Is there a way to check the condition of my timing belt?

[worangejuice]

Is there a way to check the condition of my timing belt?
I have an '88 325is and the last guy said he wasn't sure on the last change. Is there a way to just check the belts condition?
I need to change the belt in the end, but I want/need to drive ittill then :(
Thanks

[foofopps]

I think if you pull the valve cover you can see where it comes over the top timing sprocket, but it probably won't give you much of an idea unless its in really bad shape. Same thing happended to me where PO didn't know when it was changed so i just did it anyway, however the old belt was in really good shape.

[worangejuice]

ahhhh, thanks for the response, you'd think there would be a way to check it.....dang,dang,dang...........still looking at a way to buy parts, but not go overboard on price..

[ak-]

ahhhh, thanks for the response, you'd think there would be a way to check it.....dang,dang,dang...........still looking at a way to buy parts, but not go overboard on price..

Email Blunt

[ethree]

You replace it and then look at it when it's not endangering your motor.

[Wh33lhop]

You replace it and then look at it when it's not endangering your motor.

Basically. The only way to really know how much more mileage you can get out of your timing belt, is to change it. I know someone whose timing belt is hanging half off their cam sprocket... it's pretty scary. He's changing it.

[ben312]

When in doubt, change it out.

[NC325iC]

take off one the the covers and look at it...

[recall]

take off one the the covers and look at it...

This only gives you a partial idea and you can really only see if the belt is in really bad shape. There can be cracks forming that you'll only see if you bend the belt back on itself.

[NC325iC]

i was just answering the question, not saying it was a good idea.

[txtorquemade]

Pelican Parts has the kit for something like what...60 bucks I think. Just do it

[KARIME302]

there are many ways

[DJB]

If the guy "doesn't remember" when it was last changed, it's far overdue.

We hear time and time again about a newly purchased car breaking the belt in the first week or two. A car sitting unmaintained and little used suddenly gets a different driver with a different usage pattern. Of course things are going to break.

If you are really short on cash, just replace the $12 timing belt now. Otherwise replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, alternator belt, and put in fresh coolant. If anything else looks marginal, it's easily replaced later.

[Simon S]

When in doubt, change it out.

^ this.
It's the only way to be sure.

[worangejuice]

Thanks for all the input fella's.
I was just loathing having to put money into the bmw after smogging/registering my Maxima, and the waterpump on the Nissan may be going too >:(.
Preventive maintenance is the best way.
Got squared away on pelicanparts.com for $162.50 (w/tax) and free shipping.