Recommended replacement interval for the part category Serpentine belt : 30000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323ti … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Alternative products

Serpentine belt

Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Tools you might need:

                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Drive socket # 13
                    
                      Drive socket # 16
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Fender cover

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Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Tip from AUTODOC:

All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Recommended sequence of steps:

Step 1

Open the hood.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Lift the car using a jack or place it over an inspection pit.

Step 4

Pull aside the AC compressor belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 5

Remove the AC compressor belt.
Step 6

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.

Step 7

Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 8

Remove the V-ribbed belt.

Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 Compact (E36). AUTODOC experts recommend:
Check the condition of the tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Replace them if necessary.
Step 9

Install the V-ribbed belt.

Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 Compact (E36). AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure that the V-ribbed belt fits all pulleys snugly.
Step 10

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position. Use a drive socket #16. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11

Pull aside the AC compressor belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #13.
Step 12

Install the AC compressor belt.
Step 13

Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.
Step 14

Screw in the fastener of the AC compressor belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 Nm torque.

Step 15

Lower the car.

Step 16

Run the engine for a few minutes. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.

Step 17

Shut off the engine.

Step 18

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 19

Close the hood.

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