My son and I successfully replaced the timing belt, water pump, cam seal and all three belts on his 89, 325i. We couldn’t have done it without this video. Removing the hood is a must. This video was absolutely fantastic. Can’t tell you how it helped. Well done, well done
I don't think you mentioned to loosen the tensioner bolts from tight about a half turn to where it moves freely, test by prying against the long bolt protruding from the engine block,( just don't pry too hard and break it if the tensioner doesn't move) then turn engine by hand two revolutions in the normal direction of rotation (clockwise from front) to seat and take slack out of belt and allow tensioner to move out as far as it needs to properly tension the belt. Make sure the spring is on the pin that rests against the WP and through the hole in the tensioner arm. Good video for the do-it-yourselfer.
manstersr That is extremely valuable information. Everyone doing this job needs to read your comment. That was the only thing he left out. Overall a good video.
I know I commented earlier, but I left my project set for a couple months while I went south for the winter. I had to watch your video again to refresh myself. Again I am so impressed by your clarity and degree of professionalism. Keep up the Great work. thanks
Just wanting to note that removing the hood (about 10 mins work) makes the entire job a lot easier. Remember to mark the position of the hood with some Sharpie around the brackets.
Wow thank you so much for your time Dan been looking for this for a while now and could not find one that wasn't time lapse or provided as much details as you did thank you again!!! Great Job!!!!!
Very Excellent video, I like how you show up in detail the steps to take. Sometimes just reading the forums with still photos is not enough these cars need alot of work but are worth it when you take that first drive after fixing. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Dan. I used your video as a refresher for my one '86 325e belt change. I've owned the car since new but it's been sitting for 15 years in my garage. It's been a while since I did this, so this video was much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Great timing on the video. I was just about to change the timing belt on my iX this month. Great to have this video as a reference. Love the videos my friend! Keep up the great work.
I am currently doing this to my 87 325e. On my car, I had a giant plastic guard blocking my view of the radiator, belts, etc. I had to jack it up, take off the front two wheels, and remove that plastic guard before I could get at the bottom hose on the radiator. Thanks for your help!
A very informative and helpful video. I was replacing the water pump and WOAH! I saw the timing belt. Probably another 5K left on it and it would shred. I almost threw int he towel because I am far from a mechanic but this...this was AWESOME. I ain't scared.
I've been following his vids. This guy inspired to pick up my first e30 325i. Bought it as a project car to learn and build my own road worthy e30. Hope to see a video on how to replace a fuel filter. My hose is cracked and spewing gas everywhere
I'd like to see more of the re-installation process in your videos as you can encounter different challenges, also it would be nice that you show the engine re-starting and taking a test drive after finished.
Thanks for the video. I have done this twice now and the second time went much smoother. But i refer to your video to make sure I am on the right track. Well also my Bentley guide. Teresa
Very helpful. There's one thing I'm not sure was correct. You say that after putting the new timing belt on we should turn the engine over two rotations, and we see you turning the crankshaft counterclockwise. My Haynes manual says to turn the camshaft counterclockwise, and that makes a difference because that way it pulls on the part where there's no tensioner, whereas if you do it on the crankshaft it doesn't. I think it should be mentioned that one needs to be careful to get the new belt on without changing the relative positions of the sprocket on the crankshaft and the one for the distributor (the one slightly above the crankshaft sprocket). I apparently didn't get it right, so the car wouldn't start, and it took me a lot of work to get it right. Also, when you say "You can take out that 13-mm bolt there that you just loosened", it looks like you're taking out the other one.
Thanks I did that on 1990 for my car but now i have a co worker and ask me for a favor. i forget, but thanks to your video i remember now. Thanks also the valves has to be adjust.
Hello, great video, congratulations .. I have a question to ask: how to align the camshaft (without special tool) after loosening the pulley bolt? Are there any marks on the camshaft?
The crank pulley of the m20b25 and 28 , how many mark is on the crank it self ? I’ve heard there’s a few mark on it . I also heard there are some crank pulley with out the ot tdc writing . Have you seen this ?
I needed to replace my water pump,made a mistake by loosening the tensioner. I know know alignment on both sprockets needed to be aligned.. what do I do?
Had a question. So I have a 1987 325i I align the bottom one straight as can be but when I put the hormonic balancer it is like 2 cm off with the line of the hormonic balancer do I align it with the hormonic line or the other line?
P G Or, Probably cheaper... Go to Harbor Freight/Princess Auto/Whatever discount tool company you have in your country and grab a cheap 32mm and grind it down to fit. It cost me $12 for mine and it's probably way stronger than the bike wrench.
I'm about to replace my timing belt soon and want all the parts together before starting. Where would i be able to get the proper O ring located behind the sprocket at 9:11-9:16? I'm planning on buying the performance timing belt kit from turnermotorsports. Well explained video! It's my first time ever working on a car and i feel this video has taught me a lot, super stoked to get started!
how do i re install the key lock barrel in my e30???? there are no access holes in the door!! any ideas?? all electronics are still in place. i can lock all the doors from the trunk... they took them out during body work for the paint job...
Hi Dan, thanks for the video. I'm planning to do the timing to a m40 316i, slightly different from this but even though, very helpful to see your video. One thing: does the water pump box include the gasket? thanks from Spain!
Dan good morning bro,good job thanks for share. Question please; Do you have anythink video of change belt to 318i of 1991 M40 Engine? Thanks for your time and dedication,best wishes.
It helps to mark the gears with some white out before you take it apart (if the engine ran before starting the job ) it's easy to see the marks you made than the originals but do check the original marks when finished
Here's a pro tip for the water pump gasket. apply vaseline on the water pump before installing. this will allow you to put the gasket on without it moving everywhere and install the water pump. Also, what worked for me when adjusting the tensioner, is i set the cam gear TDC mark one tooth ahead, so when I put tension on the belt, both TDC marks lined up perfectly. Took me 10 times to figure it out.
how did you figure it out and how did you go about adjusting it to make sure it was TDC... say my TDC is like a tiny tiny bit ahead is that bad? its in the groove on the crankshaft but just slightly more to the right ... the camshaft appears basically perfect too maybe a little the same as the crankshaft if you get me... what do you think?
Thank you very much for your video. I would take off the hood first to have better access. Also I would clean it first and spray some rust spray on everything to make sure nothing brakes. Then. Do it in a garage instead of a street. All other things are good.
Great video. A little long however. Don't need to see turning wrenches we can assume that the wrenches turn. Lol. Thanks for pointing out bolt locations, that's extremely helpful. Great Job.
Several small differences for my 1988 325is m20 engine but basically pretty good. Contrary to some comments removal of hood not really necessary. As far as camshaft front seal I would say if no signs of leakage the not broke dont fix it saying. You'll be back in in 4 years or less anyway.
So when are you going to make a new video? I really enjoy them! They're fantastic. I think an introductory video of your car, a tour if you will, a review of both, that would be amazing. Really!
Too late for belt change....it broke, love tne car 91 e30 conv but don't want it to put me in the poor house. What are the options when you have limited funds but lots of time, not a car guy but can handle a wrench, If I do it myself are there resources that can get me through the job ?
Great video! Just getting into the E30, bought an 88' 325 "super eta" for $100. It's been left sitting in an orchard for 5 years. It still runs, but boils coolant out of the reservoir. Are there any parts or procedures that are specific to the "super eta" as opposed to what is demonstrated in this video?
What is the third toothed pulley? Is it just an idle pulley or is it a balancer shaft or something else? If it is a balancer shaft or needs to be times as well.
I'm guessing it is just the oil pump drive, you don't need to refit the front pulley you can use the line on the bottom belt/ crankshaft pulley to line the crank shaft using the small notch on the front seal housing.
Hey after you have done the timing belt and out everything back together, what do you do with the radiator and coolant? How do you re bleed it and so on? Also at the start off the video you didnt explain how to drain the radiator coolant and stuff. But thats for the video helps me allot:) will soon be doing the timing belt
+mak ten You can try leaving the cap off the expansion tank, and there is a bleeder screw on top of the thermostat. Crack the bleeder open and see if some air comes out, then repeat until the air is completely bled.
I have a 1987 bmw 325is and it has been sitting since 2010 and I started it today what should imchange on it it's been sitting cause something with the brakes and it wouldn't pass inspection
Good morning Mr. Cronin, I'm getting ready to pick up a Gates' timing kit today at O'reilly. which spark plugs do you recommend and/or does BMW recommend? Thank you.
Hi- I've seen a mechanic cut a timing belt right through the centre of its length, remove half of the cut piece and put on the new one without moving the timing marks out of line--this was on a different car but wondering could it be done on an e30 if you know what I mean.
l[KAUPAKAY]l You really need to take the radiator out. Why dont you put a bucket or catch pan to catch the coolant and then refill the system once your done?
This is a good ass tutorial, if you had a camera man it would be perfect, not hating btw. I just bought an 87 325es and Im not a mechanic, other than oil, sparkplugs, brake pads and that kind of stuff I dont mess with cars, so I'll be watching your videos. Keep it up man. You just got yourself a new subscriber.
Angel Flores If you have E30, then I've found alternator/belt and coolant flush/service including thermostat replacement to be easy jobs too. There is a Wikipedia on www.e30zone.net to help too (I think Pelican autos website has some good instructions too, that's more US based, E30 zone is euro, but still the best E30 wiki out there).
@E30Source how long did it take you to do the timing? my co worker said it took him 11 hours to do it and that he had to modify a tool to get to the fan clutch (sometimes i think he is BSing but IDK). im guessing if you do it correctly it should take 4 hours.
Авто/Мото
I’m studying this video religiously to make sure I don’t mess my car up
Watching it multiple times a day lol
My son and I successfully replaced the timing belt, water pump, cam seal and all three belts on his 89, 325i. We couldn’t have done it without this video. Removing the hood is a must. This video was absolutely fantastic. Can’t tell you how it helped. Well done, well done
dude, your my hero! finally someone with good e30 videos! keep doing what your doing!
anthony gonzales Thanks!
Subscribe!
I don't think you mentioned to loosen the tensioner bolts from tight about a half turn to where it moves freely, test by prying against the long bolt protruding from the engine block,( just don't pry too hard and break it if the tensioner doesn't move) then turn engine by hand two revolutions in the normal direction of rotation (clockwise from front) to seat and take slack out of belt and allow tensioner to move out as far as it needs to properly tension the belt. Make sure the spring is on the pin that rests against the WP and through the hole in the tensioner arm. Good video for the do-it-yourselfer.
manstersr
That is extremely valuable information. Everyone doing this job needs to read your comment. That was the only thing he left out. Overall a good video.
Thank you sir 🫡
I know I commented earlier, but I left my project set for a couple months while I went south for the winter.
I had to watch your video again to refresh myself.
Again I am so impressed by your clarity and degree of professionalism. Keep up the Great work. thanks
if you take the hood off it makes everything 100 times easier..
his back must have been fucked after this video lmao
My backs bad!and i had the bonnet off😉
Yes, but it is a pain in the ass to align it properly afterwards
Just wanting to note that removing the hood (about 10 mins work) makes the entire job a lot easier. Remember to mark the position of the hood with some Sharpie around the brackets.
Definitely does. Don't know why anyone would not
Wow thank you so much for your time Dan been looking for this for a while now and could not find one that wasn't time lapse or provided as much details as you did thank you again!!! Great Job!!!!!
The level of detail you have provided is awesome. Keep making vids!
+Zachery Nichols Thanks! Will do!
Very Excellent video, I like how you show up in detail the steps to take. Sometimes just reading the forums with still photos is not enough these cars need alot of work but are worth it when you take that first drive after fixing. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Dan. I used your video as a refresher for my one '86 325e belt change. I've owned the car since new but it's been sitting for 15 years in my garage. It's been a while since I did this, so this video was much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Taking the hood off saves you a great amount of time on this job. Great video, as always.
mucix Thanks!
Thanks for this.
It really helped out a bunch in areas where I was unsure while doing my timing belt on my '89 320i last weekend!
Great timing on the video. I was just about to change the timing belt on my iX this month. Great to have this video as a reference. Love the videos my friend! Keep up the great work.
thanks for making this video! best one out there explaining the m20 timing belt replacement. Starting tomorrow!
I am currently doing this to my 87 325e. On my car, I had a giant plastic guard blocking my view of the radiator, belts, etc. I had to jack it up, take off the front two wheels, and remove that plastic guard before I could get at the bottom hose on the radiator. Thanks for your help!
Great video! You just got me through timing belt water pump replacement on my 1989 325i. Thank you.
Just fitted a new belt to my e34 and this video helped a lot! Thanks!
A very informative and helpful video. I was replacing the water pump and WOAH! I saw the timing belt. Probably another 5K left on it and it would shred. I almost threw int he towel because I am far from a mechanic but this...this was AWESOME. I ain't scared.
How did yours turn out?
I've been following his vids. This guy inspired to pick up my first e30 325i. Bought it as a project car to learn and build my own road worthy e30. Hope to see a video on how to replace a fuel filter. My hose is cracked and spewing gas everywhere
+Anh Nguyen I will see what I can do.
+Dan Cronin what size wrench do you need to take of the clutch fan.
32mm
thanks very much. I followed your video for my 88 320i this past weekend and it was bang on. She's now running great.
+Rob Lang I am very glad I could help!
Enjoy and love your E30!
I'd like to see more of the re-installation process in your videos as you can encounter different challenges, also it would be nice that you show the engine re-starting and taking a test drive after finished.
Your videos have helped SO much. Thank You!
Thanks for the video. I have done this twice now and the second time went much smoother. But i refer to your video to make sure I am on the right track. Well also my Bentley guide. Teresa
Very helpful. There's one thing I'm not sure was correct. You say that after putting the new timing belt on we should turn the engine over two rotations, and we see you turning the crankshaft counterclockwise. My Haynes manual says to turn the camshaft counterclockwise, and that makes a difference because that way it pulls on the part where there's no tensioner, whereas if you do it on the crankshaft it doesn't.
I think it should be mentioned that one needs to be careful to get the new belt on without changing the relative positions of the sprocket on the crankshaft and the one for the distributor (the one slightly above the crankshaft sprocket). I apparently didn't get it right, so the car wouldn't start, and it took me a lot of work to get it right.
Also, when you say "You can take out that 13-mm bolt there that you just loosened", it looks like you're taking out the other one.
Very well explained, one of the best i´ve seen. Thanks.
Thanks I did that on 1990 for my car but now i have a co worker and ask me for a favor. i forget, but thanks to your video i remember now. Thanks also the valves has to be adjust.
Awesome help, thank you. For anyone else that has a late model car, it’s 98% the same
Thanks for this! I've got to do this job either this weekend or next (and replace some cooling stuff) so really useful.
Those cars be very nice car restored, thanks for the video as that is what we are doing to a 1988 right now
i have finaly found what im looking for..thanks alot for this video.
Good vid seams like a big job and you make it look easy
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this
Thanks a lot, Dan. I dared to do it myself was able to successfully get it done!!!
Hello, great video, congratulations .. I have a question to ask: how to align the camshaft (without special tool) after loosening the pulley bolt? Are there any marks on the camshaft?
Thank you for making this, it's very informative.
Hey man! Great vid I have a BMW 1982 528e does this video apply to that vehicle? if it does where did you get those parts?
Thanks for taking the time to do the vid, man.
This was extremely helpful bro, thanks a lot really appreciated it 💯
The crank pulley of the m20b25 and 28 , how many mark is on the crank it self ? I’ve heard there’s a few mark on it . I also heard there are some crank pulley with out the ot tdc writing . Have you seen this ?
You should leave a link in the description of a parts list
Does the Euro hood make it easier of harder to work on the car?
I needed to replace my water pump,made a mistake by loosening the tensioner. I know know alignment on both sprockets needed to be aligned.. what do I do?
Had a question. So I have a 1987 325i I align the bottom one straight as can be but when I put the hormonic balancer it is like 2 cm off with the line of the hormonic balancer do I align it with the hormonic line or the other line?
if you go to most bike shops (motor bike), you can pick up a 32mm skinny wrench for the fan clutch. Just for future endeavors :D
P G Or, Probably cheaper... Go to Harbor Freight/Princess Auto/Whatever discount tool company you have in your country and grab a cheap 32mm and grind it down to fit. It cost me $12 for mine and it's probably way stronger than the bike wrench.
I just bought the fan tool on Amazon. Came with the wrench and a tool to hold the pulley/clutch. Costs $10
Great video, I have an 87 325e and looking to replace alot of parts sonce I've gotten it 6 years ago and this helped. Good job.
4dr
Same here, '87 325e sedan... About to start this process!
I'm about to replace my timing belt soon and want all the parts together before starting. Where would i be able to get the proper O ring located behind the sprocket at 9:11-9:16?
I'm planning on buying the performance timing belt kit from turnermotorsports.
Well explained video! It's my first time ever working on a car and i feel this video has taught me a lot, super stoked to get started!
how do i re install the key lock barrel in my e30????
there are no access holes in the door!!
any ideas??
all electronics are still in place. i can lock all the doors from the trunk...
they took them out during body work for the paint job...
Hi Dan, thanks for the video. I'm planning to do the timing to a m40 316i, slightly different from this but even though, very helpful to see your video. One thing: does the water pump box include the gasket? thanks from Spain!
I'm a little late but does this apply to a late model m20b25?
Thank you very much, very informative video!! I am BMW fan and it is very interesting for me!!
you need to make a video how to replace intake gasket and fuel line if needed. thanks for your videos very helpful
Awesome stuff man I’m in the same position as you old e30
Man, you are great!!! Keep up good videos!!!
i have bmw 316i e30 1990 1.6 with belt not chain.wondering because i dont see for my engine that water pump must be removed or it must be?
Does the crank bolt have reverse threads?
Hey man is the car jacked up in this video at all? Thanks
Dan good morning bro,good job thanks for share.
Question please;
Do you have anythink video of change belt to 318i of 1991 M40 Engine?
Thanks for your time and dedication,best wishes.
It helps to mark the gears with some white out before you take it apart (if the engine ran before starting the job ) it's easy to see the marks you made than the originals but do check the original marks when finished
Here's a pro tip for the water pump gasket. apply vaseline on the water pump before installing. this will allow you to put the gasket on without it moving everywhere and install the water pump. Also, what worked for me when adjusting the tensioner, is i set the cam gear TDC mark one tooth ahead, so when I put tension on the belt, both TDC marks lined up perfectly. Took me 10 times to figure it out.
how did you figure it out and how did you go about adjusting it to make sure it was TDC... say my TDC is like a tiny tiny bit ahead is that bad? its in the groove on the crankshaft but just slightly more to the right ... the camshaft appears basically perfect too maybe a little the same as the crankshaft if you get me... what do you think?
Thx for the great video.
Do you think is gonna be same in e30 318 i cabrio 1991?
Also watching your videos several times now.
Thank you very much for your video. I would take off the hood first to have better access. Also I would clean it first and spray some rust spray on everything to make sure nothing brakes. Then. Do it in a garage instead of a street. All other things are good.
I feel bad for all the east coasters, i live in California and my engine and car is rust free
NFG Garage, it doesn't help if you live in Cali and buy the e30 in San Diego. I have a lot of rust spots in the car 😥
Don't feel bad for us. We don't have your stupid laws. I'll take rust over living in Commiefornia.
There’s a lot of e30s in san diego rusty
*By the way, can't find the red O-ring that seals the camshaft in any shop or website...any clue? size, material...thanks in advance
Excellent video, very well done. Thanks
Would this tutorial work on a 1987 528e BMW
HELLO;
Did the car burn the gasket or am I seeing it wrong?
Great video. A little long however. Don't need to see turning wrenches we can assume that the wrenches turn. Lol. Thanks for pointing out bolt locations, that's extremely helpful.
Great Job.
Dude- this is awesome! I’m looking at purchasing an e30 that needs this! are you in nj?
Is it the same for 1985 320i?
can you please do a video on rod bearing replacement!!!!!!
How long did it take you tp get the job done?
Keep up the vids they really help out a lot thanks for making these videos..
Hector Torres No prob!
Awesome vid brother ! Thank you so much!!
would this be the same with my 2002 325i
great work
Several small differences for my 1988 325is m20 engine but basically pretty good. Contrary to some comments removal of hood not really necessary. As far as camshaft front seal I would say if no signs of leakage the not broke dont fix it saying. You'll be back in in 4 years or less anyway.
Does this work for 1989 325is
Please do head gasket replacement next. Nice video!
thanks for sharing you knowledge!
So when are you going to make a new video? I really enjoy them! They're fantastic. I think an introductory video of your car, a tour if you will, a review of both, that would be amazing. Really!
Too late for belt change....it broke, love tne car 91 e30 conv but don't want it to
put me in the poor house. What are the options when you have limited funds but lots of time, not a car guy but can handle a wrench, If I do it myself are there resources that can get me through the job ?
Great video! Just getting into the E30, bought an 88' 325 "super eta" for $100. It's been left sitting in an orchard for 5 years. It still runs, but boils coolant out of the reservoir. Are there any parts or procedures that are specific to the "super eta" as opposed to what is demonstrated in this video?
josh..feel free to contact me..I have the same car
What is the third toothed pulley?
Is it just an idle pulley or is it a balancer shaft or something else?
If it is a balancer shaft or needs to be times as well.
I'm guessing it is just the oil pump drive,
you don't need to refit the front pulley you can use the line on the bottom belt/ crankshaft pulley to line the crank shaft using the small notch on the front seal housing.
very helpful couldnt have removed my alternator without this !!!! really appreciated!
Hey after you have done the timing belt and out everything back together, what do you do with the radiator and coolant? How do you re bleed it and so on? Also at the start off the video you didnt explain how to drain the radiator coolant and stuff. But thats for the video helps me allot:) will soon be doing the timing belt
+mak ten You can try leaving the cap off the expansion tank, and there is a bleeder screw on top of the thermostat. Crack the bleeder open and see if some air comes out, then repeat until the air is completely bled.
Love the video just got done taking my off lol
great great video thanks friend go head
I have a 1987 bmw 325is and it has been sitting since 2010 and I started it today what should imchange on it it's been sitting cause something with the brakes and it wouldn't pass inspection
+e30source
Great video, it help me alot. Keep up the great work.
Vicente Ramirez Thanks!
Good morning Mr. Cronin,
I'm getting ready to pick up a Gates' timing kit today at O'reilly. which spark plugs do you recommend and/or does BMW recommend? Thank you.
I believe they are iridium plugs, E30s dont like platniums.
I'm not the best when it comes to cars. But what is the best way to clean those parts? The rust etc..?
+geekybench Wire bursh, rust dissolver liquid, clean, repeat until back to natural metal, then prime/paint.
Hi- I've seen a mechanic cut a timing belt right through the centre of its length, remove half of the cut piece and put on the new one without moving the timing marks out of line--this was on a different car but wondering could it be done on an e30 if you know what I mean.
MsCelicagt4 I wouldn't dare try that. Don't risk it.
Have a 88 528e. Procedure kinda similar
thank u dan 😊
Another top video!
Any way I could do this without taking off the radiator? I just flushed my coolant last month and don't want to do it all again
l[KAUPAKAY]l You really need to take the radiator out. Why dont you put a bucket or catch pan to catch the coolant and then refill the system once your done?
This is a good ass tutorial, if you had a camera man it would be perfect, not hating btw. I just bought an 87 325es and Im not a mechanic, other than oil, sparkplugs, brake pads and that kind of stuff I dont mess with cars, so I'll be watching your videos. Keep it up man. You just got yourself a new subscriber.
Angel Flores If you have E30, then I've found alternator/belt and coolant flush/service including thermostat replacement to be easy jobs too. There is a Wikipedia on www.e30zone.net to help too (I think Pelican autos website has some good instructions too, that's more US based, E30 zone is euro, but still the best E30 wiki out there).
@E30Source how long did it take you to do the timing? my co worker said it took him 11 hours to do it and that he had to modify a tool to get to the fan clutch (sometimes i think he is BSing but IDK). im guessing if you do it correctly it should take 4 hours.
+anthony gonzales It took me about a weekend, on and off working on it.
Good Job 👍