Timing Belt - BMW Forum

hk30 · 08-30-2009, 05:00 PM

hey all! so this is what happened to me the other day.i was driving home,and was turning left up a hill and gave it gas in the turn and the car died!!,so i triedto restart i and nothing but the sound of the starter.i believe its the timing belt broke,so i bought a new one to replace it. so my question to you guys is whats the chances of doing any damage like bad valves etc.... thanks all

witeshark · 08-30-2009, 07:01 PM

I think the engine is of the interference type; if it was turning enough, there may be piston to valve contact issues.

k.sidlosky · 08-30-2009, 09:27 PM

take the valve cover off and crank the motor, if no move ment then its your belt. If you didnt hear any "clunking" sounds from the motor while cranking it then you should be fine on valves and what not.

hk30 · 08-31-2009, 08:42 AM

thaks all..i heard no clunking so i feel better!..u guys rock

rashid · 08-31-2009, 11:11 PM

Do we need to replace any timing built on the new vehicles?

witeshark · 08-31-2009, 11:33 PM

Firstly, you need to know if the car in question is cam timed by belt or chain. If so by belt, then yes at about 60,000 miles (100.000 km). If by chain, that is normally close to total engine service life.

hk30 · 09-01-2009, 06:14 AM

well the bmw is dead!!!!

elsabor67 · 09-01-2009, 07:08 AM

Was the damage more than the belt?

Torque · 09-01-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

Firstly, you need to know if the car in question is cam timed by belt or chain. If so by belt, then yes at about 60,000 miles (100.000 km). If by chain, that is normally close to total engine service life.

On the m20, 50,000 is the interval.

OP, the engine is probably gone. The m20 is a very high interference engine, meaning the valves open very far into the cylinder ... chances that you didn't break something (pistons, valves or even a rocker arm) are very very slim. If you open it up and you don't have any damage past the actual belt itself, go and buy a lottery ticket right away.

hk30 · 09-01-2009, 10:24 AM

removed valve cover and found broken rockers and springs....

witeshark · 09-01-2009, 10:27 AM

Very sorry to see that, and piston damage may be an issue. But I wouldn't give up right away; ask around or Google for an M20 rebuilt head. They can be had for a reasonable amount.