is this something that can be replaced at home with simple tools? I have a big groove in the center of mine with 59k miles, just worried something might snap at some point.
Thanks

 

60k is MINIs maximum on the belt, I once rigged up a tool using sockets and a steel bar it was a royal pain to break the belt loose, after that the cost of the specialty tool became very much worth it for me.

If you have access to welding equipment there's a thread posted here somewhere that had instructions on making your own, very handy for those that had the tool handy.

 

Motor On is speaking about the belt removal tool which is needed to do this job easily. Without it, it is a major pain.

You can look in the market place or one of the vendors to get one, then it is easy to do.

 

The price on belt removal tool is usually $90+ which can seem like a lot, but if you plan doing this often, it is worh it. But if it is a one time job, you might just take it to a deaaler.
At the very least, I wouldn't try doing the removal without it,