When I installed the device at the time of a new belt, the upper bolt had to be loosened and readjusted after a short period, as it was not alloiwng enough tension and the belt started to scream and squeal. I eventually took it off. What is needed is a washser/bushing fitting for the bolt to go through, so the bolt can be titghtened but the stop bar can still move as needed with belt stretch.

 

Is it a GT Tuning bar or the one sold by myminiparts?

 

I got mine from Minifini.

 

Correction - The records in my computer files says tensioner stop was ordered through myminiparts.com, and we all know that computers do not lie. I can't tell from the pictures I've seen whether the other supplier's product has a bushing so that the bolt can be tightened without locking the bar and the tensioner in one position.

 

While we are discussing tensioners, has anyone had to replace the damper that is part of the tensioner system? Mine is shot and I wonder if this can be replaced or whether you have to buy the whole tensioner assembly.

 

I had the same problem some time ago and asked BMW about this damper.

I was told, that you only can buy the complete tensioner assembly. Since I noticed a part number and a company written down on the damper I did a google search and had a talk with the company producing them.

The damper is available as seperate piece, but not from BMW ! Also, I live in Germany and the company is here in Germany, so it was not really a problem getting it. But over in the states I believe that could get very tricky...

 

I just got the myminiparts one today in the mail. It now has a bushing that "slides" with the slot in the bar.

 

In that case, myminiparts has a notification on their website that they have a "new and improved" version of their stop bar- I think that buyers of the "old and unimproved" version can get an upgrade or free.

http://www.myminiparts.com/announcements.htm

 

Is this damper critical? What if I hold off on replacement of the tensioner assembly?

 

My little "damper" was really easy to extend and compress when I took it off. I'm not quite sure why the instructions from Myminiparts said in bold letters not to take the damper of but I put it back on even though I'm fairly sure it is shot at 42K miles.
Myminiparts would do everyone a service by carrying the little "damper" part for us all becaue I would doubt the spring ever wears out on the tensioner in spite of the constant heat in that area of the engine.

I'm going to contact Myminiparts and ask them to help us with some more solutions to these issues. Maybe they'll post their response, or I will.

Paul

 

I like the cable idea. I have the tensioner stopper from GTT and it rattles like a b****h....