Timing Belt

[DeathMetal]

I keep hearing about how important it is to change the timing belt on an e30. i have an 86 eta with 140K miles on the odometer and as far as I can tell from the previous owner's records, it's still on the ORIGINAL belt. I'd like to get this thing replaced as soon as possible as a preventative measure. Before i do, can you guys tell me what a reasonable price for somehting like that is (parts and labor)? I don't mind paying but I just dont want to get ripped off.

[Red_Rocket]

If you are going to replace the timing belt, you might want to replace the pullys and all the rest of the belts also, another good thing to do would change all the hoses. Logicly its smart to do it all at one time, just so you dont have to take the car apart again. As for labor, be prepared to work under and above the car, Getting off the fan bolt is pretty hard, there are special tools for it you can buy for about $30. although if you use your brain and some of your tools you can find a way. It would be good to have a partner to help work with you. A full belt and hose package can be found on BavAuto for a reasonable price...

[idanity]

hello,

i just had my timing and v belts all done at a BMW-ONLY shop.

they included all new washers and a NEW TENTIONER... (thats important)

it was at ther shop all day and only cost 380 dollars total.

got my fuel reglator replaced too (125.00)


i funny thing though was about noon i recieved a phone call saying fuel hose was really old and cracked and needed to be replaced. additional 145.00
Asking " ok, ill need one, and ByTheWay, save all my old belts and parts , just put them in a bag.

coupled with the fact i made an appointment with the Dealer ( but i had to wait about 3 weeks to get in+ and i was going on a trip that weekend, so i squeezed in this appointment just to be safe, and am still keeping my 3 year visit w/Dealer.)
maybe that helped them stay honest or not, ill never know.

but after i asked them to keep all the parts and fix what needed to be done, not 10 minutes goes by, and then
"RING" .....
HELLO " ..
.them.
"o by the way you dont need that fuel hose after all..." -145.00

hmmmm... seemed a bit fishy but still it is best to replace all hoses that you can.

the lesson here is to learn how to de-pressurize your system and replace the hoses your self,

i can tell you how, and also to put a crimp on some hoses to stop over-flo.


thay also stripped out a bolt ( said they found it that way)

be careful and yet it may pay off to get it done at the Dealer.

let us know what happend and what those old belts look like.

1989 325i conv. 200,000 miles and I bought this car, drove it about 2,200 miles to california and back w/smiles the whole way and back...