325is serpentine belt

[e36chick]

Hi, I have a 93 325is and last night it died really weird. Went out at like midnight, a friend changed the battery, it ran again, but engine temp was all over the place and my power steering wasn't working properly, making really loud noise. My friend heard it, said it's definately my serpentine belt; the battery also needed to be replaced aside from the belt so it wasn't just the belt.

Could anyone give me pointers to tell my friend? My fiance usually does all the work on the car for me, but he's in another state right now. My friend has never worked on a bimmer, but audis, jettas, etc. He said he could do it, but I was just wondering if there were any tips that may help him. I just feel bad, so if there's any helpful pointers that would end up making it easier/quicker, I'd love to hear.

Thank you.

[BLAMAR]

Sounds like your friend should be fine at changing the belt, go here http://www.logun.org/belt.htm it is a do-it -yourself instruction for the belts on a e36.
pretty simple really.
good luck

[bmw4wmb]

The belts are super easy to change. I did mine when I replaced the cooling system.

The "hardest" part is taking off the fan. I used the method as shown in the link blamar posted, with a 32mm wrench and a screw driver. I have since bought the special fan bolt tool on ebay ($18), so I won't need to use that hack next time.

You may also want to replace the AC belt while you're in there.

[fun2drive]

E36Chick:
I would be real careful to also have your friend check the pulley tensioner. There is a reason why this went south. You live in NY which my guess has been pretty cold lately. The belt tensioner is right below the alternator and is a pulley that has a large spring hidden inside out it. It take either a torx bit or a allen wrench (two types are out there) to loosen the tensioner to remove the serpentine belt.
Be sure to just not replace the belt without having that checked.
I also really hope that you didn't drive the car long or far with the temp gauge pegged. That is a sure way to blow a head gasket.

Good suggestion to replace all the other belts while getting the ser belt done. Tell your friend that it will take a great deal of force to move the tensioner pulley. If it is easy, it is shot.
I hope this helps you get your ride back on the road.....