timing belt- how far can one REALLY go?

[clydesdale]

I know this is a risky deal. My car has many issues and eventually will get an s50 that I have in my possession. I don't have time to get the swap done before winter and this is my winter car. The timing belt has not been changed in 6 years and about 50 thousand miles. I use continental belts. I believe it is 4 year 60k for the recommendation. Should I just suck it up and put in a belt, or do people get much more out of these things?

[M-technik-3]

How far? hmm that's like the old lollypop commercial it's going to go that far and then with generally no warning snap. There is no definitive answer to that,and that's why it has a recommended replacement period.

[M_3_X]

I say keep going and let us know how long it goes!

[clydesdale]

Ok, I get it. I will order the damn parts in the morning. This car has so many issues right now. I just wanted to try to get by for the winter and then start the motor swap. But, it is wiser to be safe than sorry.

[AndrewBird]

Considering many people have gone over 100k on the stock belt, I wouldn't worry about it. Pull the cover off and take a look at it. If there are no signs of cracking or anything, I'd drive it.

[ttrousdell]

I bought a 1990 325i with 105k miles a few years back for a daily. The previous owner had it for 40k miles and never did the belt so I put it on my soon to do list. Well at 106k she let go and there is was 2am on the side of the road on a snowy January night in NY.

[e30davie]

Who knows, but this is what happens if you snap one. Worst noise I have ever heard, Engine goes in the bin. I've no idea how long it lasted, happened a day after I got it on the road. I figured i'd change it soon after registering it. Apparently soon wasn't soon enough.

2 half competent people can change the belt in half a day. In the time you spent typing your post i could have had radiator hoses off and well on the way to changing it....

[ttrousdell]

^ouch I was lucky and mine went at near idle and the bottom end was fine. That is worst case right there.
Not a hard job. I used to charge $300+materials and that's how I made a little money in college. I was able to do it solo in 5 hours.

[e30davie]

yah that was around 3000-4000 rpm.

It really did come to a grinding hault. The noise still haunts me! Probably a blessing in disquise. That engine was stuffed.

Judging by the condition of the belt the last time it was changed was probably....never.

[parkerbink]

Considering many people have gone over 100k on the stock belt, I wouldn't worry about it. Pull the cover off and take a look at it. If there are no signs of cracking or anything, I'd drive it.

I'd say this is your best bet. Open it up to see, if it's ok, put it back together, if not keep going. It is a 30 minute job to see the belt.

[jeffnhiscars]

I wish I still had the link to an interview with a senior Conti engineer who basically said that timing belts age as much from tie as use (which we pretty much knew) but that they deteriorate from the inside out. In other words, the reinforcing belts, which I guess do most of the work, fatigue which causes the belt to let go.

Given that Id say a visual inspection means little to nothing. Kind of like investing your rent money in a stock tip you got from your drunk uncle at a family bbq :-)

[superj]

the first e30 I ever had, before e30tech and r3vlimited, I put 100k on it not knowing it had a timing belt. bought it used, an 85 model.

but, had another break the belt at idle and we only had it two weeks. an 88 model.

I will never not change the timing belt after that belt broke. the engine sounded like someone was stomping soda cans to recycle. turned out it was all the valves and rocker arms bending and breaking. horrible sound

[dubdub]

Wait... what? He has a S50 waiting to go in. This is the universe trying to help him do a swap!

F-it... worst case you are forced into doing a swap in January.

[MR E30 325is]

Wait... what? He has a S50 waiting to go in. This is the universe trying to help him do a swap!

F-it... worst case you are forced into doing a swap in January.

Kinda agree.

Ride it hard and put it away wet.

[E30SPDFRK]

I do them a bunch at work, my record is 47 minutes without changing the water pump. You could get it done in less than 5 hours pretty easy if you're even slightly competent. And parts are cheap, I say just do it.