I just purchased my first BMW it is a 2006 325i project car. Watching your DYI videos took the skepticism out of the work I am about to do. Thank you for your professionalism and in depth knowledge and respect you have as a clean mechanic. PS. all my friends compare these cars to owning a boat, we will soon see.
Just did one of these on an E90, ordered the kit from FCP Euro and all. Only took me about and hour although you don't have to remove the fan plenty of space with just the air box out. Great video really straight forward !
Same I turned a 30 minute job into 5 hours with a very stubborn power steering hose, impossible clamps and dropping a screw driver into the never ending abyss that is the back of the engine bay.
2011 328xi here. With 185k miles and one previous oil gasket replacement. Well - dealer wanted $700+ for the oil filter gasket job and another $900 for the belt+tensioner. I would say you guys saved me about $1400. Parts were around $200 all in, another $100 on needed tools. Thank you! I did the gasker, the coolant flange, and the tensioner/belt. I did go ahead and try to take off that fan....but ended up snapping that little "nipple" on the upper coolant hose where it connects to the coolant overflow hose. Terrible all this plastic gets so brittle. Anyway...definitely recommend NOT taking the fan off. There is enough room to do everything you need to do without that step. Save time - and likely save yourself additional broken parts! Other than that hiccup....easy instructions, blog and video. Thank you! I will definitely look to use you for more parts and instructions in the future....need to do some suspension work next....maybe
Gareth, if you're ever in Portland OR reach out. Your videos have saved me so much money the least I can do is buy you a beer and lunch. I would never have thought I could have taken on the serpentine belt project without this video. I've done the entire front end of the car, the valve cover gasket, fuel injectors and engine wiring harness replacements using your videos. Easily the best online repair videos for BMW I've seen. Which, of course, means I buy all my parts from FCP Euro.
Great vid! I just went through similar procedure to replace my small DISA valve by removing the alternator and going in this way. The only way I could get access to refit the belt was by removing the fan. E61. I noticed my belt sits a bit forward on the tensioner, so I'm repeating the process soon! 😂
Great howto and video. My idler pulley insert said the bolt retainer (thin washer) is to be REMOVED before installation. I've seen videos online which say to leave it on. I didn't see in your vid if you removed or not - what is the recommendation, and what is the impact if I did remove it?
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. My belt squeak and subsequent failure was a result of my power steering pump coming loose (the bottom bolt had actually fallen into the under cover). Must have not tightened it sufficiently when replacing oil pan gasket.
Hi Gareth I have posted a comment to the old video before it got deleted. And was hoping to hear from you. I had this kit on my car after seeing your review on another video where you just reviewed the kit, you said specifically, REMOVE the idler pulley washer, as it is just for shipping purposes, and now you are saying keep it. So which way it is? And yes I have removed it as per your instructions and throw it away? Would this cause any harm or issue? Should I have another one installed? Thank you!
Hi Firas, sorry I meant to respond before we removed that video and re uploaded with a missing step. You are right that two different things were said, since the product review new information came out from BMW in regards to the washer. Albeit confusing and doesn't seem helpful they now advise to run it with the washer but it should not matter much either way since it was previously said to remove it, and had ran them like that for years on our cars. Sorry for any confusion!
Hi, I had a question about your torque wrenches. I am very new to this and have a friend helping me. Could you tell me what kind of trench to get along with specs. I e searched forever. Thought about re ting a 3/8 and a 1/2 from an automotive store but together they were $165. Are there any tools that are affordable to get me by while I undertake this project? Truly any help is much appreciated. I have a 2015 BMW x1 28i 4cyl E90. I'd like to get these wrenches to use for other maintenance on my BMW. My bmw shop to change the serpentine belt only a$60 belt was quoted ~$400. Labor a day hard to get to was there price justification.. Thanks for your time a day an excellent detailed video. Hope to hear back. Need some guidance. R/ A
You said on an auto transmission, electric fan is attached to oil cooler on bottom of car. On 6-Speed MANUAL transmission, do you need to get under car to remove screw attaching electric fan to Oil Cooler? I have a 2007 335i E90.
HELLO I PUT THE NEW BLACK IDLER PULLEY ON BACKWARD SO THE CAP WONT FIT..EVERYTHING ELSE SEEMS FINE AND THE BELT IS NEW AND GOOD..WILL THE PULLEY BE OK? IDLER ON BACKWARD? THE ONLY THING IS THE CAP DONT FIT **PLEASE RESP OND
If you want to be extra cautious, you can use an electronics-safe cleaner to get some of the oil residues off, along with your preferred engine degreaser!
@@ReallyGino I ordered the pulley kit/ belt, valve cover/ gasket off of Turner. I’m hoping that fixes the issue. Do you know the sound I’m talking about? You’ll come to a stop, car will idle strange for a second and the car begins to squeal…
@@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525 yes I had a similar issue when it would only squeal when I accelerated. I thought it was the valve cover but I replaced it recently but better safe than sorry. But for me the squeal turned into idle to like your problem belts and pulleys solved my issues just went through this a week ago
Hi Angel, the idea should be the same for your X5.We would advise in checking the routing of the belt one more time, and also making sure the tensioner is fully extended out. The only thing that can change is if your vehicle is equipped with option S4NBA or S2VAA.
So purchased kit with belt and INA tensioner and INA idler pulley. Idler pulley is made in France on the box. Tensioner is MADE IN CHINA! The tensioner looks similar to the 6 year ina one I'm replacing....right down to the bmw numbers being grounded off. My question.....are these tensioners being made in china now??? Should I be concerned with quality? I bought genuine bmw oil filter housing and oil cooler gaskets last year from FCP and they were made in japan. But china for the ina tensioner is a thing now?
If I'm not mistaken INA is the supplier to BMW for the tensioner and pulley. China "can" match any quality they are held to by INA. Which I'm sure has strict quality control. The problem arises when aftermarket suppliers send a part overseas tell them to duplicate a part and don't put it through a stringent quality control process. They may use cheaper materials and looser tolerances. If you stick with OE or OEM suppliers on BMW, you rarely have issues. FCP has been supplying parts for BMW for years and has a lifetime warranty on everything they sell, so our butts are covered regardless.
I have an 09 328i. My serpentine belt has come off twice now in 2 years. And it only happens right when I turn on my car. Could this be because the N52 engine shakes so damn much at start up and is making it break? I’m scared every time I start my car now.. I can easily put a new belt on in 10 minutes but I want to figure out why this is happening.
A good place to start would be by checking your oil filter housing. Typically if that is leaking, over time as it gets worse it tends to get on the belt, causing it to slip off. From there it would be a matter of inspecting the pullies on the vehicle to ensure nothing is out of alignment.
@@fcpeuro thanks for the reply. Yeah it broke yesterday and I put a new one on today. I got to work today and popped the hood and noticed the belt has definitely moved a little on the tensioner. I’ve looked and I see no oil on the belt but from just one drive and it has definitely moved a little. Could it maybe be I need a new Tensioner Assembly? Or is it normal for it to slightly move?
@@fcpeuro think I’m going to go ahead and purchase the belt tensioner assembly and drive belt idler from FCP. Think that could be the problem. I’ve read that the n52 is known to have problems there. Probably will get an oil filter housing gasket kit as well just to be safe.
Bought the kit from FCP Euro. Excellent! But no need to remove the fan.
lol, I wish I saw your comment before I dragged that thing out. Even when I did, I was thinking I probably didn’t have to take it out 😒
@@bradleykurtz5536 its not that bad to take off its just one bolt on bottom and one on top and electric switch
What? How do you get access without removing the tan?
@@macaronibeena7540 skinny arms and hands
What tool you guys used i need help
Great video as usual.
I replaced these on my 2012 E91. No need to remove fan, plenty of room with fan in place.
Thanks for sharing!
I just purchased my first BMW it is a 2006 325i project car. Watching your DYI videos took the skepticism out of the work I am about to do. Thank you for your professionalism and in depth knowledge and respect you have as a clean mechanic. PS. all my friends compare these cars to owning a boat, we will soon see.
I just purchased my first BMW as well, 2006 325xi. I’m going to do the oil adapter gasket, oil switch, belt kit, and then see what is still leaking 🤣
Just did one of these on an E90, ordered the kit from FCP Euro and all. Only took me about and hour although you don't have to remove the fan plenty of space with just the air box out. Great video really straight forward !
Great work, Grammy!
You make working on n52's look so easy. It's very different to my personal experience 😂😂😂
Same I turned a 30 minute job into 5 hours with a very stubborn power steering hose, impossible clamps and dropping a screw driver into the never ending abyss that is the back of the engine bay.
Exactly. Took me 3 days to get my rod bearings replaced.
2011 328xi here. With 185k miles and one previous oil gasket replacement. Well - dealer wanted $700+ for the oil filter gasket job and another $900 for the belt+tensioner. I would say you guys saved me about $1400. Parts were around $200 all in, another $100 on needed tools. Thank you! I did the gasker, the coolant flange, and the tensioner/belt. I did go ahead and try to take off that fan....but ended up snapping that little "nipple" on the upper coolant hose where it connects to the coolant overflow hose. Terrible all this plastic gets so brittle. Anyway...definitely recommend NOT taking the fan off. There is enough room to do everything you need to do without that step. Save time - and likely save yourself additional broken parts! Other than that hiccup....easy instructions, blog and video. Thank you! I will definitely look to use you for more parts and instructions in the future....need to do some suspension work next....maybe
Nice work!!!!!
Gareth, if you're ever in Portland OR reach out. Your videos have saved me so much money the least I can do is buy you a beer and lunch. I would never have thought I could have taken on the serpentine belt project without this video. I've done the entire front end of the car, the valve cover gasket, fuel injectors and engine wiring harness replacements using your videos. Easily the best online repair videos for BMW I've seen. Which, of course, means I buy all my parts from FCP Euro.
Oh man this is like a 5 minute job on the F30. Crazy. That engine needs a deep clean as well.
I was thinking the same thing 😂😂😂 you can throw a party in the f30 engine bay there’s so much room
You guys probably have the 4 cylinder
very nice reminder. thx dude. this applies to all. “take note of the orientation.” - Garrett
just did this no air box or fan removal needed great diy thanks
Nice work!
I don't even own a BMW - A + Rating DIY Tutorial.
I just purchased the kit as well cant wait to tackle this issue and get rid of that damn squeaky noise
Man, ya'll videos are so helpful. You're going save me lots of money! THANK YOU!!
Our pleasure!
Great vid! I just went through similar procedure to replace my small DISA valve by removing the alternator and going in this way. The only way I could get access to refit the belt was by removing the fan. E61. I noticed my belt sits a bit forward on the tensioner, so I'm repeating the process soon! 😂
Great howto and video. My idler pulley insert said the bolt retainer (thin washer) is to be REMOVED before installation. I've seen videos online which say to leave it on. I didn't see in your vid if you removed or not - what is the recommendation, and what is the impact if I did remove it?
It's great to watch a video to fix your BMW with Bubba the Love Sponge narrating!! ;-)
Would it be ok just to tighten it snuggly for people who do not own newton meter ,or it must be torqued with it?
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. My belt squeak and subsequent failure was a result of my power steering pump coming loose (the bottom bolt had actually fallen into the under cover). Must have not tightened it sufficiently when replacing oil pan gasket.
thanks for the vid!! Do you think it's manageable without removing the fan?
ÉDIT: yes it is on e90 and bigger
Just did this on my e82. Definitely do not need to remove the fan.
Do those same parts apply to the N51 engine? I wish your website had more specific fitment guides. I love FCPEuro though, your company is a god send.
Yes it does. I did it on my E90 328i N51
Thank you, your tuto has been very helpful for me (even with my bad english)
Great tutorial..! Great video.!! Keep it rocking, y'all..!💯🤘
What's that big thing that spins in front of / below the belt
Thank you, helpful video. Just bought this kit! ❤🎉
Hi Gareth
I have posted a comment to the old video before it got deleted. And was hoping to hear from you. I had this kit on my car after seeing your review on another video where you just reviewed the kit, you said specifically, REMOVE the idler pulley washer, as it is just for shipping purposes, and now you are saying keep it. So which way it is? And yes I have removed it as per your instructions and throw it away? Would this cause any harm or issue? Should I have another one installed? Thank you!
Hi Firas, sorry I meant to respond before we removed that video and re uploaded with a missing step. You are right that two different things were said, since the product review new information came out from BMW in regards to the washer. Albeit confusing and doesn't seem helpful they now advise to run it with the washer but it should not matter much either way since it was previously said to remove it, and had ran them like that for years on our cars. Sorry for any confusion!
Hi, I had a question about your torque wrenches. I am very new to this and have a friend helping me. Could you tell me what kind of trench to get along with specs. I e searched forever. Thought about re ting a 3/8 and a 1/2 from an automotive store but together they were $165. Are there any tools that are affordable to get me by while I undertake this project? Truly any help is much appreciated. I have a 2015 BMW x1 28i 4cyl E90. I'd like to get these wrenches to use for other maintenance on my BMW. My bmw shop to change the serpentine belt only a$60 belt was quoted ~$400. Labor a day hard to get to was there price justification..
Thanks for your time a day an excellent detailed video. Hope to hear back. Need some guidance. R/ A
Any videos on the VANOS camshaft gear bolts replacement coming soon?
You said on an auto transmission, electric fan is attached to oil cooler on bottom of car. On 6-Speed MANUAL transmission, do you need to get under car to remove screw attaching electric fan to Oil Cooler? I have a 2007 335i E90.
The bolt supplied with your kit is a pos - torqued to 18 ft lbs and the washer slipped right over the bolt head.
Great video. I was able to do this on my 128i without removing the fan or the air box, only that top air shroud
Nice work!
can you do this without removing the rad fan?
My 2008 135i power steering pulley will not come off as easy as I have seen others when they remove and replace. Any tips tricks you can share?
HELLO I PUT THE NEW BLACK IDLER PULLEY ON BACKWARD SO THE CAP WONT FIT..EVERYTHING ELSE SEEMS FINE AND THE BELT IS NEW AND GOOD..WILL THE PULLEY BE OK? IDLER ON BACKWARD? THE ONLY THING IS THE CAP DONT FIT **PLEASE RESP
OND
Do you have a video for replacing the oil pan gasket on a 07-08 BMW 328xi???
Did you ever do this job? I'm afraid of my bolts shearing off.
Is there a way to clean the oil on the block without messing any sensors up
If you want to be extra cautious, you can use an electronics-safe cleaner to get some of the oil residues off, along with your preferred engine degreaser!
My tensioner bolt busted the tip off, no way to pull out the tensioner off and there no way to put a socket on it., any subjestions?
How do I take the pin out of tensioner?
My car will randomly start squealing at idle. Could that be pulley/ belt related?
Yes bro replace all pulleys and belt find a kit on eBay if it still squeaks get a new alternator pulley
@@ReallyGino I ordered the pulley kit/ belt, valve cover/ gasket off of Turner. I’m hoping that fixes the issue. Do you know the sound I’m talking about? You’ll come to a stop, car will idle strange for a second and the car begins to squeal…
@@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525 yes I had a similar issue when it would only squeal when I accelerated. I thought it was the valve cover but I replaced it recently but better safe than sorry. But for me the squeal turned into idle to like your problem belts and pulleys solved my issues just went through this a week ago
@@ReallyGino yeah I may just order all the pulleys while I have everything pulled apart. I plan on selling it soon so it’ll only help the case
I’m having that problem with the squeal now, did replacing the other pulleys help your problem after all?@@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525 hey I
Is the process the same on a 2011 328 xdrive with a n51 engine?
Yes. N52 and N51 basically the same motor.
My tensioner I bought from fcp makes a rattle noise even after buying new alternator and idler pulley
Just shoot a message to service@fcpeuro.com and they will get you sorted out!
You don’t need to pull the rad just did this today in 10 mins with every still there even the airbox
Why no subtitles/CC?
what's the reason for a torque angle as opposed to just nominating a final torque?
I’m sure some engineer has a 50 page essay written on just this question alone
Is the n55 the same?
Do you guys have anything for a E70 x5? I got everything done right but the belt is a bit loose
Hi Angel, the idea should be the same for your X5.We would advise in checking the routing of the belt one more time, and also making sure the tensioner is fully extended out. The only thing that can change is if your vehicle is equipped with option S4NBA or S2VAA.
So purchased kit with belt and INA tensioner and INA idler pulley. Idler pulley is made in France on the box. Tensioner is MADE IN CHINA! The tensioner looks similar to the 6 year ina one I'm replacing....right down to the bmw numbers being grounded off.
My question.....are these tensioners being made in china now??? Should I be concerned with quality?
I bought genuine bmw oil filter housing and oil cooler gaskets last year from FCP and they were made in japan.
But china for the ina tensioner is a thing now?
If I'm not mistaken INA is the supplier to BMW for the tensioner and pulley. China "can" match any quality they are held to by INA. Which I'm sure has strict quality control. The problem arises when aftermarket suppliers send a part overseas tell them to duplicate a part and don't put it through a stringent quality control process. They may use cheaper materials and looser tolerances. If you stick with OE or OEM suppliers on BMW, you rarely have issues. FCP has been supplying parts for BMW for years and has a lifetime warranty on everything they sell, so our butts are covered regardless.
i replaced my tensioner, idler, and belt yet i still get a squeak i don’t know what is causing it
Did you find an answer? Mine is doing the same thing.
Do I have to take the out the fan in the front ?
Taking out the fan gives your a lot more room to work with, but not mandatory.
Kinda dumb u didn't show how to remove the pin I had to figure it out
I didn’t need to take out fan , shit I didn’t even need to take out the air box 😂, it literally took 5 minutes too take off
Nice work!
Why is your volume so low on your videos ?
My belt just busted and im so scared some of the belt got sucked inside the engine😭😭😭🥺 fuck man:(
The view when your changing the belt is not a good one, you should’ve kept the camera where it was literally 5 seconds before.
2 X
👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️👍🏻👍🏻
how do i take the pin out of the tensioner?
I have an 09 328i. My serpentine belt has come off twice now in 2 years. And it only happens right when I turn on my car. Could this be because the N52 engine shakes so damn much at start up and is making it break? I’m scared every time I start my car now.. I can easily put a new belt on in 10 minutes but I want to figure out why this is happening.
A good place to start would be by checking your oil filter housing. Typically if that is leaking, over time as it gets worse it tends to get on the belt, causing it to slip off. From there it would be a matter of inspecting the pullies on the vehicle to ensure nothing is out of alignment.
@@fcpeuro thanks for the reply. Yeah it broke yesterday and I put a new one on today. I got to work today and popped the hood and noticed the belt has definitely moved a little on the tensioner. I’ve looked and I see no oil on the belt but from just one drive and it has definitely moved a little. Could it maybe be I need a new Tensioner Assembly? Or is it normal for it to slightly move?
@@fcpeuro think I’m going to go ahead and purchase the belt tensioner assembly and drive belt idler from FCP. Think that could be the problem. I’ve read that the n52 is known to have problems there. Probably will get an oil filter housing gasket kit as well just to be safe.
If the engine is shaking, you probably need new engine mounts, easy enough to DIY.
@@martymeyer4125 I totaled this car a few month ago 😢 thanks tho