[firenza]

When to replace the V-Belt which provide for power-steering, A/C and generator...?? At what mileage...?? TKS. !!

[Bcube]

I'm on the original. Inspected it over the holiday break while replacing my spark plugs. Belt is still in good shape.

[txusa03]

I heard that when you replaced the v/drive belt, you should also replace the tension pulley as well because of the bearing wearing out. makes everything run smooth as butter...anyone disagreed?

[AlanAZ]

The Bentley manual doesn't mention replacing the tension or idler pulleys. But I know on other cars it's often recommended.

It does not state a mileage to replace by, just to inspect.

[txusa03]

Good point, I forgot the idler pulley. But once you removed the belt, you can check these pulleys by spinning them and see if there are excessive play or noise with them. The bearing has grease that might dried up over time and it is good to just replace them at this time if they shows signs of wear.

[firenza]

So there's no requirement for replacing the V-Belt ? No matter what mileage reached ? I doubt it.....!!

[Chriztofor]

^ You inspect the belt and see if there are any cracks. If so replace, if not then it's ok.
http://www.ehow.com/video_2327331_ty...belt-wear.html

[ENINTY]

I replaced mine at 100K. The belt is under $35 and takes 5 minutes to replace, probably the easist one I've ever done. The original belt was still in good shape after I inspected it, but I ordered a bunch of parts at 100K and had free shipping, so I figured why wait for it to start cracking and then pay $15 for shipping a $30 belt...

[firenza]

Mine is only 35K, guess it's still early to think of replacing the V-Belt.
Thanks everyone....really appreciate...!!

[autoart]

I know I'm bumping a old post, but is it true. Just inspect the belt till 100k miles. I could not find anything about the belt in the manual.

[Phil325i]

For what it's worth, Mike Miller recommends replacing OEM poly-ribbed serpentine belts every 60,000 miles and OEM V-belts every 30,000 miles.

[Efthreeoh]

The design and materials used in today's modern accessory-drive belts are far better than those belts that Mike Miller seems to be locked into in his old school maintenance plan. Modern belt construction has advanced to the point where they are now used in high-torque applications (i.e. motorcycle drive belts). I've replaced my belt twice at 100,000 mile intervals and both times the old belt looked almost as good as the new one I was replacing it with.

V-belts, which are rarely used on modern cars and not on any BMW for the last 20 years or so, have a higher replacement interval because the v-design endures more heat-generating friction than a ribbed-belt design.

I think, based on my experience with inspection/replacement of many serpentine-style ribbed accessory drive belts, a steadfast 60,000 mile replacement interval is excessive. One should use the inspection method of looking for degrading cracks in the rib-side of the belt to determine replacement.

[Jklad]

Originally Posted by index1489

Yep every time I think Mike Miller I think wasteful asshole, he probably also suggest signing a new lease every 15k miles.

The E90 is pretty maint. free till you get to 100k.

Then you need to start doing stuff like fluid changes, belts, pulleys, coils, plugs, a sensor here or there might go, drive train/suspension should be checked on a lift, front thrust arm bushings, battery replaced ect.

Maybe the n52 is, I wouldn't say that the n54 is maintenance free till 100k by any means.

[123Britt]

Today's new belts cant just be visually inspected with the bare eye and say they are good. You must have an inexpensive belt inspection tool ~ see ECSTUNING To properly inspect. However, why not just replace it around 70k and you will be glad you did. Like a 5 yr battery -- replace it around 4yrs instead of the hassle of finding yourself stranded.