Replacing belts

[Gebbly]

Well I am slowly coming to terms with my Z4M being a "classic" car as my local (and very trusted) mechanic keeps referring to her, and the fact that this means I have a responsibility to carry out regular maintenance unlike a new car. My mechanic replaced the CPV o-ring and this seems to have cured the EML warning light on the dash but he did spot several signs of a slow oil leak to be investigated (fingers crossed this was the CPV seal) and also suggested the A/C belt needs replacing. I fancy trying to replace the A/C v-belt myself as the next thing to learn and along with it the water pump/alternator belt whilst I'm at it.

Changing the belts looks to be an awkward job but doable. As a starting point I had a few questions if anyone can help please?

Has anyone else done this?
Can this be done standing looking down on the engine or do I need to get underneath the engine?
I have seen mechanics do it in videos after having removed the entire front of a car, is it doable without removing things like the front bumper and radiator?
I have found the 2 belt part numbers here and here.
Does it have to be a BMW branded belt (which seem to go for about £50) or will other brands do such as from here?
As usual there are some handy step-by-step instructions at Pelican Parts. Is there anything that should be added to those instructions?

Is there anything else I need to know or any advice?

 

[Joez4]

I'm not familiar with the s54 engine but on an m54 engine the belt change is literally a 5 minute job working from underneath the car, whilst the belts are off its a good opportunity to check all the pulleys and look for oil and coolant leaks, don't be surprised if you find them tho,

Changing belts would be rather difficult from above I would imagine unless you know the belt orientation really well that is

 

[TIMMOS29]

Well I am slowly coming to terms with my Z4M being a "classic" car as my local (and very trusted) mechanic keeps referring to her, and the fact that this means I have a responsibility to carry out regular maintenance unlike a new car. My mechanic replaced the CPV o-ring and this seems to have cured the EML warning light on the dash but he did spot several signs of a slow oil leak to be investigated (fingers crossed this was the CPV seal) and also suggested the A/C belt needs replacing. I fancy trying to replace the A/C v-belt myself as the next thing to learn and along with it the water pump/alternator belt whilst I'm at it.

Changing the belts looks to be an awkward job but doable. As a starting point I had a few questions if anyone can help please?

Has anyone else done this?
Can this be done standing looking down on the engine or do I need to get underneath the engine?
I have seen mechanics do it in videos after having removed the entire front of a car, is it doable without removing things like the front bumper and radiator?
I have found the 2 belt part numbers here and here.
Does it have to be a BMW branded belt (which seem to go for about £50) or will other brands do such as from here?
As usual there are some handy step-by-step instructions at Pelican Parts. Is there anything that should be added to those instructions?

Is there anything else I need to know or any advice?

Ill say to you what everyone said to me.

If you can add your car age and engine details in your signature that would be great.

If you look on you tube there is a guy that just did it without rad off by moving the engine slightly.

 

[Gebbly]

Thanks both. I'll put in an order for the belts. Also have added the suggested car detail to my signature.

 

[Gebbly]

check all the pulleys

What would I be looking for?
The Pelican Parts article suggests replacing the "idler" pulley whilst doing the belt change. Which pulley in the realoem diagram is the "idler" pulley?

 

[Joez4]

Check that they have no play side to side and they rotate smoothly and feel tight rather than loose and rattly if you try to spin them

 

[Gebbly]

Thanks [ref]Joez4[/ref], good tip. I have ordered the 2 belts and pulleys and will check them as you suggest.