E90Post
 


Studio RSR
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > DIY Guides > DIY-Replacing N54 tensioner, idler pulley and serpentine belt



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-25-2013, 09:59 AM   #1
@rt
Second Lieutenant
@rt's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
232
Posts

Drives: 335i E92
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (2)

DIY-Replacing N54 tensioner, idler pulley and serpentine belt

Please help. Does anyone have DIY on how to properly replace N54 engine tensioner, idler pulley and serpentine belt . Tried to look in forum, browse through Google, but cannot find anything helpfull. Thanks

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11957
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 09:37 PM   #2
pepsih
Captain
pepsih's Avatar
129
Rep
820
Posts

Drives: f02, e24
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Long Island

iTrader: (4)

ANY DIY?
Appreciate 0
      08-07-2013, 06:04 AM   #3
secretsquirrel
Colonel
secretsquirrel's Avatar
130
Rep
2,290
Posts

Drives: f80
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Far North Dallas

iTrader: (2)

This site has a pretty good DIY http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...ments_Bookmark
Appreciate 0
      08-23-2013, 08:05 AM   #4
CBR6n335Iracer
Private
CBR6n335Iracer's Avatar
United_States
5
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: 2007 335I
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Killeen, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by secretsquirrel
the DIY here is great but only for changing th b
elt, i recently did this DIY and after 30 yards the belt blew again. this is not the DIY's fault by any means i just want to add that youll have to check all pulleys and idlers and wont be able to do it thuroughly enough by this DIY alone.

That being said, im going to be adding to this and doing a complete DIY where it involves taking off the fan from the radiator and the belly pan o be able to check the pulleys and idlers, if im correct and one of thoee are bad on my car then it will also include a DIY of changing whatever part is bad, maybe all of them to be safe, s stay tuned, hopefully by the end of this weekendit should be up. i already did a DIY of the above link but since my belt blew right after i decided to save it for a new complete DIY

Also, bear with me as im not the most mechanically inclined person, mainly im sure ill call parts "this thing" and "that thing" instead of their actual names which i dont know, thanks
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2014, 10:39 PM   #5
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CBR6n335Iracer View Post
the DIY here is great but only for changing th b
elt, i recently did this DIY and after 30 yards the belt blew again. this is not the DIY's fault by any means i just want to add that youll have to check all pulleys and idlers and wont be able to do it thuroughly enough by this DIY alone.

That being said, im going to be adding to this and doing a complete DIY where it involves taking off the fan from the radiator and the belly pan o be able to check the pulleys and idlers, if im correct and one of thoee are bad on my car then it will also include a DIY of changing whatever part is bad, maybe all of them to be safe, s stay tuned, hopefully by the end of this weekendit should be up. i already did a DIY of the above link but since my belt blew right after i decided to save it for a new complete DIY

Also, bear with me as im not the most mechanically inclined person, mainly im sure ill call parts "this thing" and "that thing" instead of their actual names which i dont know, thanks

Did they ever release the diy? I need one! Deal wants 600 to do all this. Seams pretty easy to me. Thanks
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2014, 01:06 PM   #6
CBR6n335Iracer
Private
CBR6n335Iracer's Avatar
United_States
5
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: 2007 335I
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Killeen, TX

iTrader: (0)

yeah never got around to it, im sorry about that, but this DIY is very straightforward, i ended up blo9wing 3 belts in a row come to find out my power steering pump was missing a bolt so yes the pulley was fine when i checked it but when the engine torqued the whole pump moved and threw it out of place. what sort of questions do you have? it took about 2 hours. was very simple, and im not the best with mechanical things. so im sure youll be fine. Hardest part was getting the new belt on, it requires another set of hands, one to pull and hold the wrench so the tensioner is loose and one to put the belt over the tensioner pulleys while its loose
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2014, 01:53 PM   #7
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

Well i know i need to replace my tensioner and pullys. And i heard those are not easy.... Pics and steps for what i need to take off would be nice. If rather not pay 800 for dealership to do this.
Appreciate 0
      01-22-2014, 10:41 PM   #8
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

Anything?
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2014, 04:28 PM   #9
takrdown
Other car was a submarine
takrdown's Avatar
94
Rep
704
Posts

Drives: i4M50 (waiting), 2013 R56 JCW
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Central CT

iTrader: (7)

Just tried this...I need to get the fan out....how the heck do you remove the fan?
Appreciate 0
      02-15-2014, 05:07 PM   #10
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

I think theres a screw up top and bottom you need to remove. It should slid out after. O and the plug
Appreciate 1
      03-01-2014, 08:01 PM   #11
prepster
Private First Class
12
Rep
102
Posts

Drives: bmw 335i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: ventura ca

iTrader: (0)

the fan comes out by removing the top right screw and the lower left screw at the bottom that connects to the at cooling unit, then make sure to unlock (theres a clip) the latch that is on the left side of the engine below the connector that sits above which you also haft to remove. then just make sure the rubber grommet that is clamped on to the fan is pried off and just pull up. I had to put a little effort and wiggle the fan a little bit but it came out just fine.
Appreciate 0
      03-01-2014, 08:20 PM   #12
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

Im going to tackle this in the next couple of weeks hopefully. East coast has had bad weather. Ill post pics and maybe a diy. Trying to get boom to help me out.
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2014, 08:58 PM   #13
hankcah
First Lieutenant
42
Rep
364
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i E90
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saint Louis

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maniac0908 View Post
Im going to tackle this in the next couple of weeks hopefully. East coast has had bad weather. Ill post pics and maybe a diy. Trying to get boom to help me out.
Were you able to replace your belts/pully? Did you happen to do a write up at all? Or what are some things to look out for?
Thanks
Appreciate 0
      04-25-2014, 02:05 PM   #14
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

Ya we did it. Didnt take pics as 1 its super easy. And 2 the plastic coolant line broke and went everywhere. Ill write the steps here. This is for 2007 xi. Not sure if it differs for others.

1. Take apart front scoop stuff. And bottom plastic belly.
2. Remove 1 screw on fan on top and 1 on bottom. You will also have to remove the screw holding the metal thing to the fan. (Think its the heat transfer thing). Unplug power wire. Pull fan out by releasing tabs.
3. Use breaker bar and torx for tensioner. Release tension and remove belt. ***REMEMBER HOW BELT WENT ON! TAKE PICS OR FIND SOME ONLINE*** belt wont fit if its on wrong.
4. Remove plastic caps from pullys and use torx to remove them.
5. Remove tensioner the same way.
6. Replace them and tighten. I dont know what tourqe we used. Think we just used judgement. Remember these things are under a lot of load and spin so tighten them good.
7. Replace caps.
8. Put belt on same way it came off.
9. Release tension and remove pin.
10. Put back together

I recommend taking lots of pics and watching out for that plastic line that runs across the fan. It breaks very easily. I would also get a buddy to help out. And also make sure the belt is seated correctly on the pullys.
Appreciate 0
      08-12-2014, 12:54 PM   #15
omerfar23
First Lieutenant
United_States
19
Rep
379
Posts

Drives: 2011 E93 335i, 2008 335i e92
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Baltimore, MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maniac0908 View Post
Ya we did it. Didnt take pics as 1 its super easy. And 2 the plastic coolant line broke and went everywhere. Ill write the steps here. This is for 2007 xi. Not sure if it differs for others.

1. Take apart front scoop stuff. And bottom plastic belly.
2. Remove 1 screw on fan on top and 1 on bottom. You will also have to remove the screw holding the metal thing to the fan. (Think its the heat transfer thing). Unplug power wire. Pull fan out by releasing tabs.
3. Use breaker bar and torx for tensioner. Release tension and remove belt. ***REMEMBER HOW BELT WENT ON! TAKE PICS OR FIND SOME ONLINE*** belt wont fit if its on wrong.
4. Remove plastic caps from pullys and use torx to remove them.
5. Remove tensioner the same way.
6. Replace them and tighten. I dont know what tourqe we used. Think we just used judgement. Remember these things are under a lot of load and spin so tighten them good.
7. Replace caps.
8. Put belt on same way it came off.
9. Release tension and remove pin.
10. Put back together

I recommend taking lots of pics and watching out for that plastic line that runs across the fan. It breaks very easily. I would also get a buddy to help out. And also make sure the belt is seated correctly on the pullys.
I am about the replace the belt at 62K, there is no substantail noise but to be on the safe side, I am not replacing any pulleys or tensioner, is that okay? I will definetely check it once I got it open.

Also, do I need to take the fan out to replace the belt only?

thanks.
__________________
********** 2008 BMW 335i TT******
Appreciate 0
      08-12-2014, 03:31 PM   #16
Maniac0908
Major
Maniac0908's Avatar
United_States
167
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: Alpine White 07 335xi Sedan
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Towson, MD

iTrader: (2)

It will make it easier if you remove fan. Takes 5 mins to remove. Be careful of plastic coolant lines
__________________
2007 335XI SEDAN // JB4 G5 // BMS METH KIT // VRSF DOWNPIPES // AFE DCI // ER CP W/ TIAL BOV // MMP SILICONE INLETS // XHP STAGE 3 AT FLASH // TREBILA BEF // BMS OCC // VRSF EXHAUST // FUEL-IT STAGE 2 LPFP // VRSF FMIC // PRECISION RACEWORKS IGNITION SYSTEM // CATUNED COILOVERS // CIC AND COMBOX RETROFIT //
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2014, 03:17 PM   #17
nukezero
Major
United_States
341
Rep
1,465
Posts

Drives: BMW 3 series
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Irvine

iTrader: (8)

Serpentine belt replacement was very straight forward. I replaced mine at 90K and the belt looks great, no rips or tears after 5 years. These belts should last 120k 6 years with no issue.

the hardest part was trying to remove the radiator fan because it's hooked in at a couple of places and pulling it out in the tight spots was a drag. Once the fan is out, it is very easy to then slide the belt on carefully. You will want that big torx bolt to loosen the tensioner.
Appreciate 0
      06-18-2015, 12:17 PM   #18
illrider
Second Lieutenant
United_States
26
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 08 E90
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mesa, AZ

iTrader: (1)

Does anyone have the torque specs handy?

I'm looking for tensioner, alternator pulley, idler pulleys, and power steering pump pulley.

Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2015, 08:09 AM   #19
illrider
Second Lieutenant
United_States
26
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 08 E90
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Mesa, AZ

iTrader: (1)

Anyone have the torque specs handy?
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2016, 11:26 AM   #20
Eschleae
Private First Class
28
Rep
139
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cincinnati/Columbus Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Would like to know the torque specs as well? anyone know
__________________
2011 335i Msport Apline white w/ coral red interior. FBO with JB4 tune. **Hamann Pg3 wheels for sale**
Appreciate 0
      08-04-2016, 11:12 AM   #21
gtje15
New Member
4
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: SC

iTrader: (0)

Did you ever find the torque specs? There's another DIY in which the guy took a picture of the paper he got from the dealer with the torque specs. All of the pulleys and the tensioner were either 38 or 40 Nm (about 30 lb-ft).
Appreciate 0
      08-24-2016, 12:22 PM   #22
veer90
Private
28
Rep
92
Posts

Drives: .
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: .

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eschleae View Post
Would like to know the torque specs as well? anyone know
Quote:
Originally Posted by gtje15 View Post
Did you ever find the torque specs? There's another DIY in which the guy took a picture of the paper he got from the dealer with the torque specs. All of the pulleys and the tensioner were either 38 or 40 Nm (about 30 lb-ft).
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1075854

Here's the DIY with torque specs
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:11 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST