AC Compressor Belt

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  • EDirty325
    Member
    • Aug 2014
    • 65
    #1

    AC Compressor Belt

    Hey guys, went to replace alternator and AC belt (not running power steering at the moment, need new rack) and ordered the belts that were recommended for my 1989 325i(s? - I'll get to that in a moment). The alternator belt went right on, but the AC compressor belt that I ordered was the recommended contitech 13x810. The belt that I pulled off was a contitech 13x825, and no way the 810 is fitting.

    After doing a bit more research I did see that there is an available 12.5x823 contitech but that should only be for years 84-85... What is going on here? My thought is the PO had a rough time getting the 823 on so he just orderd an 825? But why would my car use the 823 in the first place if my car is an 89!!!? :hitler:

    Back to the "is" thing as a tangent because I've been wondering. The door sticker that has my correct VIN on it says 325iS made in Germany, yet I can still see the outline from the stock trunk emblem (needs paint job) that says 325i... Because the door sticker says 325iS I do indeed own an is right? What's the difference anyways?

    Thanks, as always!! I want to get this belt ordered today if possible.
    Tags: None
    • turbo55
      Wrencher
      • Jul 2014
      • 223
      #2
      The A/C tensioner bracket is movable (gear on teeth thing, like a mini-rack and pinion) so there is a range of belt sizes that should be able to work, although I don't know what the range is.

      The "s" is the sport trim version, which included performance stuff like an LSD, oil cooler, sports seats, sport front valance, the small trunk spoiler/lip, as well as top of the line trim stuff like the 13 button OBC and power windows/doors/sunroof. Check if you have those things, then you know.

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        • EDirty325
          Member
          • Aug 2014
          • 65
          #3
          Originally posted by turbo55
          The A/C tensioner bracket is movable (gear on teeth thing, like a mini-rack and pinion) so there is a range of belt sizes that should be able to work, although I don't know what the range is.

          The "s" is the sport trim version, which included performance stuff like an LSD, oil cooler, sports seats, sport front valance, the small trunk spoiler/lip, as well as top of the line trim stuff like the 13 button OBC and power windows/doors/sunroof. Check if you have those things, then you know.
          Thanks for the reply. I did adjust it even removed that bolt and the 810 was quite a few mm too short. I got the 825 yesterday and it's the same size as the one that I took off so it should work no problem.

          See that is weird because I have the OBC, front valance, power windows and locks, sunroof, and not sure about an oil cooler. I don't have a rear spoiler or side skirts but the PO did include that spoiler as an extra when I got the car. Thinking maybe he got a 325i trunk lid which would explain no spoiler and the badges. After checking my door sticker again last night I remembered that is actually says 325 iS-2 is there any difference there?

            Comment

            • turbo55
              Wrencher
              • Jul 2014
              • 223
              #4
              Good to hear about the belt.

              The oil cooler is right in front of the engine block, you'd have to look from under the car to get a good look. It's got 2 hoses running to the oil filter housing. Looks like this: http://www.r3vlimited.com/gallery/fi...7/5/cooler.jpg

              That is weird, sound a like it might just be the trunk lid.
              From http://www.e30info.com/pages/diff.htm:
              Any model with an "s" suffix, like the 318is, 325es, and 325is, denotes the sport model which only came in two door form. It can be easily recognized by its front spoiler with integrated foglights, rear decklid spoiler, and 14" BBS cross-spoke "basketweave" rims. It also featured a limited slip differential (optional on the 318is) , bolstered sport seats, thicker swaybars, slightly stiffer shocks and front springs, and 3-spoke sport steering wheel (except '90 on, which used a leather-wrapped airbag wheel). The 325es and 325is came with an on board computer, power sunroof/mirrors/windows, central locking, and premium sound system standard as well. In 1991 there was no official 325is model, although the Sport package with all the aforementioned items was still available.

              Don't know what the is-2 is.

                Comment

                • AndrewBird
                  The Mad Scientist
                  • Oct 2003
                  • 11892
                  #5
                  Just go down to your local auto parts store and buy a belt that is slightly bigger. They should have a whole wall of them in every size. No need to order a BMW specific one, it's just a belt.

                    Comment

                    • EDirty325
                      Member
                      • Aug 2014
                      • 65
                      #6
                      Thanks guys, yeah I got the proper belt. I'm just going to run the VIN and see if it says is or i. I seem to have bits of both haha. Thanks again!


                      Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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