Timer Belt Going?

optimistique1

Member
 Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Hi All

I have just noticed when I turn the engine on that there is a whirling squeaking noise coming from the engine (sounds like what you hear from other cars when their timer belts are about to go except not quite so severe).

It happens as soon as the engine starts and continues whilst I drive for a few miles and then stops.

The same will then again happen the next day and so forth.

Does it sound like the timer belt is in need of replacing and how do I check this as I am no way a car expert.

Many thanks
 
BMW's have a timing chain that doesn't need changing like belts. Not sure on the noise, someone will be along with an idea thou :thumbsup:
 
could it be the power steering belt? Don't even know if the Z has one but had a horrible squeak from an old car and that was the issue
 
Ok so that rules out the timing belt so maybe the alternator belt, I think I will get it checked out.

As I said after a few miles of driving the sound stops but then after a cold start up it happens again.

Is this a pricey job, hope not!
 
As above sounds like alternater drive belt squeaking, the reason it only does it after startup is that the battery and the car puts a higher demand on the alternater as you've just started, then once the battery has charged enough the load eases.
Try this, at first start in the morning turn everything electrical on, lights heater heated seats rear screen, you get the idea. At this point it will probably squeal like a pig as you Rev the engine, this is the belt slipping.
If this is what's happening I would replace the drive belt and tensioner.

Stuart
 
No doubt about it, it will be your alternator or air con belt and if they havent been changed in a while your belt tensioner. A fairly easy job, you just need to jack up the front of your car and remove the underpanel to gain access.
 
I spent about £70 and did the water pump both belts, tensioner just because the car has 100k on the clock.
 
Can anyone advise if the tensioner is spring loaded or hydrolic?
I am trying to get a price for parts and this is what I was asked and I have no clue?
 
I am trying to keep the price down by getting the items that I need online but when I look for the tensioner I am seeing two types and I am not sure which I need. The links are below, can anyone advise which one I should be getting for the 2005 plate model:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FEBI-06051-Tensioner-Pulley-v-ribbed-belt-/301960107300?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4%7CCars+Year%3A2005%7CPlat_Gen%3AE85&hash=item464e399524:g:R0AAAOSwPcVVk3f~

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INA-Tensioner-Pulley-v-ribbed-belt-BMW-3-Series-5-7-Z3-Z4-533-0015-10-/311490297675?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4%7CCars+Year%3A2005%7CPlat_Gen%3AE85&hash=item488644bf4b:g:9NEAAOSwL7VWk59f
 
optimistique1 said:
I am trying to keep the price down by getting the items that I need online but when I look for the tensioner I am seeing two types and I am not sure which I need. The links are below, can anyone advise which one I should be getting for the 2005 plate model:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FEBI-06051-Tensioner-Pulley-v-ribbed-belt-/301960107300?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4%7CCars+Year%3A2005%7CPlat_Gen%3AE85&hash=item464e399524:g:R0AAAOSwPcVVk3f~

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INA-Tensioner-Pulley-v-ribbed-belt-BMW-3-Series-5-7-Z3-Z4-533-0015-10-/311490297675?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4%7CCars+Year%3A2005%7CPlat_Gen%3AE85&hash=item488644bf4b:g:9NEAAOSwL7VWk59f

One is the complete tensioner unit and other the deflection pulley. I would replace both if they are worn. Loosen the belt then feel both and see if worn.

They look right , but check out this site with your chassis number for correct part numbers. I've populated it for a 2003, but are all the same
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BT52-EUR-05-2003-E85-BMW-Z4_30i&diagId=11_3416
 
Hi Optmistique1 for that price I did it myself. Not to difficult loads of vids on Youtube. The costs were part prices only. Paid £46 for the water pump and spring tensioner. The rest was belts.
 
I have a 2005 2,5 se and the two items you have listed I used on mine. My car has 100k on the clock so I did the water pump also.
 
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