How do you replace a drive belt on a BMW?

To remove the rivets, you can use a small flathead screwdriver to pry them up, then using needle nose pliers, pull the rivet out. The expanding portion of the rivet will now come out with duct. Depending on model year, vehicle may have 3 or 4 expansion rivets.

What kind of drive belts does a BMW E39 have?

BMW E39 models equipped with an 8-cylinder engine utilize 2 multi-rib engine drive belts. A small inner belt drives the A/C compressor and the larger outer belt drives the alternator, coolant pump, and power steering pump. Use this diagram as a reference when removing and installing your drive belts.

How often should I replace my drive belt?

Replace your belt if any of the previously mentioned issues are present or every 4 years. Working at top of radiator, remove expansion rivets from intake air duct (yellow arrows). To remove the rivets, you can use a small flathead screwdriver to pry them up, then using needle nose pliers, pull the rivet out.

How do you install an accessory drive belt?

To install accessory drive belt, begin by wrapping belt around crankshaft pulley, then over and around power steering pulley, around alternator, around coolant pump and around tensioner pulley. Avoid running belt under idler pulley for now.

How to replace a BMW 5 Series drive belt?

Place the belt around the power steering pulley, then the alternator, and finally the tensioner pulley. Then tension the belt by rotating the 17mm hex (green arrow) counterclockwise to stop, then tighten 13mm locking fastener (yellow arrow).

How do you change the belt tensioner on a BMW E39?

Use a 16 mm socket or wrench to turn the A/C belt tensioner until the two holes on its side are aligned. Insert a nail or thin screwdriver into the holes to lock the tensioner in place. This will allow access to both bolts. Use a 13mm socket to remove the two bolts holding the A/C belt tensioner in place. Install the new tensioner.

How do you replace idler pulley on BMW E39?

Install a new idler pulley. Torque the bolt to 30 foot-pounds. Use a 16 mm socket or wrench to turn the A/C belt tensioner until the two holes on its side are aligned. Insert a nail or thin screwdriver into the holes to lock the tensioner in place. This will allow access to both bolts.