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very cool, thank you

fascinating

hydraulic is the newer 'improved' design


BOTH CAN FAIL


replace when, and, as needed.

Re: Insider information always fascinating as usual

It really is curious: I assumed that my '99 323i had the older style, so I ordered a mechanical tensioner without looking at the car. Then I found that it had the hydraulic one. I no longer understand which is the newer style. I haven't seen any reports of trouble for either one.

Insider information always fascinating as usual

So on my '04 with the mechanical tensioner, which I thought was the later improved design, you mean the older hydraulic tensioner is better and I should convert?
Recommended to wait until failure, or replace in anticipation of problems? Is the failure rate of mechanical really that significant? I've not read numerous mentions of this problem on this board.

belt tensioners conversion

have a BMW dealer install the parts - get a 2-Year/Unlimited
Mile Parts Warranty to protect you, and don't fool around
with independents.
Here's what you need:




Good Luck

.

Re: Idle pully and tensoner pully

These prices are right off of Bavarian Autosports website for your vehicle. Looks like the parts are still available. I just replaced the belts and pulleys on my 525i and its 15 yesrs old. My A/C pulley was squeeking really bad when cold and now the noise is gone.

Garry
2000 323Ci
124k
1995 525i
183k

Tensioner for AC Belt
Part # : 11 28 1 433 571 $ 79.95
.................................................. ...................
Tensioner for Water Pump / Alternator Belt - Only for Hydraulic Belt Tensioner
Part # : 11 28 1 717 188 $ 71.95
.................................................. ...................
Tensioner for Water Pump / Alternator Belt - Only for Mechanical Belt Tensioner - pulley included
Part # : 11 28 1 427 252 $ 64.95
.................................................. ...................
Belt Deflection Roller Pulley - Water Pump / Alternator
This part is the idler pulley. 80mm ... more info...
Part # : 11 28 1 748 130 $ 48.95
.................................................. ...................
Belt - Serpentine 6k x 1538 Water Pump / Alternator / Power Steering
Part # : 11 28 1 437 475 $ 33.95
.................................................. ...................
Belt Tensioner Pulley Alternator / Water Pump - Only for Hydraulic Belt Tensioner 70mm diameter
Part # : 11 28 1 748 131 $ 24.95
.................................................. ...................
Air Conditioner Belt
Part # : 11 28 7 512 762 $ 16.95

Re: ask our sponsor, Crevier BMW

The dealer wants to convert my mechanical to hydraulic , my car has 109,000 miles is it worth the conversion? A non dealer repair wants $100 less to replace the mechanical with mechanical. The dealer actually said the mechanical was no longer available.

Re: Idle pully and tensoner pully

I made the opposite mistake by ordering the mechanical tensioner instead of the hydraulic. (I was ordering too many parts and didn't check the car properly). Send me email if you would like it (cheap).
Part number 11281427252

ask our sponsor, Crevier BMW

whole belt, tensioner & pulley kits can be had for about $350. Simple hydralic tensioners are about $180. Hydralic tensioners replace weak mechanical ones. You can talk to Crevier right here on their section in RoadFly. Support the people that support us.

I may be backwards on this, but wait a moment!

I thought the old style is hydraulic and the new one is a mechanical spring? My '04 has the new style spring and it is the later version.
I'd still be surprised if just the pulleys are not available. Have you played around with realoem.com to see what you can find?
Two new belts can be had for around 50-60 bucks, and would be removed and replaced in the process of doing new pulleys, so no extra labor involved there. This price seems high, and you did not say if you have any capacity to DIY? Really knocks the price down if you can do intermediate difficulty stuff like this.

updated parts

2008 335i Coupe Alpine PP SP CWP Saddle Heated Seats Comfort Access Sirius iPod PS2s(non-RF!)

Idle pully and tensoner pully

2003 330i .I am getting squeel when I turn on my car in the am only . The dealer suspects the idler pully. The cost for both pullies and serpentine belt 600 U.S hard earned dollars. They said because my pully is mechanical and the do not make that any more and it has to be converted to a hydraulic . What is that about?