How to tell if the M40 cambelt has been changed?

[Clint_M]

Hey,

i recently bought my 93 318, it has got the M40 engine in it and a full service history, ive looked back and in the service history it has got on it under one of the main inspection services that the cambelt is due its change, but how will i know if they actualy performed the cambelt change? (on the service sheet the bill was in the region of £450) but it doesnt actualy say "Cambelt changed", would it if it had been done?

as the cambelt DOES need maitenance, and i dont want an old one bloody snapping on me and maybe breaking my car, is there any way i can check if it has been changed, without paying a garage to take a look?

is it easy to locate/check?

any info would really help me
regards
clint

[skeptick]

if it was done at a garrage that knew what the were doing, there should be a sticker on the cover or the front rocker pannel with the milage it was last changed at. if there is no evidence of it being changed i would bite the bullit and get it changed anyway. the alternative is not prety and will certainly cost more than the belt job. i have seen 2 of these engines with holes in the side of the crank case where the cam belt went, the head broke of the valve when it hit the piston and wedged edge on it the cylinder head , which ten broke the top of the con rod and the bit still on the crank just punched holes indiscriminenty. total engine write off.
if you feel confibent you can change your own belt with the help of a manual. it's not that hard.