When to replace the Poly V-Belt on your BMW 3 SERIES
Recommended replacement interval for the part category Serpentine belt : 30000 km
Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 318 d, BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320 d 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

All the parts you need to replace – Poly V-Belt for 3 Saloon (E46) and other BMW models
Alternative products
How to change Serpentine belt on BMW E46 320d – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair Serpentine belt
Tools
Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 (E46). Tools you might need:
Combination spanner #17
Drive socket # 12
Ratchet wrench
Crow bar
Fender cover
Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 (E46). Use the following procedure:
  1. Step 1
    Open the bonnet.
    Step 2
    Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
    Step 3
    How to change Poly V-Belt on BMW E46 1998 - free PDF and video manuals
    Unscrew the fasteners of the air distribution housing assembly. Use a drive socket #12. Use a ratchet wrench.
  2. Step 4
    How to replace BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320d 1999 Poly V-Belt - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the air distribution housing assembly.
  3. Step 5
    BMW E46 320d 2.0 2000 Poly V-Belt replacement: free workshop manuals
    Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #17. Use a crowbar.
  4. Step 6
    Changing Poly V-Belt on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 320i 2.2 2001 by yourself
    Remove the V-ribbed belt.
  5. Step 7
    How to remove BMW 3 SERIES 318i 2002 Poly V-Belt - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position. Use a combination spanner #17. Use a crowbar.
    Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 (E46). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Check the condition of the tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Replace them if necessary.
  6. Step 8
    Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #17. Use a crowbar.
    Step 9
    How to replace Poly V-Belt on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) 2003: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Install the V-ribbed belt.
    Replacement: serpentine belt – BMW 3 (E46). AUTODOC experts recommend:
    Make sure that the V-ribbed belt fits all pulleys snugly.
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DIY BMW 3 Saloon (E46) Poly V-Belt replacement - online guide
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