Pictorial DIY: BMW E46 Fan Clutch Removal & Engine Belts Change For Automatic Cars

Originally Posted by Pancho328i

Strange that almost no one mentions that when you de-tension the tensioner there are two holes that align on it, you can put a pin/nail/allen wrench in there and it will hold it in that position.

You can then calmly set up your belt. When it is all set de-tension a little more, remove pin and slowly let the tensioner go back to press on the belt.

It's quite an elegant solution. It prevents you from having to push on the ratchet with one hand while trying to position the belt with the other.
Pancho328i

True but to clarify, the info quoted above only applies to the mechanical-style belt tensioner.

I don't recall if the a/c belt tensioner also has this feature but that might help in situations such as in post #96.

Further clarification:

The first photo below (copied from OP's post #4) is a hydraulic-style belt tensioner and requires an 8mm hex socket for de-tensioning. The 2nd photo correctly advocates using the nut built into the mechanical tensioner housing as an easier way to de-tension (vs the T50 bolt seen on the pulley itself).

I just finished replacing the belts, tensioners and pulleys using this DIY on my wifes 2005 325xi.

I have a manual 323i and this was my first experience with changing something upfront with an auto tranny. Took a ride over to Bavauto and picked up all the parts and tools needed.

All went off without a hitch thanks to this DIY.

Thanks delmarco

Ok, I have a 99 328i auto sedan. There is no fan or fan clutch. Is this a hold over from the E36 or did the PO take it all out. We just bought this car and it needs a cooling refresh. Are we F****ed into buying a new fan and fan clutch?

For some reason i cant see any of the pictures for this DIY. They are all just coming up with the small boxes with red "x"'s in them. I right clicked on one and selected show picture, but no good. Can anyone else see the pictures?

My tensioner just started making noise this morning and I need to change it out tonight for a trip that I have coming up this weekend.

Thanks

Well, I'm OK for now. I was able to see most of them on the repost of them (post #39) for some reason.

I tried this today with little success. First I couldn't find the engine block drain plug - it's not obvious where it is on the 323. Then there was no way I could find to get the holder tool in place - no matter which way I turned it, the vanos or the fan shroud or the upper hose got in the way.

How safe is it to turn the fan nut to get a better angle? It was pushing back pretty hard (I have a 1/2 inch gash across my thumb to prove it) and I was afraid I was either going to snap something or do some damage to the surrounding area with the wrench, so I buttoned it all back up and decided to try again next week. I'm going back in with a bicycle headset wrench (which is the right size but much thinner), which may make the tight clearance less of an issue.

Anyone else found this process to be a pain?

Don't have an auto but job well done! Really great DIY :-)

E46 Mechanical Tensioner for Water Pump/Alternator Belt., Roller & Tensioner Assembly will fit i don't have one ???

While I did my original replacement in 2006, my water pump broke on me today and I used this thread as a reference. I had a grinding / Squeeling noise for the past week on a cold startup and I thought is was the alternator. Why would it be my water pump since I replaced it 5.5 years ago and it has 34k on it? If I had paid more attention, the water pump was leaking a little antifreeze every night when parked. The main belt came off while driving and I noticed the battery light was on. I was thinking my alternator went but the bearing in the pump broke and the main belt slipped off (I am lucky). I purchase one locally and it was completed in just over an hour. Great write up!

Nice Job! Well documented, and useful. Im gonna bump it for anybody who needs it.
Do my cooling sytem this weekend, but I wont be replacing the clutch fan...
going electric.

I spent the most time looking for that elusive 5/8. Should have read the whole thread before I started this today. The first picture was what I was looking at. Got lost when I went to the second one, lol.

Still a great DIY.

Originally Posted by aurelius

True but to clarify, the info quoted above only applies to the mechanical-style belt tensioner.

I don't recall if the a/c belt tensioner also has this feature but that might help in situations such as in post #96.

Further clarification:

The first photo below (copied from OP's post #4) is a hydraulic-style belt tensioner and requires an 8mm hex socket for de-tensioning. The 2nd photo correctly advocates using the nut built into the mechanical tensioner housing as an easier way to de-tension (vs the T50 bolt seen on the pulley itself).

This is what I need to do next!!!

mine is different from DIY photos?? i have a M/T 99 how do i remove the belt on mine.. blue or red?

TIA..

Did it myself today. You turn the red arrow!

How the hell do you get the water pump locking tool to bolt onto the water pump?!? Space is so tight it is impossible unless I am missing something? been messing with it for nearly an hour

Yeah I can't remember how I did it. The space is so fricken tight! If you can get a hold of one bolt and turn your wrench really fast you might eventually can get the fan loose. It's not on tight. Unless it's been tighten by the previous person that toughed it.

I always just take the open end fan wrench and strike it few times with some quick blows of the heavy hammer in a clockwise direction and it eventually breaks loose. You just have to be careful to position the wrench so that when you hit it swiftly it doesn't hit the radiator hose end and crack the plastic.

Great DIY! Always like to see a good write-up. Here's my question, I have an e46 328i made in 2000 with an M52TU engine. Car is MANUAL, however I apparently have a MECHANICAL FAN CLUTCH as opposed to the ELECTRIC FAN CLUTCH that everyone else with a MANUAL e46 seems to have. I'm puzzled, I have the MECHANICAL FAN CLUTCH removal tool on the way which sets my repairs back for this weekend. Any ideas, did someone swap the transmission in my car? Serial NO. to cross reference into RealOEM.com is "JR58309". Thanks in advance!