Locking Crank

[HiTheNameIsBJ]

Does anyone know where I can source a tool to lock the crank on a 5/87 325is. Apparently the harmonic balancer needs to be pulled to change a timing belt?

[abepark]

I used a socket and a breaker bar, had the breaker bar be blocked by the ground from spinning. If you're on a lift you might beable to brace the breaker bar against the frame rail. If you have two people you can use a prybar as well. I don't suggest that cause if you nick a tooth it could have issues with the Crank sensor.

[jlevie]

The harmonic balancer does have to come off, but it is held on by six bolts on this engine. Remove those and the balancer will come off without having to mess with the crank bolt.

[Ruffian]

If after removing the six bolts holding on the crank pulley, your balancer still seems to remain, gently tap on it around with a rubber mallet or hammer against a piece of wood resting against it. it'll fall off.

[HiTheNameIsBJ]

Bently says early models have a split crank and you have to remove the 22mm which is torqued to 350ft/lbs, is that not the case with an 87? I have the 6 bolts out, I just gave em quick shots with a breaker bar. If the 22mm doesn't need to come out Ill toss a flywheel puller on it.

[jlevie]

Early production E30s are as the Bentley describes, but it doesn't say that by early it means early ETA cars. The M20B25, which you have, doesn't fall into that class.

You don't need a puller tap on alternate side of the balancer with a dead blow hammer. You don't have to hit it hard. Gentle taps will work it off.

[HiTheNameIsBJ]

Thanks, I dunno why it's not stated only eta cars. Great explanation. I'll get the pb blast and rubber mallet out.

[DJB]

Bentley is incorrect on this point. No e30 m20 needed to have crank bolt removed to change the timing belt, not even the earliest 325e cars.

This was either just-plain-wrong information, or a cut-and-paste from a different body style that used the earliest m20 engines.