timing belt? - BMW Forum

taylor · 06-29-2006, 07:32 AM

Have 82k on my car, and am wondering if I should change the belt, how expensive it is, and how difficult it is. I'm not a DIY, but have a mom-and-pop shop mechanic do my work, to stay away from the stealership, but am wondering if this is a complicated job that I should go to the dealership for.
It's possible that it was changed before I bought it at 69k, but there was no paper history with the car, which came out of auction. is it possible to look at the belt and determine whether it needs replacement?

Thanks in advance

e36surge · 06-29-2006, 08:34 AM

e36's have timing chains, not belts. If you still have the manual to your car there are service level charts for your car. Inspection I and Inspection II etc etc. You can also download or buy the Bentley manual which may help you better understand your vehicle.

The timing chains on e36s are very robust but not the timing chain tensioner. My 318is had 350 000 KM and no maintenance to the chain. My 325is has 250 000 KM and working very fine on the original chain.

I hope this helps. Also try searching the FAQ and DIY projects.

325iS · 06-29-2006, 08:37 AM

What engine do you have? I know my M50 engine has chains, not a belt.

It shouldn't be too hard of a job. The biggest thing is to make sure that you know how to time the cams when you put the new chains/belt back on.

WarNox · 06-29-2006, 11:17 PM

is a timing chain the same thing as a cam belt?

325iS · 06-30-2006, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarNox

is a timing chain the same thing as a cam belt?

Yeah, they should do the same thing (although, I've never heard of it being refered to as a "cam belt"). Some cars use rubber belts while other cars use chains.

On our cars, there are two chains; one long one that goes between the crank and one of the cams, and a short chain between the two cams.

WarNox · 06-30-2006, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 325iS

Yeah, they should do the same thing (although, I've never heard of it being refered to as a "cam belt"). Some cars use rubber belts while other cars use chains.

On our cars, there are two chains; one long one that goes between the crank and one of the cams, and a short chain between the two cams.

yeah must be a new zealand thing. but good to know that we have chains, because those belts are very time consuming to replace!

thnx man!

taylor · 07-03-2006, 06:28 AM

Checked with my mechanic, and he said I had a chain (319 '97), and not to worry.