maXbimmer Forums - View Single Post - Water pump replacement cost for 1997 540i?

KGB · 02-18-2005, 03:19 PM

The mechanic suggested replacement of all 3 pulleys. To my understanding, all of them have ball bearings inside, right? The tensioners should be fine, though, some people replace the factory spring tensioners with hydrolic ones for better performance.

For sure it's not a hard job mechanically and it's less expensive to buy the pulleys on the internet than locally from the dealer. But the car needs to be lifted on the hoist to access the belt section in order to replace the pulleys and the belt. And in some cases removal of the radiator may be needed to unscrew the bolts tightened to the block. Pretty hard for DIY'er without a garage like me

.

Does anyone share his experience with hydrolic tensioners vs the regular ones? Where can I get those?

Thanks

02-18-2005, 03:19 PM	#6
KGB 1st Gear Newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 22 Car: BMW 530iA	The mechanic suggested replacement of all 3 pulleys. To my understanding, all of them have ball bearings inside, right? The tensioners should be fine, though, some people replace the factory spring tensioners with hydrolic ones for better performance. For sure it's not a hard job mechanically and it's less expensive to buy the pulleys on the internet than locally from the dealer. But the car needs to be lifted on the hoist to access the belt section in order to replace the pulleys and the belt. And in some cases removal of the radiator may be needed to unscrew the bolts tightened to the block. Pretty hard for DIY'er without a garage like me . Does anyone share his experience with hydrolic tensioners vs the regular ones? Where can I get those? Thanks __________________ ------------------------------------ BMW 1997 540i 6spd ZE DREM VIL FINALI KUM TRU! BMW VIL RULE ZE VORLD! Last edited by KGB; 02-18-2005 at 03:23 PM.