Originally posted by GeoPappas:
Once you know how to do it, it is simple.

The price of the belt is about $20-25.

You will also need a tool to remove the tension on the belt. Some model years have very little clearance (less than 1/2") to get the tool into the belt tensioner.

Some people seem to be able to relieve the tension from above (in the engine bay), whereas some people can only do it from the below (the RF wheel well area). It all depends on your model year. If you have to relieve the tension from below, then you will need to jack up the car and remove the RF (right front) wheel and the splash guard.

Time to do this depends on your model year. It can take anywhere from 10 minutes up to an hour.




The "tool" is a simple 1/2" breaker bar. It's a 5-minute job at a dealer. If you didn't authorize it don't pay for it - it's certainly not necessary to change that belt to do the other work they are doing so don't let them try that crap on you either. Then again, by telling you that they are changing the belt, unless you said "no, don't do that until I authorize you to do that repair" you've likely already authorized it. Even if you said, "um, OK" you've authorized it and will pay for it.

Scott

Troll! '99 BMW 328i