am new to BMWs and hoping for some help...

during a recall visit to the local dealer this week I was informed that I should have my drive belt tensioner replaced. quoted me $480.

how difficult is this as a DIY. can anyone point me the right direction

any ideas how soon this ought to done. am i on borrowed time for something more serious

2008 528i 50K miles

 

I just did mine, it wasn't that bad, however I took out the electric cooling fan shroud for other work, which made it easier clearance wise I'm sure. Theres good post on the site for the tensioner you'll need a couple torq heads, a bigger one like T50 (not sure on that), but a breaker bar for releasing the tension for belt removal. You'll have torque values for the tightening of the new replacement bolt, the bolt is a one time use deal. And while your at it replace the other idle pulley, and the belt. If you dont feel comfortable with any of that, 480 if they give you belt and pulley, isn't really aweful, I think my parts from the stealer were $275 ish.

 

My 528i just reached 40K miles; the local Indy shop mentioned that this should be done soon, the quoted price is similar. I'm just a bit surprised this needs replacement this soon.

 

i had a noise that i and bmw mechanic thought was bad water pump bearings. turns out it was my tensioner! the pivot got real dry and binding, and was making noise as it vibrated.
it was fairly easy on a 550. just remove belt, then unbolt tensioner.

 

The belt tensioner replacement is not a difficult job, it just takes patience and a few hours of your day.

We do carry the original belt tensioner as well as the belts for that vehicle.


Here is the link to our site for the parts, if needed:
AutohausAZ - Belt system

Disclaimer: Make sure to check the year and model of the vehicle before placing the order.

 

Removing the fan shroud and the air clear housing greatly facilitates access and movement for the main tensioner rotation.

Just be careful as that tensioner is under considerable pressure!

Should also replace the tensioner bolt.

So check to see that the kit has it and if not purchase it separately

 

Thanks all. I haven't done much DIY and need to research and think through.

 

That is not really a good DIY project for a 1st timer.

That tensioner is under considerable pressure, and if you are not familiar with the procedure you can do a bit of damage.

Try filter changes, then maybe oil and filter, some fluid changes, etc.

I'd work up to this very slowly

 

As others have written, remove the electric cooling fan to give yourself more room to work. It really isn't a bad job at all. I believe the OEM for the tensioner is INA, so there's no reason to pay 2X for the BMW-branded part.

Here's a link to a DIY post.

Be sure to check out the condition of your serpentine belt since it has to come off for the tensioner replacement.