After every 100k miles make sure you replace the tensioner and idler pulleys along with the serpentine belt if needed. Also, it is not unusual to see the fan clutch worn out by this time. I have had three towed in off the interstate over the past 6 months that lost the idler pulley. They were all between 110k miles and 140k miles. This is good preventive maintenace in my opinion.

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Jim

It's 2012. I have to wonder why belts are needed at all with electric power-steering -- motorcycles have gear-driven the water pump and alternator for years. A/C could be a sealed compressor running off a 120V tap on the alternator.

I don't know. I've had an 06 BMW in with the electric water pump that had failed at 108,xxx miles. The new replacement pump was $533.

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Jim

Which engine(s)??

So far it has been the early 2000's 323i and 325i. The one with the failed electric water pump was the 2006 330i. I've got a 545i in that I'l be changing these items on tomorrow as a preventive measure (120k miles). I'll let you know what I can tell in regards to the clearance in the brgs on these pulleys after I remove them. I suspect it is accross the board for the manufacturer though.

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Jim

All. Though you'll be lucky to make it that far with any of the N series sixes.

MV

Any thoughts on that new turbo'd 4-cyl in the new 328i? Same situation?

What about the 4.4 in the 740?

The two belts were toast at 55K but I have not done anything with the tensioner (currently at 70K)

No, more the sixes. The M62 was a pretty good engine, and the E38 was an excellent car. Just make sure you pay attention to the timing chain as it ages. Fix it and the guides before they go bad. Don't let the engine jump time. That's bad. Other than that, the valley pan and intake reseal is about the only major engine thing to worry about, it's it's pretty straight forward.

MV

At what mileage do the guides need replacement?

I've had the intake off and reinstalled already to replace the valve (PCV?) on the aft side.

Similar but different, I replace the idler pully/tensioner for my timing belt (E30 6) every time I change that, approx. 50 to 55 K. $25. Cheap insurance.

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Te futueo et caballum tuum

1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

On the cars in question, examine the fan blade and replace it if needed. Unless you like buying radiators and hoods just for fun. They can and will explode when they get old.

Also, the plastic water pump pulleys are starting to fail more often, these cars(esp E36 models) are getting old and were built more cheaply then the E21 and E30 models that came before them.

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"I was a dirty bird, Carol's not grungey - she's *****in" John Milner....American Graffiti

Thanks on this one. I have not seen this failure yet.

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Jim

Sounds like you have got a very good little system going there!
I take it you look after the tow truck drivers for bringing in the biz to you?

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving

Oh yea.

I'm within a mile of an interstate intersection (we own the property at the intersection) that is 90 miles from Savannah and 80 miles from Macon where the closest BMW/MB dealers are. I fixed the BMW yesterday for 1/2 less than it would have taken to tow the car to the dealer.

PPL that break down close to this intersection are lucky because they are out in the middle of no where at this intersection.

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Jim