Timing Belt / Water Pump DIY - Step by Step Pictures

[Kommando]

If I wanted to just replace my radiator, I'll just follow steps 1-8 right?

Pretty much, you may not have to remove the hood, that makes it easier to access for the later steps.

[june3o]

If I wanted to just replace my radiator, I'll just follow steps 1-8 right?

[91greg325i]

is an '85 325e ETA supposed to not have the tensioner spring? Bc I am right in the middle of a HG job and I see a hole for where it should be but no spring there...Thoughts?

My guess is that it is supposed to have a spring. The spring is there to get the right tension before tightening the tensioner. I would order a new spring and pop it in there, but I am more cautious than most. You're probably fine as long as the bolts are tight. Maybe someone with more experience can chime in here on the matter.

[Disco Benny]

is an '85 325e ETA supposed to not have the tensioner spring? Bc I am right in the middle of a HG job and I see a hole for where it should be but no spring there...Thoughts?

[bcausey]

Just did this on my 86 - 2.7 - Great guide btw.
My timing marks were off by a few teeth the first time
Second time dead on - cranked it like 10 times to make damn sure that belt was not going to slip and to my dismay after putting it all back together - still cranked but ran like crap -So I looked far and wide peering at every single bolt, hose, clamps, plugs, sensors, everything on the motor - and from the full moon light and a flashlight I found the culprit. The temp coolant sensor which is down in the housing was just not on- it was there... I plugged that sob in and sweet jesus - purring like a kitten - no stumble just pure. And I was happy to be able to go to bed and be done with this...
Always, Always, freakin' ALWAYS check your sensors 00=()()=00
freakin a...

[bcausey]

TB WP Kit

For those of you about to attempt this - fyi

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/19265/nm/BMW_E30_Timing_Belt_and_Water_Pump_Kit_1988_1992/category_id/201

[spiDmang]

this DIY was fcuking awesome. Thank you for the write up. extremely helpful and precise!

[DRTSRFR]

You can do it without removing the timing belt.

[siazul]

got a question I got a coolant leak but as far as I can tell none of my hoses are leaking, Ive done the timing belt before but if i need to replace the water pump ( location of leak) do I need to remove the timing belt or can I work around it?

[blefevre]

I was working my way through this writeup and started making some mistakes as it grew later. Just a few questions I hope somebody can clear up:

1. My radiator fell over, and the fluid spilled out. Was this just coolant, or was it silicon fluid that needs to be replaced?

2. Also, my fan clutch fell over but no fluid spilled out. Does this mean I should replace the fan clutch? I have been having some overheating issues at idle, maybe this is the cause?

No offense, but WHAT?!

The radiator is just full of coolant.

The fan clutch is just a clutch, it's fine if you move it around. I replaced mine when I was in there, but I do that with everything.

[gverelli]

Just finsished, extremely helpful!

[DRTSRFR]

It's not absolutely necessary, but makes turning the motor over MUCH easier.

[gverelli]

When turning the engine at the end to ensure the marks keep aligning, is it necessary to take out the spark plugs to allow turning easier?

[engrlks]

I was working my way through this writeup and started making some mistakes as it grew later. Just a few questions I hope somebody can clear up:

1. My radiator fell over, and the fluid spilled out. Was this just coolant, or was it silicon fluid that needs to be replaced?

2. Also, my fan clutch fell over but no fluid spilled out. Does this mean I should replace the fan clutch? I have been having some overheating issues at idle, maybe this is the cause?

[Tico Frank]

it'll run like crap.

3 teeth off and you're doing damage.

Actually my car ran OK one tooth off. It vibrated a bit more than now and had a deeper grumble. Maybe more power? But It wasnt that bad really.