E36 Belt Tensioner Replacement

[@extremistindustries]

Thanks for the advice on the techniques to make the tensioner bracket sit flush. I'd recommend, as I need to redo just this, for anyone else to (potentially) also remove the alternator as it's very difficult to reinstall the unit.

[@JorgeRaigoza-jg5cv]

Hey man thanks for taking your time and doing this video and cheer your knowledge i appreciate it, greetings from LA

[@mikeb2496]

Exactly what l needed to see. Keepn it real doing it on the car vs on the stand. Great vid!

[@thecarbaddie]

Your videos are so helpful.

[@stevensmith1976]

Is it possible to remove the tensioner assembly with the tensioner pulley still on it? My hex bolt is stripped that retains the pulley, so I am unable to remove the pulley. Ive been putting off changing that hex bolt out because I dont think I could remove the tensioner with the pulley on. What are your thoughts? 1997 M3. thanks

[@M3NACE]

it is possible, I have done it, but never done it on an engine with the motor in the car lol. there are 3 13mm bolts that hold the tensioner onto the block, 2 of them are easy to access, the third one might be a PITA but im sure it could be done.

[@johntbarry]

Yes. With the radiator out you can compress the hydraulic pulley with the palm of your hand. It sucks, but I’ve done it.

[@elonwalton4030]

Hey! Great video. I'm replacing my alternator, the new one is installed, but for some reason, I can't engage the tensioner to put the belt back on. when I turn the tensioner clockwise, it doesn't release the tension. could it be that my hex tool is too small? Would a larger tool help, such as the bar you have?

[@M3NACE]

yeah it would. more leverage makes it easier. Are you sure the tool you are using is the proper one for the belt tensioner?

[@elonwalton4030]

Yea, I thought I needed a socket like yours, but mine actually required an allen key. It worked to take it off, but now it's just too tight. what is that tool called?

[@M3NACE]

it is an 8mm Allen key. my allen key bit has a 3/8 drive bit attached to it so I can use a socket wrench for more leverage. you could go to an auto parts store and they should have them for sale, super useful and makes the job way easier.

[@elonwalton4030]

I see! awesome thanks so much for the advice!

[@alexbasamot8583]

Any idea how to remove the assembly if the top bolt snapped ? Thanks!

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

Good idea to replace the whole tensioner since mine gave up and belt slipped off

[@millionairesclubllc3193]

at the end the black e36 what's that mini radiator you can see at the bottom with the hoses for? some kind of fan delete or oil cooler?

[@M3NACE]

yeah, it is an oil cooler. both of my cars have them, if you notice at the beginning of the vid the sedan has one as well, its just blue with silver lines. here is the install DIY: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip28gmdvrq5lgrc

[@millionairesclubllc3193]

awesome thanks. I will do it M3NACE style in southern louisiana once i get the parts! Looks like my next mods: Cold air intake M3NACE style oil cooler DJAuto Headlights fix both my doors LOL (one has the infamous won't open from outside on passenger door issue, the other from the inside but that was my fault lol.

[@M3NACE]

sick man! sounds like a solid plan for a build. what intake are you planning on running?

[@millionairesclubllc3193]

M3NACE haven’t done r search. If you have recommendations let me know . Yours seems to fit nicely with the cooler

[@M3NACE]

its a kamotors, I like it. its a solid little intake. doesnt breaj the bank and sounds nice.

[@Eurospec73]

Excellent video man great detail as well I think my E36 has the mechanical one but this is great to watch especially if you want to convert to hydraulic it saves a lot of time from your day well done👍🎸🎷🏇🏇🌅

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

Can you plz make a video how to wire depo headlights it's real confusing for me

[@M3NACE]

I want to, but I don't have any depo lights to wire my friend. although I will make one at some point.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

M3NACE then what headlights are on your car. Bosch?

[@M3NACE]

they are DJ auto headlights with ccfl halos

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

M3NACE so show how to wire those they are like the same wiring