Thanks for the videos! I’m not a professional, so when I received the new INA pulleys, I didn’t know if new bearings should spin freely or not. Simple questions like that are part of my learning experience working on these cars. And I really appreciate having those questions, and the more complicated questions answered as well. Many thanks.
Just installed this kit on a 2001 530i (E39), and the actual belts/tensioners replacement was about as straightforward as the video suggests (although I'd recommend using a 12" breaker bar, rather than a ratchet, to apply tension to the main accessory belt tensioner for some extra leverage). The hardest part was getting the coolant expansion tank, fan, and fan shroud out of the way first -- the expansion tank hose has to be disconnected, and I ended up inadvertently dumping coolant everywhere -- yuk! It doesn't help that my fan shroud is partly broken, and so the expansion tank was held in place by zip ties.
Good job Gareth. I would like to add, always use OEM Parts, which you will get at FCP. Aftermarket belts are almost always a little shorter or longer which will put undue stress on water pump and tensioners failing much sooner than if you went the OEM route. Lesson learned.
Could you guys do a turbo replacement for n54 engines? There are none out there and it would be a big help for people who want to do a DIY turbo replacement when the turbos go. Some other DIYs like the Fuel Pump, Water Pump and thermostat would be nice too. Especially for cars like the E9x 335i.
Great video. Been having trouble with two INA tensioners on my N54 engine. Both seem to have a slight wobble on the pulley. Ist one was more on the top pulley, 2nd one I tried was on the lower of the two pulleys. It makes the belt move a couple mm from side to side over tensioner. Not sure what to do next, but not liking INA at the moment.
Something worth being aware of - the fan shroud is not plastic, it's fiberglass, and at this age it's probably falling apart. At the very least one would be wise to wear long sleeves and gloves when working anywhere near it.
That's not a crunchy bearing mate, although it's definitely worn beyond recovery. You should've heard mine at 150000 km. So they don't all last that long, although I have an N42 engine... a 4 banger you don't have over in the states.
Nice video. What a pain for me though. I have n54 and could not move the air duct that runs across front of the engine far enough to access tensioner torx t60.....Bentley manual says it swings down which is not correct.
Hey FCP Euro - is changing from hydraulic to the mechanical tensioner just a bolt on job? My 330i came with the hydraulic one, but I would like to swap for a mechanical one, as these are more durable, in my experience at least. Please let me know and keep those perfect videos coming, thumbs up from Austria
if you have a hydraulic style but want to switch it to a mechanical style, would that be an easy switch? or do you have to stay with what the car came with?
Is it appropriate to just change the pulleys with the bearings....those are the critical components anyway. A tensioner hardly loses its tension over time or..?
Can you guys do know how to replace AC belt on a bmw e90 320d, 2007 year, because there is not a tensioner to be released and is pain in the ... if you have any idea or a video too please share. Thanks
Both are mechanical tensioners, the first one I removed is the main drive belt tensioner (water pump, alternator, and power steering pump) and the second one I removed is the AC belt tensioner.
In this particular video it is custom installation and uses an aftermarket fan controller which measures coolant temperature off an NPT sensor in the lower radiator hose.
Hello Stephen, a different belt and tensioner will be needed. You'll be able to find it here - www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/530i/Drive-Belts?year=2004&e=180&m=20&page=1
1) Not an "EASY DIY"... easy in such one example - with take off the electrical coolant ventilator. 2) For the purposes of preparion QUALITY video content - it MUST be removed to realy show how easy it is. 2 minutes of deal and so much pain to loose! 3) If the step 2 above would be done - no needs (and even things in mind) to lie down to the bottom of the car, jack up the car... all jobs are for really EASY access from the top. Gents, video quality is really good but how it was shown for unprepared people.... too much movements for things which not worth it ;)
Thanks for the videos! I’m not a professional, so when I received the new INA pulleys, I didn’t know if new bearings should spin freely or not. Simple questions like that are part of my learning experience working on these cars. And I really appreciate having those questions, and the more complicated questions answered as well. Many thanks.
Just installed this kit on a 2001 530i (E39), and the actual belts/tensioners replacement was about as straightforward as the video suggests (although I'd recommend using a 12" breaker bar, rather than a ratchet, to apply tension to the main accessory belt tensioner for some extra leverage). The hardest part was getting the coolant expansion tank, fan, and fan shroud out of the way first -- the expansion tank hose has to be disconnected, and I ended up inadvertently dumping coolant everywhere -- yuk! It doesn't help that my fan shroud is partly broken, and so the expansion tank was held in place by zip ties.
NGL I love going back and watching some of these when the service interval comes up...the video production has sure come a long way LOL
Thanks for the kind words, we've got a few planned: vale cover gasket on this same car, and a handful of Volvo S60 suspension videos.
Is changing out the crank pulley any more difficult?
Good job Gareth. I would like to add, always use OEM Parts, which you will get at FCP. Aftermarket belts are almost always a little shorter or longer which will put undue stress on water pump and tensioners failing much sooner than if you went the OEM route. Lesson learned.
Could you guys do a turbo replacement for n54 engines? There are none out there and it would be a big help for people who want to do a DIY turbo replacement when the turbos go. Some other DIYs like the Fuel Pump, Water Pump and thermostat would be nice too. Especially for cars like the E9x 335i.
Another EXCELLENT installation demo by Foley of FCP Euro! Making things to do look easy...
Great video guys, much better quality when compared to your previous ones, really liked it! Any plans for next one?
Best informative video.doesnt get any simplier than that.thanks brother.
Thanks for another useful video. It would have been great to hear the engine before the repair.
now that's how you f***kin do it.... A+ awesome video
Great video. Been having trouble with two INA tensioners on my N54 engine. Both seem to have a slight wobble on the pulley. Ist one was more on the top pulley, 2nd one I tried was on the lower of the two pulleys. It makes the belt move a couple mm from side to side over tensioner. Not sure what to do next, but not liking INA at the moment.
Something worth being aware of - the fan shroud is not plastic, it's fiberglass, and at this age it's probably falling apart. At the very least one would be wise to wear long sleeves and gloves when working anywhere near it.
Perfect explanation..thanks!
That's not a crunchy bearing mate, although it's definitely worn beyond recovery. You should've heard mine at 150000 km. So they don't all last that long, although I have an N42 engine... a 4 banger you don't have over in the states.
Thanks man good video
I cannot imagine a better vid on the topic . thumbs uuuuuuup!
Excellent work!!
Great video
Nice video. What a pain for me though. I have n54 and could not move the air duct that runs across front of the engine far enough to access tensioner torx t60.....Bentley manual says it swings down which is not correct.
Thank you for the video and the products!
Thank YOU for watching
Hey FCP Euro - is changing from hydraulic to the mechanical tensioner just a bolt on job? My 330i came with the hydraulic one, but I would like to swap for a mechanical one, as these are more durable, in my experience at least. Please let me know and keep those perfect videos coming, thumbs up from Austria
great video!
No torque specs whatsoever?
if you have a hydraulic style but want to switch it to a mechanical style, would that be an easy switch? or do you have to stay with what the car came with?
Thanks so much! I needed this video.
Good video and good work, it was very interesting. Thank you /////////////////////////
you want to align the tab on the back of pulley with the hole 10:20 mark
How many tensioners are there? Will they all make a rachet sound?
The 330i with manual transmission only has electric fans, not clutch fan (at least the 2002 model).
Is it appropriate to just change the pulleys with the bearings....those are the critical components anyway. A tensioner hardly loses its tension over time or..?
You certainly can if you don't feel the need to replace the tensioner, however we recommend replacing it as preventative maintenance.
wish we could have this on a diesel x5 2010 e70
Can you guys do know how to replace AC belt on a bmw e90 320d, 2007 year, because there is not a tensioner to be released and is pain in the ... if you have any idea or a video too please share. Thanks
Is The 1st Tensioner you took out A/C Belt Tensioner and the 2nd one is Alternator Belt Tensioner, are they both Mechanical??
Both are mechanical tensioners, the first one I removed is the main drive belt tensioner (water pump, alternator, and power steering pump) and the second one I removed is the AC belt tensioner.
Cool! Keep them coming! Good job!
i love you man
We love you too!
Hello i don't have a idler pulley in my M52 engine, can i add it ?
How did you realize that electric main fan? How do you control it?
Hello Michael, I'm not sure what you mean exactly.
Like: How did you mount it, how do you control when it starts, how fast it runs.
In this particular video it is custom installation and uses an aftermarket fan controller which measures coolant temperature off an NPT sensor in the lower radiator hose.
OK. Is it stepless? Could you do a video on it, please? :-)
Any torque specs on the bolts you're tightening?
I don't have the specifics, we just made sure they were snug in there.
Cool, that's what I figured
Is this is the correct one for the 04 530i with the E46 motor?
Hello Stephen, a different belt and tensioner will be needed. You'll be able to find it here - www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/530i/Drive-Belts?year=2004&e=180&m=20&page=1
Why didn’t you just replace $15 bearing?
Press old one out press new one in and done save $$
Soooo weird to see Gareth wearing gloves.
1) Not an "EASY DIY"... easy in such one example - with take off the electrical coolant ventilator.
2) For the purposes of preparion QUALITY video content - it MUST be removed to realy show how easy it is. 2 minutes of deal and so much pain to loose!
3) If the step 2 above would be done - no needs (and even things in mind) to lie down to the bottom of the car, jack up the car... all jobs are for really EASY access from the top.
Gents, video quality is really good but how it was shown for unprepared people.... too much movements for things which not worth it ;)