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Thread: E34 Belt Tensioner Pulley Torx Size.

  1. #1
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    E34 Belt Tensioner Pulley Torx Size.

    Hi all, 1995 525i 5SPD 284k

    I'm trying to remove the tensioner pulley and I'm using a torx 50 bit and it's on there very tight but, I'm afraid I will strip the bolt. Am I using the right torx size?

    Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
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    moroza is offline MORΩN ΛABIA BMW CCA Member
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  3. #3
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    all mine are 13 mm hex bolts

  4. #4
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    Thanks! I haven't tried an allen. The torx 50 fit ok but, had a little play and that bolt is on tight.

  5. #5
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    It depends... Your best bet is to take a look with an inspection mirror. Mine had an allen originally, but it seems new ones only come as torx, don’t remember if 50 or 55.

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    I think you might be trying to remove the pulley from the tensioner which does not have a replacement available. Two M8 bolts w 13mm heads hold the tensioner to the OFH.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by ross1 View Post
    I think you might be trying to remove the pulley from the tensioner which does not have a replacement available. Two M8 bolts w 13mm heads hold the tensioner to the OFH.
    So, basically the belt tensioner is one unit and the pulley is not interchangeable?

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    Quote Originally Posted by drewusmaximus View Post
    So, basically the belt tensioner is one unit and the pulley is not interchangeable?
    One is, one isn't. I forget if the hyd or mech one is replaceable.
    I see to remember removing a torx screw on one that turned out to be the "isn't" one.
    I can dig through some of my old parts later and see if I can refresh my memory.
    Meanwhile I suggest you look into if a replacement pulley only is available. I had thought I'd found the replacement for this once and it/I was wrong.
    Sorry to be so nebulous but memory is foggy

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

  9. #9
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    Hydraulic one is definitely replaceable; I know zilch about the mech one, though...

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    Just looked some of my old stuff. Yours is the mechanical type which means you are SOL for finding the pulley alone.
    You can buy the entire tensioner 11 28 1 735 899 $15 Dorman(china) @ Rock Auto to $45 for OE INA @ Amazon
    Supposedly #s ending 748 832 & 427 252 are exchangeable, I only searched one #, might be worth sniffing around using all the #s for better price

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by ross1 View Post
    Just looked some of my old stuff. Yours is the mechanical type which means you are SOL for finding the pulley alone.
    You can buy the entire tensioner 11 28 1 735 899 $15 Dorman(china) @ Rock Auto to $45 for OE INA @ Amazon
    Supposedly #s ending 748 832 & 427 252 are exchangeable, I only searched one #, might be worth sniffing around using all the #s for better price
    Interesting... I know the idler pulley is interchangeable but, I agree I have the mechanical. I read I can upgrade to the hydraulic. I'm not going to push it. I'll look for a mechanical. Thanks for your advice.

  12. #12
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    hydraulic is not an upgrade IMO, just different.

    If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

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