New Drive Belts

[BennyL]

Hey guys,

I was thinking of changing my belts just as preventative maintenance.

Does this make sense, or is there no point in changing the belts if there is no problem with them? I figured, there's no harm in putting in new belts, and since I have no service records from the previous owner, I might as well change them so I have a starting point.

And if it IS a good idea to do it... has anyone ever heard of Contitech belts? are they any good, or should I go OEM?

See link please: LINK (http://cgi.ebay.ca/BMW-Alternator-PS-Belts-E36-318ti-318i-Z3-1-9-318is_W0QQitemZ8058041743QQcategoryZ38656QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) - is this a good price?

[propr'one]

look at the belts. if they're not cracking or brittle, there's likely no reason to do it, belts dont have to be changed that often (every couple oil changes)

[BennyL]

ya, but I've had the car through 2, almost 3 oil changes now, and I have no prior service records.

[Miguel]

go see RMP.

/thread

[Gamite]

ya, but I've had the car through 2, almost 3 oil changes now, and I have no prior service records.

Just check the belts, its not hard to do, all you have to do is look at them.

[Nascar318is]

If your belts squel(sp?) like a pig, then look into cracks and what not. Mine were beyond cracked, there were chunks missing. If the belts are fine then they are just loose, if not shell out the $30 for 2 new belts and $20 for a 12 pack of beer and change your belts. And you don't have to take your fan off to change your belt.

[Gamite]

squeals might just mean they're loose.

lol if you have chunks missing, then you definately need to change them. look for stripped wires comming loose or any cracks.