325i timing belt - when to change?

[Wid77]

Hi,

Can someone tell me how often to change the timing belt. I have a 1988 325i touring with 129k on the clock. I have had it for 6 months when it had 126k. Does anyone know the recommended mileage for replacing?
Also, is the M20 the type of engine that will go bang if it snaps?

Thanks.

[demonbiker]

When i buy a car with a belt first thing to do is change the belt even if you have proof it has been done recently, 30k- 40k is about average but i will be changing mine every 25k to be on safe side. BMW used to say every 40k for a 325 but better to change sooner ..........just in case.
vauxhall quote 80k befor belt change- no way i would leave it that long!!
- get a genuine belt and tensioner from the dealer worth the extra for peice of mind , will take about 1-2 hours to do.

[Wid77]

Thanks for that. I will take your advice and change the timing belt as soon as possible. Just out of interest, would it cause damage to the engine if it broke? I know that on some cars it usually does and on others it doesn't. I also have a 1987 MR2 and on that i have been told that no damage is likely to be caused.

Cheers.

[gcorky]

check water pump play too save yuo replacing belt again.

[GDBN]

Hi there .... yes it will cause damage if it breaks. Looking at a few bent valves to start with ... the rest depends on engine load at the time. Many have been looking for a replacement engine after a broken timing belt.
And as has been said .... best to change the water pump at the same time.

G

[Wid77]

Cheers for the advice. Better get saving...

[Wid77]

Forgot to mention.... I had a quote today from a local garage for supply & fit of a new timing belt to my 325i of Ԛ£195 + VAT. I thought this as a bit steep, especially if i also need to change the tensioner and water pump at the same time. What does anyone think?

[E30BeemerLad]

for the quote I would expect that would include the tensioner as it is sheer bad practice not to and they often come in a kit anyway. Water pump is about Ԛ£25.

Ask them how much just for the labour and then go to www.gsfcarparts.com and look up the price of the bits, cambelt about Ԛ£10, tensioner about Ԛ£12 I think, pump Ԛ£25 ish.

[demonbiker]

belt and tensioner is only about Ԛ£60 from BMW and about hour and half labour, pump from GSF -dont forget the gasket doesnt come with pump!