Does anyone have step by step instructions for removal of belt tensioner without lifting engine, assuming it can be done. Search has not turned this up for me.

Thanks as always.

 

It will be hard. I had to take my new tensioner appart and then put it in piece by piece. Same story with the old one. There isn't much space to work with. If I do this job again, I'll save myself time and effort and just raise the engine like a pulley job.

 

I thought I read in an earlier post that someone had successfully replaced their belt tensioner from below without lifting the motor. Not easy, but can be done, as I recall.

 

I did it like that, but it was a tight fit. I'm only saying I should have lifted the engine.

 

When I changed mine, I removed the wheel liner and worked from the side. If I were to do it again I would raise the engine because I spent just as much time fighting with working in a small space.

 

Hmm. Appreciate the advices. Sounds like raising is the way I'll have to go. There are worse things....

 

yep i lifted my engine because the upper bolt cant come out without hitting the upper metal side of the wheel well.

 

I did mine from the right wheel well. I took the shroud off and worked from there. Sure, it was tight but I guess I was too dumb to know how hard that would be. Still, easier than disconnecting the bits of jigly bits of engine before lifting it. Regardless, definitely a MUST HAVE piece of kit and good luck!!

Cheers!!

 

Maybe I should think about replacing bolts with studs and nuts in case I need to do this again?

 

Hey K, Good to see you. Hopefully you remember me from MINI of Peabody's OctoberFast. There are step-by-step instructions of replacing the belt without lifting the engine if you search the forums although none with pics. You may remember when we were talking that I recently sold my 2003. Before I sold it, I replaced the belt after 60k miles without lifting the engine. It helps to have small hands but I really didn't have any problems replacing the belt using the method outlined by others. Specifically I followed the Bentley manual which I have. I also have the belt tensioner tool which makes it easier and there isn't any need to remove the tensioner. If you haven't already replaced the belt and want to borrow my Bentley book and tensioner tool you certainly could. If you needed any assistance I'd be happy to help (from a previous Electric Blue owner to another...)

-Jason

 

Real PIA without proper BMW tools....

Call your dealer. I think book rate is an hour - plus parts. And when doing so, it is best to go in through fender liner too. And might as well add a new NAPA belt and add a M7 strap at same time....

 

i agree about the new belt and stopper. i used the detroit tuned cable but im sure the m7 is comparable. its really not that hard to replace this part, you just have to be comfortable working on the mini engine.

 

Have a shop do it! Trust me, it's not worth it