Mechanical Serpentine Tensioner?

[BMW525i]

My dad's 97 528i has 165k on it and is having some issues. It's making a ticking noise that seems to be coming from the back of the alternator. Our mechanic says its the mechanical serpentine tensioner. I'm not to familiar with this problem and just seeing if anyone had one of these go bad. He quoted us $300 including labor.

[andyffer]

I think it has something to do with the cooling system

There is 1 tensioner and 2 serp. belts

[Bonswa]

tensioners are a very common problem with our cars. replace all tensioners and idlers at the same time. at least the tensioners. do it yourself. socket wrench only.

[andyffer]

^ link to DIY?

am i right, that it has to do with the cooling system

[cnn]

Here is my write-up for 1998 528i Entire Cooling Department Tips & Tricks:
www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986 (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986)

Addendum to my write-up: Do NOT use MTC Fan Blade. Mine broke after one year.
Use only Dealer Fan Blade.

HTH

PS: andyffer, for the records, there are: 2 tensioners, 2 belts, 3 rollers (2 with the tensioner, and 1 being the idler roller).....:)

[BMW525i]

i didn't think it had anything to do with the cooling system:dunno
has anybody had a problem like this before?

[teedub21]

Replaced all of them on my last 540 when doing the cooling system. They are a moving part that gets a lot of wear and the bearings go bad eventually.

[cnn]

i didn't think it had anything to do with the cooling system:dunno
has anybody had a problem like this before?

The ONLY part of my write-up:
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986 (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986)
that has nothing to do with the cooling system is the belt/tensioner for the AC (Figure 1 belt in red color).

Do COOLING OVERHAUL...alot of problems are waiting for your dad's car.

[Bonswa]

the tensioners and idlers don't DIRECTLY have anything to do with the cooling system, however they are on the serpentine belt system with the water pump which does. if you have two old tensioners and old idlers that have worn bearings, that could be putting a lot of extra strain on the water pump, causing it to fail ahead of time.

[andyffer]

Here is my write-up for 1998 528i Entire Cooling Department Tips & Tricks:
www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986 (http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986)

Addendum to my write-up: Do NOT use MTC Fan Blade. Mine broke after one year.
Use only Dealer Fan Blade.

HTH

PS: andyffer, for the records, there are: 2 tensioners, 2 belts, 3 rollers (2 with the tensioner, and 1 being the idler roller).....:)

Do you have the link for a new I6 2001/2002/2003 525i/530i cooling system DIY? Or is there not a difference with those and the 98 528?

[Bonswa]

your parts will be different. they were in my 01. so, you'll have to make sure you get different parts. however, the process and order of operations will be the same.

that's a decent write up to go by. when you get the shroud, radiator, and fan out of the car, its amazingly easy from there.

[andyffer]

your parts will be different. they were in my 01. so, you'll have to make sure you get different parts. however, the process and order of operations will be the same.

that's a decent write up to go by. when you get the shroud, radiator, and fan out of the car, its amazingly easy from there.

what are the parts that are different?

[cnn]

Do you have the link for a new I6 2001/2002/2003 525i/530i cooling system DIY? Or is there not a difference with those and the 98 528?

After 1998, i.e., from 1999---->2002
1. Thermostat is electrical type.
2. You may have an aux. water pump.

Basically when compared with 1998, 1999---->2002 models are 95% the same with minor differences.

To find out EXACTLY what part you need for your particular model, go to www.realoem.com (http://www.realoem.com)

That write-up took me 10h to write it up. Every single detail is in there. Read it carefully.

[Bonswa]

right. I was mainly talking about part numbers. They'll have the same parts, but your numbers will be different and look a little different. Mainly the t-stat, hoses, and expansion tank.