Timing belt

[isaq006]

Hi does anyone know how to check for signes of a worned out timing belt on an E30 1989 325is? Thank you for your help

[elsabor67]

There is no sure way to tell if its worn. If you just got your hands on the car I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest that you get it replaced so you have peace of mind that it is new. They normally last for a long while (70,000-85,000 miles) on a well cared engine.

[isaq006]

thank you

[witeshark]

Some say that the change interval is sometimes closer to 65,000 miles (~100.k)

[silversled]

and it seems clear you have no experience with this. You cannot examine the
timing belt for wear without taking so many other parts off to get to the timing belt that .....this sounds like something you shouldn't try by yourself..
this is it...the timing belt is like $10 OK? The labor to get to it is like $300...so, from a logical stanpoint the answer, 'You Don't Check a Timing Belt, You Just Replace It'. Good Luck my friend

[silversled]

on my 1988 325iC...once you're in there there are other issues you'll find I'm sure....I would consider a timing belt change to be akin to minor surgery on a human. You might be surprised to hear/see what has to be done to get to the timing belt ....it is not a casual affair....

[86Black325e]

I'm going to change my own timing belt ASAP.

I did control arms/ball joints in winter. Alternator two months ago.

I just replaced the damn starter last weekend, 10 hours later....wait, I mean the DAMN, SON OF A B***H, STUPID, LOUSY, RIDICULOUS, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING, PIECE OF CRAP, IDIOTIC, starter.

The Bentley SHOULD read, "remove engine to get to starter".

I'm pretty sure nothing can be worse than that job.

[yammahamma]

I've always thought the e30 timing belt should be replaced every 40-50k miles.

In any case, while your up there replacing the timing belt you should also replace the tensioner pulley ($30) and water pump ($50). It might cost you a few bucks more now but it will save you having to pull everything out again when the water pump dies...as silver sled mentioned, it's quite a bit of work to get to the timing belt.

I also replaced the drive belts while I was there too.

Good luck.

[86Black325e]

....even 'more work' than replacing a starter??

[yammahamma]

I've never replaced a starter on an e30. But like silversled said, it should be around $300 in labor. So at a normal shop rate of $80/hour that's almost 4 hours for a pro to do it...it took me a whole day to do mine and I have never done it before.

You can do it, but just give yourself plenty of time and make sure you have all the tools you need.