Right, getting ready to do the timing belt on my 320i. I know mine hasn't been replaced since the car was new - so I think it's quite urgent seeing as its on 137k now.
Has anyone done this and is it that difficult? I'm using my Haynes manual to guide me through it but it looks like something I don't want to make a mistake on. How long a job is it?
Going to do the full Inspection II service just for my own peace of mind.
Changing timing belt - how long/difficult is it? (320i M20)
Moderator: martauto
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Ziggy
- E30 Zone Team Member
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do it NOW!Not difficult at all, but I'd get instructions elsewhere rather than trusting a haynes comic. BEN's a good start:
http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacgi/d ... Section=08
Or I just did a search on here when I first did one & found some good links then
E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
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kirils
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well it took me 3 weeks 
, but usualy it can be done for no more than couple of hours. you need to pull out the radiator all the hoses than put the alternator on side, than take out the protectiv pieces around the timing belt, than take out the big circle on the crank, and when you get the crank and camshaft on the markers loose the tensioner and take out the belt and than in backwords put the new one in, be really carefull to let everything in it's place not make a mistake of one teeth... cause you wil suffer ,
i ' made a mistake of not considering that you must not turn the igniton also, so i suffered but it's all ok now
have fun
, but usualy it can be done for no more than couple of hours. you need to pull out the radiator all the hoses than put the alternator on side, than take out the protectiv pieces around the timing belt, than take out the big circle on the crank, and when you get the crank and camshaft on the markers loose the tensioner and take out the belt and than in backwords put the new one in, be really carefull to let everything in it's place not make a mistake of one teeth... cause you wil suffer , i ' made a mistake of not considering that you must not turn the igniton also, so i suffered but it's all ok now
have fun
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E30BeemerLad
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do a search for a thread called "cambelt change, idiots guide" as I went through all of this last year when i did the belt on the 325 i had then. There was a helpful link posted up in there which i used and it has pictures which were very helpful to follow.
it took me and the missus about 7 hours to do the job, but that included me disappearing off to borrow a 32mm spanner from a fellow zoner and stopping for a customary chat etc
I had never done a job that big on a car before and it certainly gives you confidence to tackle other jobs you would usually pay someone to do
it took me and the missus about 7 hours to do the job, but that included me disappearing off to borrow a 32mm spanner from a fellow zoner and stopping for a customary chat etc
I had never done a job that big on a car before and it certainly gives you confidence to tackle other jobs you would usually pay someone to do
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Gt6s
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Not that bad a job but take the posibility of siezed bolts into account.
When I first did mine the screws on dizzy cap had to be cut out, also one of the bolts mounting water cross pipe to water pump. At this time also fit new water pump as a precaution, because all this stuff needs striped out to replace a pump. Tensioning up a new alternator belt can kill an old water pump.
Cam belt tensioner should also be replaced.
Do not over tension belt (Bends tensioner & throws belt out of line)
When I first did mine the screws on dizzy cap had to be cut out, also one of the bolts mounting water cross pipe to water pump. At this time also fit new water pump as a precaution, because all this stuff needs striped out to replace a pump. Tensioning up a new alternator belt can kill an old water pump.
Cam belt tensioner should also be replaced.
Do not over tension belt (Bends tensioner & throws belt out of line)