M20 Belt Removal

[scotbotmosh]

I have replaced numerous serpentine belts on cars before now I need to remove the belt on my 525 ( I need to remove the belt to remove the powersteering pump in order to change my oilpan gasket) My Bently manual is rather vague on this. My question is, does the belt come off like most cars where there is one spring loaded tensioner that you pull back on to remove tension and then allowing you to slip the belt off? If so how can I tell which one it is, if not what is the procedure.

Thanks!

[WVe28]

Is this for the car in your signature? If so, you have a M50 engine, not a M20. On these cars, there is one serpentine belt which is tensioned via a spring-loaded tensioner. You need to use a allen socket and rachet (turning clockwise) to relieve the belt tension (after removing the cover from the front of the belt tensioner).

If it is a M20 (89-90 model year cars), there are three v-belts and a timing belt. You just have to loosen the mounting bolts to get the v-belts off, though I don't think you have to do this to get the oil pan off of a M20.

[scotbotmosh]

Ahh I was under the impression my 95' 525IT was an M20...good thing you caught this as I have been reading all the how to's in the Bently manual for the M20...this would have been a huge shock this weekend when doing my oil pan gasket..thanks for the heads up!

[WVe28]

No problem. But yeah, a 1995 model year e34 definitely didn't come from the factory with a M20. ;)

[Dave M]

The belt tensioner is the small pulley right between the harmonic balancer (big black one with teeth) and the alternator pulley. I believe its an allen bolt on the e34, or is it a torx (M52??)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/dave_macisaac/Bimmer/Engine/Block_Swap/Engine_3007.jpg

Dave

[WVe28]

I'm pretty sure it's allen. Not sure what size exactly, though. Nice pic. :D

[Dave M]

I'm pretty sure it's allen. Not sure what size exactly, though. Nice pic. :D

Yeah, looking closely, it is an allen. If memory serves, its a 6mm. However, memory doesn't always serve ;)

Dave

[scotbotmosh]

Thank you all so much it is really appreciated. I felt kind of stupid, and I would have been in for a big shock this weekend ha ha. My Bently manual says that it is a 7MM hex bolt. Thanks again! Great pic as well, that looks new? Got any special plans for it?

[healtoeit]

Ahh I was under the impression my 95' 525IT was an M20...
BMW stopped putting the m20 in the e34 in 1991. In 1992 they put the M50 in which is my engine. In 1993 (i think) they introduced the M50tu w/ VANOS
More info here http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/other/Models.htm
:)