Crankshaft Pulley Rubber Debonding

[jeremydo]

Hi,
I recently got my 2001 525 wagon serviced, and was told that my crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) was debonding.
The car itself is feeling a little rough - not much, but when you've been driving every day for a few years, you get to notice even the slightest little bump and squeak.
The dealership told me they wanted $800 to fix it, so I told them I'll think about it.

So my questions are : what are the symptoms I would expect to see if this debonding were really taking place ? Can I see it for myself ? Where ? If it broke entirely, what would happen ?
And: $800 is a lot of money (for me anyway) - does this sound like a reasonable price to repair this part ?

Thanks,
Jeremy

[bgwoody]

You might be able to see the crankshaft pulley ( harmonic balancer)
wobble with good lighting. It should be rock steady when running. If not it won't be long before it tears up the front crank seal or worse. I would take to a qualified independent BMW service mechanic for a second opion. I don't know the price of the balancer but they aren't cheap.
I guess want I'm trying to say is don't ignore this warning.