Noisey fan belt on 2008 335xi

[baytopper]

The car has been in the shop twice for a squeaky fan belt. First time the belt was changed and pulleys checked. In a few months the noise came back. The second time the belt was changed again and the tensioner was also replaced. Three days later the belt squealed and was replaced again. It was quiet for two weeks and now has started to act-up once more. Need answers please

[mryakan]

:confused there is no fan belt, it is an electric fan!!! Are you talking about the belt that drives the power steering/alternator?

[baytopper]

Yes, the serpentine belt.

[Mima]

I am curious, did the belt show any sign of wear? Cracks? Tear? Discoloration?

From what I know that is the only time it should get changed. Also how many miles do you have on the ride?

[baytopper]

The first belt was changed at about 30,000. The tensioner and belt were replaced at 75,000. The belt was replaced again in a week. The car has 80,000 and the noise is slowly coming back.

[baytopper]

Mystery solved. The repair shop had put an after-market belt on and had replaced it with another after-market belt. They finally replaced the second belt with a BMW belt and the squeal went away.

[White94RX]

Not surprising. I guess that's what you get when you go to an independant shop. So was it worth the hassle to save a few bucks over the dealership?

[mattjw916]

using independent shops is fine for routine work but using OEM BMW parts is a must IMO for wear and tear items like belts, hoses, etc...

[White94RX]

Agree 100% as long as they actually have tech's that are experience on BMW's and you're not going to be the guinea pig.