yes. You are correct, This is very important. This is "Timing Belt" on the e90/n52 that if it is not changed and it breaks, you can destroy the engine. I was speaking with a sales rep. to a online parts vendor who was a mechanic. I asked him how many n52s broken serpentine came in to the shop that he worked on that the belt got sucked into the engine and destroyed it.......He told me about half.........That is scary. To add to that because of the age and value of the car and the cost of putting even a "used" engine in an e90, the car is "totaled". Now for various reasons if you are DIYer with "Free Time" and you want to do it yourself it would make sense to replace the engine. A year back, when my wifes previous e91 water pump failed, I was scared that engine was fried and was curious how much replacing the engine was going to cost. There was shop that had 2 n52 engines with low mileage. I was quoted $3200 to have the least expensive engine purchased and installed. He did say that he would replace all the gaskets before installing the motor because it just made sense and stupid not to do that and that was included in the price.
it's not the timing belt, it's the serpentine belt, the n52, does not have a timing belt it has a timing chain, which usually does not need to be serviced
The idler pulley and the pulley on the tensioner look like identical parts. Do you know if this is the case? A new idler pulley costs 3x what the tensioner pulley costs. Seems like an easy way to save money.
Subbed! Thank you! I've learned so much DIY from these videos & yours, saving me thousands in the future. I've learned how to do just about everything minus a full engine rebuild & Trans replacement. Thanks A-Million! 😄 P.S. Your Bimmer deserves a cool air intake. 😎
The M54 belt procedure is even easier to do than this one! The M54 also has two belts and tensioners, one for the main accessories and one for the AC compressor.
Hi there i got question i have bmw e90 salon 2010 plate automatic when i turn all round my steering wheel i got noise i bin too my mechanic He tool me i need to change my V Belt and tensioner ? Just i need too buy extra the puley or just came complete with tensioner ? Thx
Kayden Parker nice, just make sure you have that big T60 torx bit. My regular set didn’t come with one that large; need it to release tension on the belt
Thank you so much for this easy step by step tutorial. I have bought the same exact kit and I have noticed on the belt from the inside there is like a clear line mark on one spot, is this normal? Or i need to get another one I have a picture I can share with you. Thanks
Looks like the engine bay was pressure washed, there is a lot oxidation Also the fan is very easy to remove to give you more space( actually that applies to z4 but possibly on 3 series as well)
It wasn't pressure washed, but it is a New England car with 270,000 miles. The previous owner used it as a commuter for 12 years in all the bad weather for 270k! Thanks for the fan tip!
The guy did not show removing the stationary pain in the pensioner unit that comes with a steel pen holding tension on the tensioner, he should have showed removing that pain after you release tension with the breaker bar
@@BIMMERZEITT thank you. You also mention tightening the pulley an additional 90 degrees using a socket. Will a socket work to tighten the torque screw?
@@miguelloza26 it’s just the same socket for the whole procedure yes. You torque it until the torque wrench clicks or beeps (if digital) then do the additional torque angle specified.
Put tension on the tensioner and pull it out. Put tension on it again, align the belt, release tension. The new tensioner is very strong and I could barely hold it and align the belt alone. Can be tricky. Easier with a friend who can hold the tensioner while you slip on the belt. Good luck bro!
Ny old tensioner jiggles when the engine idles.. i changed a new one but it also jiggles. Any reason? Is it normal to jiggle or i installed it wrongly?
When i saw the tensioner jiggles in the video i just asked myself if it really was the tensioner or isn't it possible that it was caused by another worn bearing and probably the worn idler pulley bearing? My idler pulley is actually worn out and the idle of the engine drops and goes back to normal at times. Didn't drive it anymore after it does it 2 times til i replace the idler pulley at least since the belt and tensioner looks perfectly fine. Also, i think you over-torqued the idler pulley bolt a little cause you torqued it passed the first click. Very good video i really appreciate!
Finally my tensionner pulley was worn out to but give me no sign when i turn it by hand: do not roll to much, no more play laterally than the new one and no grinding sound. But when the engine is running i can hear a little grinding noise. Also, the tension on the old tensionner spring was about 30 ft-lbs and the new one is about 50 ft-lbs before it start to move. (Counter clockwise to release tension on the belt) So i replaced everything with the Contitech complet kit: the tensionner, the idler pulley and the belt at a very good price on Rockauto.com Thank you for the video!
My local BMW dealership quoted me $375 for this service. Do it yourself for $100: amzn.to/33tw5pL
Wow! Mine quoted $665!
I got quoted $500.
@@EV-wp1fj Wow! That is extreme. Are you going to DIY?
Several key points:
1. For e90 328, the pin for belt tensioner needs to be removed and use the method in this video to put belt on tensioner. Belt can not be put on tensioner with pin on unless you have extremely strong finger.
2. The T60 is necessary. With tensioner go beyond the pin position to get belt on, you can easily strip the T60 hole on tensioner.
3. The T60 is better to be knocked on by a hammer to get fully inserted and then put on the break bar. If not fully inserted, T60 can also strip the tensioner hole.
4. Need to inspect whether the bell is in grooves especially for the bottom part of the AC pulley and bottom left pulley.
As always, working on e90 is a careful job.
Thank you so much for this comment
So should you remove the pin before or after putting belt on tensioner?
I fit the new belt with the pin in.
BMW told me $445. I just did it myself, thanks to you. I needed to replace a cracked idler pulley. I ended up replacing the other parts as well. The tensioner pulley and belt only had about 30k miles but I figured I should replace them anyway while I was in there.
I was slightly worried and wondered if I tightened the bolt too much because the new idler pulley didn't spin freely after I installed it, but I think that's just because it's new. It moves when I spin it manually but it's stiffer and doesn't continue to spin like the old one in your video.
Also the kit you linked to from Amazon comes with a "component alert" paper that says the bolt retaining clip "must be removed before installation" from the idler pulley. This is INCORRECT. The clip should stay on like you did in the video.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for saving me money.
Falco One great to hear it! With DIY more of us can enjoy these cars without going broke.
Yes the new idler will not spin like the old worn out ones. The old ones have very worn bearings to spin like that.
Interesting they must have made a mistake with the instructions or it’s a Chinese copy? Who knows with amazon these days.
Secret tip. Grove side of belt to grove pulley and smooth side of belt to smooth pulley. Never ever ran into any problems ever. It is now almost idiot proof. No diagram needed. Back in the day that was a different story.
You made this job look super easy and quick. A shop I called it could take up to 2 to 3 hours and estimate around 200. I even provided the part!
My BMW dealership quoted $375 for this service (2019 prices)
This helped so much. Managed to do the Job without spending more than $140. Thank you!!
A job that Audi owners could only dream on 🤣
Very nice diy video, thx.
Do you have sample of sound of the issue? Thanks.
I've always find your BMW diy very helpful!! Well explained too.
You sir ROCK, my local dealer wanted $502.00 for this work. I was able to do it for 116.00. Thank You.
pin22pin that’s awesome! Thanks for sharing the dealer cost with all of us 💵
Damn. People always yap about BMWs being hard to work on. But honestly this looks easy asf. Thanks for the video man. While I’m down there I guess I might as well replace the power steering pump and water pump.
Nice video. When I did this same job on my Mercedes C230 I recall that the new "pinned" tensioner allowed me to fit the serpentine belt completely. I then released tension on it slightly to remove the pin.
exactly Vic, that's how most will experience this job with this tensioner as well. I had some trouble fitting the belt routing and removed the pin during the first go at it... of course I edited that out!
Yes. You are correct, This is very important. This is "Timing Belt" on the e90/n52 that if it is not changed and it breaks, you can destroy the engine. I was speaking with a sales rep. to a online parts vendor who was a mechanic. I asked him how many n52s broken serpentine came in to the shop that he worked on that the belt got sucked into the engine and destroyed it.......He told me about half.........That is scary.
To add to that because of the age and value of the car and the cost of putting even a "used" engine in an e90, the car is "totaled". Now for various reasons if you are DIYer with "Free Time" and you want to do it yourself it would make sense to replace the engine. A year back, when my wifes previous e91 water pump failed, I was scared that engine was fried and was curious how much replacing the engine was going to cost. There was shop that had 2 n52 engines with low mileage. I was quoted $3200 to have the least expensive engine purchased and installed. He did say that he would replace all the gaskets before installing the motor because it just made sense and stupid not to do that and that was included in the price.
it's not the timing belt, it's the serpentine belt, the n52, does not have a timing belt it has a timing chain, which usually does not need to be serviced
Thank you my friend I had no idea what to do and how I have a better understanding of what needs to be done I appreciate it thank you 😃
Just did this job on my bimmer, video much appreciated!
Solid instructions. Thx bro! I’ll have to add this to the list of maintenance for my e92
Great video Thank you...
I'm planning to do my E92 325
Very thorough and easy to follow. Great instruction video! BMW want to rip me off for this service.
lovely vid looking for the diesel version of th engine . thanks for the tip , easy when you know how
Again awesome video my guy ✊🏾 for any new bmw Diy’ers you made this one super easy.
thanks bud!
What size was the star wrench for the belt losesner
Oh, almost forgot! When performing this maintenance, is it good to go ahead and replace the tensioner & corresponding pulley as well?
dude thank you for this video you just saved me 200 bucks
The idler pulley and the pulley on the tensioner look like identical parts. Do you know if this is the case? A new idler pulley costs 3x what the tensioner pulley costs. Seems like an easy way to save money.
Always change your e torques bolt it's a one time use stretching over time
Great video. Ordering parts to do this work on my E89. And I subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Jon, I appreciate that! Z4 is a great car, enjoy it
@@BIMMERZEITT I do love this car. I’m retired so I take it out on many pandemic drives to relax. Thanks again for great content!
Subbed! Thank you! I've learned so much DIY from these videos & yours, saving me thousands in the future. I've learned how to do just about everything minus a full engine rebuild & Trans replacement. Thanks A-Million! 😄
P.S. Your Bimmer deserves a cool air intake. 😎
Is it the same procedure for 04’ BMW X5 3.0?
Looks simple enough!
Great video👍🏼
The M54 belt procedure is even easier to do than this one! The M54 also has two belts and tensioners, one for the main accessories and one for the AC compressor.
BIMMER ZEIT thank you!
thanks!!! (very nice paint colour btw !!!)
Hi there i got question i have bmw e90 salon 2010 plate automatic when i turn all round my steering wheel i got noise i bin too my mechanic He tool me i need to change my V Belt and tensioner ? Just i need too buy extra the puley or just came complete with tensioner ? Thx
Changing mine Fri. Thanks for the vid and torque specs.
Kayden Parker nice, just make sure you have that big T60 torx bit. My regular set didn’t come with one that large; need it to release tension on the belt
do you have to mark the cogs and where they go before you take it off
Thank you so much for this easy step by step tutorial. I have bought the same exact kit and I have noticed on the belt from the inside there is like a clear line mark on one spot, is this normal? Or i need to get another one
I have a picture I can share with you. Thanks
Whats the warranty like with this brand ; any chance you know where the parts are made?
Cool vid. Thank you. BTW, mine is same N52, 3.0L, natural aspiration F10 528i. Does my vehicle will have same process?
probably
Lol i live in small city in europe they don't have t60 in shop i need buy from net what a joke, thx for video 🙂
Love your videos! Probably the most detailed diy out there. I’m wondering if you could do a video on replacing power steering pump on the n52. 😁
Great job mate. Will be doing this while I do my OFHG.
scanspeak00 thanks bro
Hello, did you say 18ftp or 80ftp?
Thanks
He also didn't give a camera view of the tensioner running with a new belt on it so you can see the finished product?
Can I install my old tensioner back on without the locking pin ?
rohaan singh yes
Your supposed to remove the retaining clip on the pulley
Exactly, that’s my question to him. I’m just doing it and the one I removed had it.
Good video.Very detailed
Looks like the engine bay was pressure washed, there is a lot oxidation
Also the fan is very easy to remove to give you more space( actually that applies to z4 but possibly on 3 series as well)
It wasn't pressure washed, but it is a New England car with 270,000 miles. The previous owner used it as a commuter for 12 years in all the bad weather for 270k! Thanks for the fan tip!
Did you remove the pin?
Yep
When? after you got the belt on the tensioner , I didn’t catch that part
Which one is the one on the lower left side someone please help
do you need to mark at all before you take it off. or do you just remove it
no need to mark anything!
BIMMER ZEIT, i know the band i’m changing is called the serpentine belt, but do you if it has a timing chain or a belt inside?
great tips here guys. thank you
Thanks, mate 👍
The guy did not show removing the stationary pain in the pensioner unit that comes with a steel pen holding tension on the tensioner, he should have showed removing that pain after you release tension with the breaker bar
How do I measure 30ft pounds of torque or 40 Nm when replacing the pully?
You’ll need a torque wrench 🔧
@@BIMMERZEITT thank you. You also mention tightening the pulley an additional 90 degrees using a socket. Will a socket work to tighten the torque screw?
@@miguelloza26 it’s just the same socket for the whole procedure yes. You torque it until the torque wrench clicks or beeps (if digital) then do the additional torque angle specified.
@@BIMMERZEITT Ah! Got it, thank you so much! I've never worked on a car, so this was super helpful.
Very helpful thanks
Did it Gave you any problems after u put it ?
no
Cool vid man thank you
I have the same whippppp with the same colour
Good video. Thanks. Subscribed.
Good video i need to do that.gracias
Very good review.
Good video but like all the rest u skip the part I was looking for pulling the pin out
Put tension on the tensioner and pull it out. Put tension on it again, align the belt, release tension. The new tensioner is very strong and I could barely hold it and align the belt alone. Can be tricky. Easier with a friend who can hold the tensioner while you slip on the belt. Good luck bro!
@@BIMMERZEITT Tks I got it now after 2 broken ones
I didnt Show pulling the pin out
well done man.
You didn’t say how to remove pin wtf
Ny old tensioner jiggles when the engine idles.. i changed a new one but it also jiggles. Any reason? Is it normal to jiggle or i installed it wrongly?
When i saw the tensioner jiggles in the video i just asked myself if it really was the tensioner or isn't it possible that it was caused by another worn bearing and probably the worn idler pulley bearing?
My idler pulley is actually worn out and the idle of the engine drops and goes back to normal at times. Didn't drive it anymore after it does it 2 times til i replace the idler pulley at least since the belt and tensioner looks perfectly fine.
Also, i think you over-torqued the idler pulley bolt a little cause you torqued it passed the first click.
Very good video i really appreciate!
Finally my tensionner pulley was worn out to but give me no sign when i turn it by hand: do not roll to much, no more play laterally than the new one and no grinding sound. But when the engine is running i can hear a little grinding noise.
Also, the tension on the old tensionner spring was about 30 ft-lbs and the new one is about 50 ft-lbs before it start to move. (Counter clockwise to release tension on the belt)
So i replaced everything with the Contitech complet kit: the tensionner, the idler pulley and the belt at a very good price on Rockauto.com
Thank you for the video!
good vid brah, liked and subb'd
correction, best video I've seen on this procedure, also shows the idler wheel !
Thanks bro appreciate you
If this job is less then $400 I’ll just have the mechanic do it. It’s too cold outside to even be in a garage but sucks I’ve already bought parts 😭😭😭
🤞🏾🏆🏆
I think E90 engines very easy for repair. F10 is not good.