CAMBELTS

[straight6]

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CAR HAS HAD THE CAMBELT DONE?
IT GOT 82K ON IT 'G' REG '89 320i
IS THERE A STICKER OR SIGNS OF A CHANGE?
WHAT DOES IT COST TO GET REPLACED?

THANKS IN ADVANCE

[Simon]

If it's been properly maintained by a garage/dealer it will have a sticker under the bonnet somewhere (usually airbox/fusebox lid/top of headlight grill) with the mileage/date of last change. If it has fallen outside of the usual servicing intervals and has been looked after by the previous owner then there is no guarantee of when it was last done, so get it changed asap. Not a hugely difficult job to do either.

[Jesus325iTouring]

If it's been properly maintained by a garage/dealer it will have a sticker under the bonnet somewhere (usually airbox/fusebox lid/top of headlight grill) with the mileage/date of last change. If it has fallen outside of the usual servicing intervals and has been looked after by the previous owner then there is no guarantee of when it was last done, so get it changed asap. Not a hugely difficult job to do either.

I thought this was.................do you know of any useful guides to do the job Si?

[Simon]

If it's been properly maintained by a garage/dealer it will have a sticker under the bonnet somewhere (usually airbox/fusebox lid/top of headlight grill) with the mileage/date of last change. If it has fallen outside of the usual servicing intervals and has been looked after by the previous owner then there is no guarantee of when it was last done, so get it changed asap. Not a hugely difficult job to do either.

I thought this was.................do you know of any useful guides to do the job Si?

Here we go Rog, courtesy of Masterbates, the guide was done on an E28, but it's the same engine.

I would advise changing the water pump, tensioner and the aux belts when doing this too.

http://www.totalbmwmag.co.uk/HandsOn/TechSept01.PDF

If you're going to be doing this when it gets a bit warmer, I wouldn't mind coming down and helping out.

[straight6]

thanks chaps..i think i may get in touch with last owner and see if she has had it done, when and where...what are the signs of a belt going? fraying? worn, rounded edges?

[Simon13]

valves hitting pistons is the best sign the belt has worn! bets should be done every 3 years or 50,000miles whichever come first so i'm told

[Ant]

best policy with cambelts.......

If in doubt, chuck it out, even if it cost you Ԛ£150 (average supply/fit) then you've got peace of mind, and thats priceless.



edit to remove my typo

[Simon13]

exactly what i had done! tensioner new pas belt and alternator aswell for Ԛ£150