How old is my cambelt?

[clarko74]

I've had my 325 for about three months and have just had a major service done on it. It's now running very nicely, but I have a niggling doubt in my mind about the cambelt.

I've checked through the history that came with the car (some years it's very comprehensive and others there's hardly any) but can't find any reference to the belt being changing in the last four years.

So, is there any way that by looking at the cambelt (not me, someone who know's what their loooking at!) that the age or remaining life in it can be gauged? Or should I just get it changed to put my mind at ease?

If I do have it changed how much should it cost me? And does anyone know of good place in north London who can do it?

Cheers

Adrian

[keith52]

IMO if you've no idea when it was changed last i'd get it changed , much cheaper than have it fail on you and then having to outlay a lot of funds to repair the potential damage , No recommendations for you though where to get it done Cheers Keith

[Hap]

as keith says get it done then you know when it needs changing next i.e i believe it is every 20K or 4 years whichever comes first.

You wil probably pay circa Ԛ£150 down south for cambelt change

[k130]

Hi

I'm about halfway through replacing my cambelt (last minute holiday to barcelona stopped play!!)

in order to even look at the cam belt you need to remove its covers and the fan/radiator assembly... by the time youve done all that you may as well spend another 20 minutes and Ԛ£8 to replace it!!

I think a garage could do the whole lot in 3hours and along the way will be the alternator and power steering belts too so you will get the whole lot done!!

so im with keith on this one -if in any doubt at all, change it...

[kevin316i]

For the M40 engine, it's 36,000 miles or 3 years, so best to get the belt replaced as soon as possible for peace of mind.