New "old BMW" member question

[jyduchene]

My son purchased his first car. A '92 325i A. I have ordered a Chiltons and have had the car inspected, we have some work ahead. However it is clean and low in Mileage 77000. My first question "no doubt there will be many" is does this engine requre scheduled timeing belt change. My only experience is with Toyota's which need a belt at 60,000. The BMW garage was vague on this point but said they did not think this engine required the belt change. What say the BMW afficinados?

John Duchene

[ec437]

lol, get a different garage. Change the belts when you buy the car, especially the timing belt. Unless you know for a fact that it was recently replaced (as in, a receipt) then the time and money to replace it is well worth avoiding a possible break and a $1500 rebuild. BTW, I think the Bentley manual is better than the Chilton's. You should look into it.

[mechy1barry]

belt change for your beamer should be at intervals of 36000/or 5years/wichever is sooner.if you have no service history have it done now.

[Skycity_BMW]

I was told that they don't have belts but, chains and you really don't need to replace the chain, just the chain tensioner.

When you start to hear a rough idle & growling noise. That's when you should change it ASAP. or you'll have a big mess if the chain binds or snaps. . .

Hope this helps

[mechy1barry]

re. timing belt--all 320/323/325-e30,520/525e-e28,520/525-e34 from83to90 engine code m20--all have cam belts.regards--mechy.

[Skycity_BMW]

I have a E36 92 325i I have an M50 motor . . . I believe jyduchene should have the same.

[Skycity_BMW]

jyduchene,

I hope this site helps as well.

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylo...nProblems.html