E30 Timing belt tensioner spring

[Nerk]

Hey,

A quick question, we just did a timing belt change on my buddy's 1987 325(E) and noticed that the tensioner spring is not there... at first I thought the last guy that changed the belt didn't use the tensioner spring, so I was planning on grabbing it from a 1985 325E that I'm parting out, so I took the cover off and... guess what... no spring...

is it possible that the spring is only in select models? I haven't done the work on my 325IS yet, so I'm not sure with the "I" engines if its different or not...

also, how tight should this belt be, we did it as tight as possible, and there was still a little bit of play, but someone at work today said that was a bad idea, and the belt should be on the looser side....

Let me know, kind of confused by all this, and this is my first time doing the job. I'm sure it won't be last

Thanks,

[Ceeker]

Originally Posted by Nerk

Hey,

A quick question, we just did a timing belt change on my buddy's 1987 325(E) and noticed that the tensioner spring is not there... at first I thought the last guy that changed the belt didn't use the tensioner spring, so I was planning on grabbing it from a 1985 325E that I'm parting out, so I took the cover off and... guess what... no spring...

is it possible that the spring is only in select models? I haven't done the work on my 325IS yet, so I'm not sure with the "I" engines if its different or not...

also, how tight should this belt be, we did it as tight as possible, and there was still a little bit of play, but someone at work today said that was a bad idea, and the belt should be on the looser side....

Let me know, kind of confused by all this, and this is my first time doing the job. I'm sure it won't be last

Thanks,

If the belt is too loose you could skip a tooth and either jump the belt one tooth or strip the tooth - either way it will result in throwing your timing off and bending a few valves. timing belt or not it should have a working tensioner and spring.

Doesn't matter which model if it's an e30 and a 6 cyl you should have a tensioner spring. the rule of thumb is the belt should be able to turn 90 degrees with your thumb and finger. If it doesn't then it may be too tight which can result in premature wear, if too loose then the above can happen.

[davericher20]

get the spring. when the po or mechanic did it last it probably flew off and they said f-it when they couldn't find it and set the tension themselves.

Go get one.