I managed to accomplish the belt replacement by jacking front end, only removing the under engine cover and removing one of the air cross pipe torx screws (loosened the other). I pushed belt down into vicinity from the top and placed it on pulleys etc. from underneath, finishing on top when ready for tensioner. I cut the belt I replaced for easier removal from underneath.
Thanks for the great video! I replace the radiator 3 months ago and I should have replaced the belt altogether. It would be a good idea to check around the radiator and coolant hoses after you take out the fan since it's really a pain. In terms of replacing the belt, I found hex-L key (or tensioner pin) extremely helpful because it makes it much easier to put the belt back in place. The new belt is likely to be tighter and therefore slightly shorter than the existing one. I'd recommend starting with the bottom left pulley and walk the way to the middle and then to the right. Make sure the belt is tight so it won't run short at the top. The major barriers are really the black plastic hose and the metal AC line which limits the space you can work with. By the way, be extra careful when putting back the radiator fan. I broke the clip this time but luckily it's not a big deal and I couldn't care less.
Know this is 3 years old (just replaced my turbos on my 2009 335i) but I remember having to unscrew a screw underneath on the Aux fan. Am I remembering incorrectly?
Nice diy vid bro simple and straight to the point. I like that drawing you made where the belt should be at before you take it out. So easy to ignore that, then you’ll be googling all over to figure how to put it back on lol. Hey did you replace that expansion hose or left that tubing you put on? If you did left it on how is it holding on? That rubber thingy on the side where the rad clip goes, I think silicone spray will do the trick. That’s what I did with that black box connected to the under side of the intake manifold.
Francisco Pinazo thank you man! And exactly I had to draw that to remember. The expansion line I rigged up Is fine , don’t plan on putting a new line in as the one now has no problems. I was so glad I didn’t have to purchase a new one and was able to get it fixed quickly . That fan was a pain so thanks for the advice with the spray. Just today my Vanos Solenoids went out as I got a code after a few hard pulls. Ordered them today so will have a video of the install here in a few days! Thanks for watching and subscribe to the channel for more content as this car is going to get a full makeover soon!
Daily Beamers subbed! We got the same car so I’ll be watching you! 👍🏽👍🏽 During this COVID-19 (yup I had to write covid19 coz 10,20,30 or for life we be talking this shit to our kids and grandkids) I’ve been doing all kind of work with my car. WaterP, ThermosT, OFHG, walnut blast, serpentine belt, vacuum hoses, all kinds of gaskets 😬, painted d calipers, put on spacers,.. next will be Oil pan gasket but it’s too intimidating plus I don’t like working down there. Keep it up bro!
And just so everyone knows, if your belt broke, make sure you take out your crankshaft pulley because there will be chunks of belt behind there! Even if you can't see anything behind there, trust me, just check. Also, if you are not sure why your belt broke, check your power steeering pump bolts. It's common to have the bottom bolt fall out. Mine was missing, even when I thought there was no chance I could have that problem. I had to get one online, and put locktite on them. Finally, once I got all these things done, I started my car, and the belt ran fine, but I noticed a leak on my water pump ( Unrelated problem, of course) . So yeah, enjoy your bimmers when they are running properly!
I wish I had known this when my last belt broke! It took a little over a month but bits of the shred made its way into my engine and broke the front crankshaft seal! It turned into a huge deal!
@@XllllllllX- I got mine done, I used your little drawing to confirm how the belt goes because if you look up the actual N54 belt, it tells you to put it a different way.. I looked in the forums and people confirmed that some of the N54 pictures from BMW show a different way on the belt that is impossible to put on.
Eddie I just replaced my valve cover gasket along with a crankshaft position sensor💀 was not easy. I have to replace my belt as well but wondering how hard and long of a task is it?? And do you have any tips thanks
@@RealdealSkip It's actually really simple if your belt hasn't broken yet. The problem is that if it breaks, it makes a mess in all the pulleys, strips of belt get stuck behind pulleys, even your crankshaft. So If you can change your belt before it breaks, you are already ahead. Make sure you have that big TORX socket to release tension from your pulley tensioner. Also, take a picture of your belt before you take it out, because the online BMW diagram is wrong.
Just take your fan out, don't break the coolant hoses on top of the fan, then loosen your charge pipe torx bolts, pull it out so you have room to get to the tensioner. Make sure you don't strip the torx bolts, mine were stripped already, so i actually had to cut around the plastic pipe to pull it out and get some room.
First, you don't need to take all that crap off to change the belt. I've changed mine without taking anything off but the belt. Second, why would you skip the parts where you actually do the work??? The entire reason anyone would come to this vid is to SEE THE WORK!!!!! Skipping those parts, and just saying tada isn't going to build you an audience. Room for improvement.
Appreciate the feedback man. This was one of my first videos and I was new to the bmw community. I was by myself and didn’t really have anyone to stand by and record for me. I figured drawing the diagram would help out a little for the viewers . Nevertheless, the video had 6000 plus views and 100 plus likes so if it helped at least 1 person I’m happy. I’ll focus on recording all areas of the work in the future for you man. 🤘🏽
4 years later youve helped me with my 2day job thank very much appreciated
I kept finding other belt diagrams online and couldn't get it on. Tried the belt diagram you showed and got it on instantly. Saved my fucking day man.
Micah Holland glad I could help man. Go ahead and subscribe !!
Same here!
The best guide I’ve found! Thank you so much!
Thank you man👍🏽 glad I could help you out. Give the Channel a sub for me.
Love the video man! Really appreciate you sharing the small issues you had along the way and warning about the hose.
Thanks man! Subscribe!
sameee! it squirted coolant all over me
I managed to accomplish the belt replacement by jacking front end, only removing the under engine cover and removing one of the air cross pipe torx screws (loosened the other). I pushed belt down into vicinity from the top and placed it on pulleys etc. from underneath, finishing on top when ready for tensioner. I cut the belt I replaced for easier removal from underneath.
Pretty easy forward short video 👍 straight to the point nice job bro
Thanks for the great video! I replace the radiator 3 months ago and I should have replaced the belt altogether. It would be a good idea to check around the radiator and coolant hoses after you take out the fan since it's really a pain.
In terms of replacing the belt, I found hex-L key (or tensioner pin) extremely helpful because it makes it much easier to put the belt back in place. The new belt is likely to be tighter and therefore slightly shorter than the existing one. I'd recommend starting with the bottom left pulley and walk the way to the middle and then to the right. Make sure the belt is tight so it won't run short at the top. The major barriers are really the black plastic hose and the metal AC line which limits the space you can work with. By the way, be extra careful when putting back the radiator fan. I broke the clip this time but luckily it's not a big deal and I couldn't care less.
Owen Z thank you! I broke some things as well. But it got fixed that’s all that matters to me lol
Know this is 3 years old (just replaced my turbos on my 2009 335i) but I remember having to unscrew a screw underneath on the Aux fan. Am I remembering incorrectly?
@@TheFrenchPug Are you referring to the radiator fan? That fan doesn't have any screws at the bottom.
@Owen Z Yes. I thought there was a fan screw at the bottom also. Maybe I'm thinking of the radiator (have replaced 3) or the intercooler.
very helpful vid 🙌 and yungeenace bumpin in the back🔥
Adam Sisneros thanks brother! Subscribe to the channel 🤙🏽
great video man, gotta tackle this when I do my ofhg
AshwinLB appreciate it man. Subscribe to the channel 🤙🏽
Nice diy vid bro simple and straight to the point. I like that drawing you made where the belt should be at before you take it out. So easy to ignore that, then you’ll be googling all over to figure how to put it back on lol. Hey did you replace that expansion hose or left that tubing you put on? If you did left it on how is it holding on?
That rubber thingy on the side where the rad clip goes, I think silicone spray will do the trick. That’s what I did with that black box connected to the under side of the intake manifold.
Francisco Pinazo thank you man! And exactly I had to draw that to remember. The expansion line I rigged up Is fine , don’t plan on putting a new line in as the one now has no problems. I was so glad I didn’t have to purchase a new one and was able to get it fixed quickly . That fan was a pain so thanks for the advice with the spray. Just today my Vanos Solenoids went out as I got a code after a few hard pulls. Ordered them today so will have a video of the install here in a few days! Thanks for watching and subscribe to the channel for more content as this car is going to get a full makeover soon!
Daily Beamers subbed! We got the same car so I’ll be watching you! 👍🏽👍🏽 During this COVID-19 (yup I had to write covid19 coz 10,20,30 or for life we be talking this shit to our kids and grandkids) I’ve been doing all kind of work with my car. WaterP, ThermosT, OFHG, walnut blast, serpentine belt, vacuum hoses, all kinds of gaskets 😬, painted d calipers, put on spacers,.. next will be Oil pan gasket but it’s too intimidating plus I don’t like working down there. Keep it up bro!
Francisco Pinazo thanks again bro. 🤙🏽
Did you change your pulleys? Wanting to know if it’s necessary
No sir. Currently at 135xxx miles and still no problem. Same belt and pulleys .
And just so everyone knows, if your belt broke, make sure you take out your crankshaft pulley because there will be chunks of belt behind there! Even if you can't see anything behind there, trust me, just check.
Also, if you are not sure why your belt broke, check your power steeering pump bolts. It's common to have the bottom bolt fall out. Mine was missing, even when I thought there was no chance I could have that problem. I had to get one online, and put locktite on them.
Finally, once I got all these things done, I started my car, and the belt ran fine, but I noticed a leak on my water pump ( Unrelated problem, of course) . So yeah, enjoy your bimmers when they are running properly!
Eddie great Insight man! Give the channel a follow for me 👍🏽
I wish I had known this when my last belt broke! It took a little over a month but bits of the shred made its way into my engine and broke the front crankshaft seal! It turned into a huge deal!
🔥 love the wing ✈️
Nice video bro
Bro what halo bulbs you got ?? Looks oem
Can drive without the belt
What size hose did you have to buy from AZ?
Just started my bimmer, idled for 5 seconds and the belt snapped. Damn it. I guess I'm lucky it broke in the driveway..
Same thing happened to me thank god I was in the driveway.
@@XllllllllX- I got mine done, I used your little drawing to confirm how the belt goes because if you look up the actual N54 belt, it tells you to put it a different way.. I looked in the forums and people confirmed that some of the N54 pictures from BMW show a different way on the belt that is impossible to put on.
Eddie I just replaced my valve cover gasket along with a crankshaft position sensor💀 was not easy. I have to replace my belt as well but wondering how hard and long of a task is it?? And do you have any tips thanks
@@RealdealSkip It's actually really simple if your belt hasn't broken yet. The problem is that if it breaks, it makes a mess in all the pulleys, strips of belt get stuck behind pulleys, even your crankshaft. So If you can change your belt before it breaks, you are already ahead. Make sure you have that big TORX socket to release tension from your pulley tensioner. Also, take a picture of your belt before you take it out, because the online BMW diagram is wrong.
Just take your fan out, don't break the coolant hoses on top of the fan, then loosen your charge pipe torx bolts, pull it out so you have room to get to the tensioner. Make sure you don't strip the torx bolts, mine were stripped already, so i actually had to cut around the plastic pipe to pull it out and get some room.
First, you don't need to take all that crap off to change the belt. I've changed mine without taking anything off but the belt. Second, why would you skip the parts where you actually do the work??? The entire reason anyone would come to this vid is to SEE THE WORK!!!!! Skipping those parts, and just saying tada isn't going to build you an audience. Room for improvement.
Appreciate the feedback man. This was one of my first videos and I was new to the bmw community. I was by myself and didn’t really have anyone to stand by and record for me. I figured drawing the diagram would help out a little for the viewers . Nevertheless, the video had 6000 plus views and 100 plus likes so if it helped at least 1 person I’m happy. I’ll focus on recording all areas of the work in the future for you man. 🤘🏽
@@cloving1414 All good man. Nothing more inspiring than a person who is willing to learn and improve. Good luck.
How do you do it without taking all that crap off