PDA

View Full Version : New Belt Tensioner: Now belt won't fit??


Eric Fraser
09-08-2004, 01:07 PM
1995 525i, M50TU

I replaced the mechanical fan belt tensioner to eliminate a squeal. I got the new tensioner from BMW (supposedly matched to the VIN). Now I can't get the belt over the pulleys even if I compress the tensioner as far as it will go.

Now what? Is there more than one size belt for this application?

Thanks for any input.

Eric Fraser
632 Regal
09-08-2004, 01:49 PM
there is a recent post on this belt issue, there is 2 belts.
632 Regal
09-08-2004, 01:50 PM
there is a recent post on this belt issue, there is 2 belts. (http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?p=37094)
mikemaster
09-08-2004, 02:30 PM
I had the same problem recently, but was able to use the smaller belt by starting it around the pully, and then turning it with a strap wrench. Fit perfectly once it was on! :p
Eric Fraser
09-08-2004, 10:42 PM
The new tensioner must have a different compressed length than the old one.

Anyone know off the top of the head what the part number for the longer belt is? The belt I currently have, which fits perfectly with the old, now presumed defective, tensioner, is Part No.11-28-1-469-266.
winfred
09-08-2004, 10:54 PM
that belt is 1555mm long the other belt is 11281469261 and is 1560mm long


The new tensioner must have a different compressed length than the old one.

Anyone know off the top of the head what the part number for the longer belt is? The belt I currently have, which fits perfectly with the old, now presumed defective, tensioner, is Part No.11-28-1-469-266.
winfred
09-08-2004, 10:55 PM
ps the 1555 is listed for the 91 525 only in my software


that belt is 1555mm long the other belt is 11281469261 and is 1560mm long
Eric Fraser
09-08-2004, 11:28 PM
The belt was installed by the local BMW dealer last year after the water pump imploded. 5mm will make all the difference in getting it over the edge of that pulley. Thanks.



that belt is 1555mm long the other belt is 11281469261 and is 1560mm long
Eric Fraser
09-08-2004, 11:36 PM
at the dealership. I wonder whether the shorter belt has applied excess tension on all the pulleys and prematured aged them...


ps the 1555 is listed for the 91 525 only in my software
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 09:59 AM
Winfred,

What database are you using and where can I get this longer belt?

BMW parts guy says that the only belt specified for this application is Part No. 11281469266 which is 1555mm. Not only could he not find the part number you gave me, but he couldn't find a belt that was 1560mm long. He says they have some belts for the V-8s that are 1580mm long, but I think that's too long.

Looking for suggestions.



that belt is 1555mm long the other belt is 11281469261 and is 1560mm long
Bill R.
09-09-2004, 11:11 AM
the m50?, if so what year and model did the m52 come out of? That would make it easier to track down the belt, but all models of m50 in that range of years has the 1555 belt according to the fairly new etk that i have. What is the part number of the new tensioner that you have?









Winfred,

What database are you using and where can I get this longer belt?

BMW parts guy says that the only belt specified for this application is Part No. 11281469266 which is 1555mm. Not only could he not find the part number you gave me, but he couldn't find a belt that was 1560mm long. He says they have some belts for the V-8s that are 1580mm long, but I think that's too long.

Looking for suggestions.
winfred
09-09-2004, 11:51 AM
that comes from our parts supplyer worldpac, the contental number is 6pk-1560


Winfred,

What database are you using and where can I get this longer belt?

BMW parts guy says that the only belt specified for this application is Part No. 11281469266 which is 1555mm. Not only could he not find the part number you gave me, but he couldn't find a belt that was 1560mm long. He says they have some belts for the V-8s that are 1580mm long, but I think that's too long.

Looking for suggestions.
Bill R.
09-09-2004, 12:09 PM
imagine that that would make much difference.





that comes from our parts supplyer worldpac, the contental number is 6pk-1560
winfred
09-09-2004, 12:25 PM
i've had it stop me before on certain combos of tensioner and alternator on m50s


imagine that that would make much difference.
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 01:53 PM
I called another dealership and the tech there said that the 1560 belt came on the 1991 525i. I placed an order. Thanks again for taking the time to look up the info.



that comes from our parts supplyer worldpac, the contental number is 6pk-1560
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 02:06 PM
And you're right, the specified belt is the 1555mm one. The problem came up after I installed the new tensioner. I don't have the tensioner Part No. on me. Externally it looks like the old one. It obviously is not 100% identical to the one I took off, but it is apparently the one specified for my vehicle.



the m50?, if so what year and model did the m52 come out of? That would make it easier to track down the belt, but all models of m50 in that range of years has the 1555 belt according to the fairly new etk that i have. What is the part number of the new tensioner that you have?
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 02:15 PM
the lip of the last pulley when the tensioner is fully compressed. I guess I'll find out if it's enough when the belt arrives.


imagine that that would make much difference.
Bill R.
09-09-2004, 02:35 PM
And you're right, the specified belt is the 1555mm one. The problem came up after I installed the new tensioner. I don't have the tensioner Part No. on me. Externally it looks like the old one. It obviously is not 100% identical to the one I took off, but it is apparently the one specified for my vehicle.
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 07:01 PM
You're right. I was writing M52 when I meant M50TU (Variable timing update that came in 1993). I am not even aware of an M52 motor. What models does the M52 come in?
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 07:09 PM
I would appreciate it if you could check that it's the right one. Thanks.



the m50?, if so what year and model did the m52 come out of? That would make it easier to track down the belt, but all models of m50 in that range of years has the 1555 belt according to the fairly new etk that i have. What is the part number of the new tensioner that you have?
winfred
09-09-2004, 07:36 PM
here ya go
http://members.cox.net/wdixon27/m50%20tensioner.jpg


I would appreciate it if you could check that it's the right one. Thanks.
Bill R.
09-09-2004, 07:40 PM
supercessions since, 2 prior ones though....http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/belttensioner.jpg









I would appreciate it if you could check that it's the right one. Thanks.
winfred
09-09-2004, 07:51 PM
it looks like it fits just about every m50/52/54 built
Bill R.
09-09-2004, 08:04 PM
http://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/belttensioner1.jpg










it looks like it fits just about every m50/52/54 built
Eric Fraser
09-09-2004, 09:57 PM
Thanks, guys. Am I to understand that although this Part No. is valid for all models and years specified, that other Part No.s (and maybe slightly different parts) have been used in the past? Might this explain the difference between the part I removed and the new one?

There are some superficial differences. For example, Bolt 5 on mine is a TORX head not a regular bolt. And Nut 7 not present. Also, the drawing of the belt seems to indicate that there is nothing between the water pump pulley and the alternator, whereas on my car there is an idler pulley pushing down on the belt.