325i Timingbelt age

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Vikingsmith
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:00 pm

Post Sat Sep 03, 2016 6:28 am

Greetings from across the pond.

I have a 1991 325i conv. I bought it in 2009 with 135k miles. Immediately had the timing belt/tension pulley/water pump changed. I drove it regularly until 2012. It has been parked since, except for a 12 mile jaunt (I moved) in 2014.

I have extracted it from it's auto cocoon, am servicing all fluids, etc. and hope to drive it for a little while before the snow arrives.

Now that you know the history, here is the question. It currently has about 160k miles on it. The belt is supposed to be good for 50k. However in reading up in my Bentley Manual, I also read that they should be changed every 4 years.

Can anyone shed some experiential wisdom on this time limitation? Should I change the belt again immediately? Will sitting as long as it has effect the life of the belt?

Thanks from the Yank.
jmc330i
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6621
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Somerset

Post Sat Sep 03, 2016 6:53 am

If it's not been changed since 2009, I'd be changing it asap.
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v