First time: Timing belt job

[Desmond]

Hey guys,

I am about to do my first ever timing belt job. I just want to be sure I am buying the right stuff for my car, and that I'm not missing anything. The car is a 1989 325is. Here is what my shopping cart currently looks like:



I saw that there was a "high performance timing belt" by Gates. Is it worth the extra cash?

Anyways, I didn't buy a new AC compressor belt on purpose, I plan on removing the AC system entirely since I don't use it and dont want to convert it. So do I not need that belt? Or will I still need the belt on there after I remove the compressor?

Finally, are there any other parts I am missing, or that would be convenient to replace while I'm doing the job? Thanks a ton! I need all the help I can get since this is my first time tackling a job like this.

BTW, hold the control button and scroll upwards to zoom in, if you need to see the picture better :)

[mr.vang]

Looks good to me. You don't need the ac belt if the compressor is gone. A stock timing belt should be fine if you're just daily it.

[Desmond]

Actually I plan to do HPDE and wintercross events in it. I have a Miata as a second car, that one only sees autocross. Its not the end of the world if the engine grenades on me, I plan to swap an S52 in next summer.

I just wondered if the performance belt was truly worth it. If you think it would be better for my application, I might spring for it. Its just that "kit" I got comes with the tensioner and seals already, at a cheaper price.

I technically daily both cars, although the E30 will be my winter car.

[AwakenNoMore]

Yes get the Gates belt.

[MrSlacker]

Why don't you do water pump, thermostat, cam and crank seals as well? Also, I wouldn't trust some of those brands... Timing belt job is not something you should cheap out on.

[CorvallisBMW]

I would add these parts to your list as well:

valve cover gasket 11121730271
sealing plugs x4 11331264519
spark plugs x6 12129061869 (Ideally Bosch Coppers)
Maybe a fan clutch? test yours first. 11521466000

It looks like you're already getting a cam seal with your timing belt its, so that's good. As far as brands, I'm not convinced it matters a whole lot. Lots of people get the Continental timing belt kits, they are very popular and good quality.

[Liquidity]

Never done a timing belt - plans an S52 swap.

[dnguyen1963]

Never done a timing belt - plans an S52 swap.

You are rapidly building up a "No-Help Post" reputation here.

[Desmond]

Why don't you do water pump, thermostat, cam and crank seals as well? Also, I wouldn't trust some of those brands... Timing belt job is not something you should cheap out on.

If you look at the pic, all of those parts are already in my cart.

@CorvallisBMW: Thanks, spark plugs is a great idea. I looked on Rock Auto and they dont seem to have the valve cover gasket with the red ring, OEM style. I ordered a cheap VCG and it was complete junk. I had to reuse my current one, which is in very good shape. But yeah, I'm hesitant to order another cheap gasket.

And Liquidity, I have several friends, one with 3 separate garages with auto lifts and a yard full of about 40 different E30s, who can help me with the swap. It wont be a problem ;)

Thanks for your help so far guys!

[dnguyen1963]

Go to Blunt for your supplies.

[uturn]

Go with a Conti timing belt and do a search on the tensioner issue, cheap insurance in case you change your mind or get sidetracked on the engine swap.

[Regnar75]

I would also recommend getting the timing belt guide pin and spring. most people dont run them but its only 6$ and its nice to have the piece of mind in there.

[mitchlikesbikes]

i put a continental belt on mine, i bought all of my stuff from blunttech though

[TurboJake]

If you go through BMA, type in the part number M20TIMINGBELTKIT
Cheaper, Conti belt and Conti tensioner, comes with all three of the drive belts, all seals, water pump and gasket. $100.

I only see the two seals on your picture, the last one is pretty important to do at the same time.. BMA parts is same price plus the intermediate shaft seal and it's all good stuff. Conti>Dayco hands down.

You wont need the AC belt, but why get rid of the AC? It's nice to have and it's super easy to fix if there's a problem. 7 times out of 10 it just needs to be recharged.

[Club Dirty]

I would also recommend getting the timing belt guide pin and spring. most people dont run them but its only 6$ and its nice to have the piece of mind in there.

I second this. Made life easier, and mine was nowhere to be found.

I replaced my timing belt with hand tools over a couple of weekends, not hard, just paid close attention to everything that I was doing. Only pita was a stripped rotor button from the PO...go a cutoff when and used a flathead socket bit to get it out