Hello BMW E60 Members! I need your help if you know this! Appreciate it!

I went to BMW Maintenance for regular check up so they did a diagnostic test and this is what they recommended:

1) Need A/C and ALT Belts
2) Rear Differential Mount Fluid Leaking ---> he said if I do not change it, this could catch on fire so do it ASAP.

My questions are

1) Anyone know DYI - how to change A/C Belt and ALT Belt? can I buy A/C Belt online?

2) What is ALT Belt means? can I buy it online OEM?

3) What is Rear Differential Mount Fluid Leaking? How much you guys think it cost to fix it?


Thank you guys E60 members! Go Bimmer

 

Get a second opinion from another BMW shop.

 

should i show them the 1st BMW Shop diagnostic sheet print out?

 

I'm talking here about the 530d but I bet the petrols are similar:

The A/C is the air conditioning compressor belt.
The ALT will be the massive belt that drives everything else - water pump, power steering, alternator etc.

Space is tight in there but pretty much jack the front up and remove the undertray to see the belts. Take a picture - you need to thread the belt back on the same way it was before.

You need to take the A/C belt off to do the other belt so it's common practice just to change both.

Get a spanner on the spring loaded tensioner. Take the pressure off the belt and slip the belt off - watch your fingers if you slip with the tensioner you could lose a finger. Then gently let go of the tensioner. Do the same for both belts.

The belts do age. You should be able to buy decent equivalents from a few sources.

Can't comment on the diff mount I'm afraid.

 

You can see the belts at the front of the engine. Use a torch (flashlight) to see better. They're rubber and should look healthy, not brown, brittle, cracked or glazed.

 

Thanks Jason...your tips are helpfuL!