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Thread: E30 Timing Belt Replacement

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
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    1987 E30 Vert

    E30 Timing Belt Replacement

    Well, another request for a local mechanic.

    I was looking for someone in the Milford/New Haven CT area to do an E30 timing belt replacement. Any recommendations, and does anyone know what it should run?

    TIA

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
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    Des Moines, IA
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    90 ix, 91 i & ic, 02 325
    If you don't get a response with a specific recommendation.

    If you have money - goto a BMW dealership. They will enjoy working on it - trust me.

    If money is a barrier - any indy / local mechanic can do the job. It is a DIY job for a mechanically inclined owner. There are no special tools needed (i.e. none that a small shop wouldn't have).

    If you have any inclination in doing it yourself - there are plenty of guides available - A person can do this in their driveway.

    I fully understand if a person chooses to outsource it -that is why I include the monetary aspect.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
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    2004 525i, 1985 325E
    You may want to start here: https://www.bimrs.org/
    2004 525i Sport, Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

  4. #4
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    1987 E30 Vert
    Thanks. I guess I will have to look around. I did the belt myself 10 years ago, but I now older and have some physical limitations that make it more difficult than before. I am probably pushing my luck with a 10 year old belt, but the car is always garaged and I have only driven it 4000 miles since I did the job. It took me quite a while to do it last time and since I work so many hours it may be worth having someone else do it.


    Quote Originally Posted by 95BMWIC View Post
    If you don't get a response with a specific recommendation.

    If you have money - goto a BMW dealership. They will enjoy working on it - trust me.

    If money is a barrier - any indy / local mechanic can do the job. It is a DIY job for a mechanically inclined owner. There are no special tools needed (i.e. none that a small shop wouldn't have).

    If you have any inclination in doing it yourself - there are plenty of guides available - A person can do this in their driveway.

    I fully understand if a person chooses to outsource it -that is why I include the monetary aspect.
    - - - Updated - - -

    Thanks for the link to bimrs. Sadly, no shops showed up near my zip.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
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    1983 320I, 1986 325E
    It is so easy. You can totally DIY it. I just did it on a 1986 325e. Hardest part is removing the accessories and timing cover. Once the timing covers are off, set it to top dead center, remove the timing belt, replace the tensioner pulley but dont tighten it, and put the new belt on. Rotate the engine over 4 times and if no resistance and the timing marks line up tighten the tensioner and put the timing covers and accessories back on. You have to remove the timing belt to change the water pump. Some change it as a precaution, but its not absolutely necessary to do it. You could also replace the timing cover gasket, crank seal, and intermediate shaft seal if you felt like doing it. To do it I removed the crank pulley nut with a plumbing wrench and a pole.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
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    90 ix, 91 i & ic, 02 325
    Husker Du (your namesake) was a speed punk music band from St Paul Mn in the early 80's - so that puts you in your mid 50s??

    Again - just find a local reputable shop - they should be able to do it at a reasonable rate.

    Honestly - anymore I find mechanics commenting they would like to work on this classic... (Its weird - I know - but swear its true)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
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    Connecticut
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    1987 E30 Vert
    Huskerdooo did come from Husker Du. I was into the punk scene back in the day and I ended up calling my husky Huskerdooo, and I have used it as a screen name. So yeah, I am 59 now.

    I am definitely mechanically inclined enough to do it, considering I have already done it once before and have tackled more complex repairs. It is a bulging disc that keeps me away for now, plus lack of time.

    I'm going to call the local shops to see what they quote. If it is too high, maybe I will just take my time and do it myself. Thanks for all of the replies.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    Rutland, Vermont
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    E30 E38 E46 E85 F150 GTI
    Mine is 10 years old too. Maybe 25k miles on it max but I’m nervous. Would love to sub it out only because way too many projects.

    Love Bob Mould!
    Last edited by clarkitect; 06-25-2022 at 07:32 PM.
    2000 740i Sport | 2004 330xi | 1988 325i Vert | 2003 Z4 2.5 | 1995 Ford F150 | 2018 GTI

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    e24e30e36e39e90
    If you can get the car up on four jack stands it helps the back a lot. I have a quickjack and I always raise the cars when I’m going to be under the hood for a while.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
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    Milwaukee, WI
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    1989 325ix, 2003 4.4 x5
    I did mine a few years ago around Christmas time after getting a Makita electric ratchet. Probably did it 20 min sessions at a time stopping when I wasn't having fun anymore haha.wasnt going to drive it in winter anyway. Was kinda nice!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Took me about a month lol!

  11. #11
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    Well, I'm going to chime in here for a thumbs up on Hüsker Dü.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

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