Table of Contents
- Repair Summary - Read a detailed overview of the repair before starting.
- Repair Difficulty and Cost - Learn the difficulty and estimated cost of this repair.
- Parts Diagram - View a detailed parts diagram for this repair.
- Required Parts List - Order the required parts needed to complete this repair.
- Repair Steps - View the step-by-step instuctions on completing this repair.
A BMW E60 belt and pulley replacement can help cure that "whining" sound coming from the engine compartment.
- Identify the intake muffler on the left side of the vehicle.
- Use a small metal pick to release the plastic retaining clip on the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. With the clip released, use a small flat blade screwdriver to unplug it.
- Use a flat blade screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp anchoring the rubber intake boot to the intake muffler.
- Unsnap the intake muffler lid and remove from the vehicle.
- Use a T30 Torx bit to remove the two intake muffler mounting bolts.
- Remove the air filter element.
- Use the T30 Torx bit to remove the last intake muffler mounting bolt. Grasp the intake muffler and remove it from the vehicle.
- Locate the main accessory belt tensioner pulley on the front of the engine. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to remove its dust cap.
- Using a T50 torx bit and a long handle socket wrench, turn the tensioner pulley clockwise to release the pressure on the main accessory belt.
- With the pressure off of the main accessory belt, reach down and pull the belt off of the tensioner pulley.
- Pull the belt loose from the alternator. Reach down the front of the vehicle and remove the belt from the engine.
- Begin by removing the oil cooler coolant line by loosening its hose clamp and pulling it free. Be aware that the line is full of coolant and it will discharge if not clamped off; we like to use a pair of plastic hose pinch off pliers to get the job done.
- Identify the tensioner pulley on the front of the engine.
- Using an E12 external torx socket, remove the tensioner pulley mounting bolt.
- Remove the tensioner pulley from the engine. We find sliding it around and under the alternator is the easiest method and prevents the need for removing any more coolant hoses.
- Identify the deflection pulley. It is located underneath the alternator. Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove its protective cap.
- Use a 16mm socket wrench to remove the deflection pulley bolt. Remove the deflection pulley from the vehicle.
BMW E60 Belt and Pulley Reassembly Checklist
***The following steps were performed on a 2006 BMW 530xi touring wagon ...other models may vary.- Install the new deflection pulley and torque its mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb).
- Install the protective cap back on the deflection pulley.
- Install the new tensioner pulley on the front of the engine and torque its mounting bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb).
- Snap the protective cap back onto the pulley.
- Reinstall the oil cooler coolant line and tighten its hose clamp until snug.
- Install a new serpentine belt. Follow the routing diagram below for the N25 engine to ensure it is installed correctly.
- Reinstall the intake muffler. Make sure the bolts are snug.
- Plug the mass air flow sensor (MAF) back in.