The Official BMW E30 Timing Belt Replacement 325e/s 325i/x/s Early Model

The Official BMW E30 Timing Belt Replacement 325e/s 325i/x/s Early Model
THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@msuguydon]

My son and I successfully replaced the timing belt, water pump, cam seal and all three belts on his 89, 325i. We couldn’t have done it without this video. Removing the hood is a must. This video was absolutely fantastic. Can’t tell you how it helped. Well done, well done

[@suntzunikola2917]

I’m studying this video religiously to make sure I don’t mess my car up Watching it multiple times a day lol

[@agonzales424]

dude, your my hero! finally someone with good e30 videos! keep doing what your doing!

[@E30Source]

anthony gonzales Thanks! Subscribe!

[@manstersr]

I don't think you mentioned to loosen the tensioner bolts from tight about a half turn to where it moves freely, test by prying against the long bolt protruding from the engine block,( just don't pry too hard and break it if the tensioner doesn't move) then turn engine by hand two revolutions in the normal direction of rotation (clockwise from front) to seat and take slack out of belt and allow tensioner to move out as far as it needs to properly tension the belt. Make sure the spring is on the pin that rests against the WP and through the hole in the tensioner arm. Good video for the do-it-yourselfer.

[@usbankvisacard]

manstersr That is extremely valuable information. Everyone doing this job needs to read your comment. That was the only thing he left out. Overall a good video.

[@jrYoutube1]

Thank you sir 🫡

[@JahdaiSC]

Just wanting to note that removing the hood (about 10 mins work) makes the entire job a lot easier. Remember to mark the position of the hood with some Sharpie around the brackets.

[@petepull9807]

Definitely does. Don't know why anyone would not

[@haydenskinner1379]

if you take the hood off it makes everything 100 times easier..

[@MrAminalCrackers]

his back must have been fucked after this video lmao

[@andysoper1229]

My backs bad!and i had the bonnet off😉

[@patriciopaniagua6662]

Yes, but it is a pain in the ass to align it properly afterwards

[@iamzwn]

The level of detail you have provided is awesome. Keep making vids!

[@E30Source]

+Zachery Nichols Thanks! Will do!

[@Ryolex]

Wow thank you so much for your time Dan been looking for this for a while now and could not find one that wasn't time lapse or provided as much details as you did thank you again!!! Great Job!!!!!

[@rogerpoel613]

I know I commented earlier, but I left my project set for a couple months while I went south for the winter. I had to watch your video again to refresh myself. Again I am so impressed by your clarity and degree of professionalism. Keep up the Great work. thanks

[@mucix]

Taking the hood off saves you a great amount of time on this job. Great video, as always.

[@E30Source]

mucix Thanks!

[@lincoln506echo]

Very Excellent video, I like how you show up in detail the steps to take. Sometimes just reading the forums with still photos is not enough these cars need alot of work but are worth it when you take that first drive after fixing. Keep up the good work!

[@Harry13002]

Thanks for this. It really helped out a bunch in areas where I was unsure while doing my timing belt on my '89 320i last weekend!

[@pavlos413]

Your videos have helped SO much. Thank You!

[@HerrGrainy]

Just fitted a new belt to my e34 and this video helped a lot! Thanks!

[@landerbossuyt7273]

thanks for making this video! best one out there explaining the m20 timing belt replacement. Starting tomorrow!

[@unknownRC]

Great timing on the video. I was just about to change the timing belt on my iX this month. Great to have this video as a reference. Love the videos my friend! Keep up the great work.

[@toso1873]

Thanks Dan. I used your video as a refresher for my one '86 325e belt change. I've owned the car since new but it's been sitting for 15 years in my garage. It's been a while since I did this, so this video was much appreciated. Keep up the good work!

[@roblang8804]

thanks very much. I followed your video for my 88 320i this past weekend and it was bang on. She's now running great.

[@E30Source]

+Rob Lang I am very glad I could help! Enjoy and love your E30!

[@CementChicken1]

Great video! You just got me through timing belt water pump replacement on my 1989 325i. Thank you.

[@mikegsg9r]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this

[@freethebikes]

Thank you for making this, it's very informative.

[@TheFlemburger]

Good vid seams like a big job and you make it look easy

[@jairodaniloparra5139]

Very well explained, one of the best i´ve seen. Thanks.

[@larinoriani]

I'd like to see more of the re-installation process in your videos as you can encounter different challenges, also it would be nice that you show the engine re-starting and taking a test drive after finished.

[@CookRacingUK]

Thanks for this! I've got to do this job either this weekend or next (and replace some cooling stuff) so really useful.

[@teresadarragh4815]

Thanks for the video. I have done this twice now and the second time went much smoother. But i refer to your video to make sure I am on the right track. Well also my Bentley guide. Teresa

[@AdamScoots247]

I am currently doing this to my 87 325e. On my car, I had a giant plastic guard blocking my view of the radiator, belts, etc. I had to jack it up, take off the front two wheels, and remove that plastic guard before I could get at the bottom hose on the radiator. Thanks for your help!

[@zeidooon70]

i have finaly found what im looking for..thanks alot for this video.

[@arecksONE]

Thanks for taking the time to do the vid, man.

[@d7rledez]

Thanks I did that on 1990 for my car but now i have a co worker and ask me for a favor. i forget, but thanks to your video i remember now. Thanks also the valves has to be adjust.

[@franklopezii5150]

A very informative and helpful video. I was replacing the water pump and WOAH! I saw the timing belt. Probably another 5K left on it and it would shred. I almost threw int he towel because I am far from a mechanic but this...this was AWESOME. I ain't scared.

[@arecksONE]

How did yours turn out?

[@laserfalcon]

Those cars be very nice car restored, thanks for the video as that is what we are doing to a 1988 right now

[@bmwe30club64]

This was extremely helpful bro, thanks a lot really appreciated it 💯

[@AnhNguyen-tv7gh]

I've been following his vids. This guy inspired to pick up my first e30 325i. Bought it as a project car to learn and build my own road worthy e30. Hope to see a video on how to replace a fuel filter. My hose is cracked and spewing gas everywhere

[@E30Source]

+Anh Nguyen I will see what I can do.

[@RV_59]

+Dan Cronin what size wrench do you need to take of the clutch fan.

[@Mentartice2]

32mm

[@erickvaalen4004]

Very helpful. There's one thing I'm not sure was correct. You say that after putting the new timing belt on we should turn the engine over two rotations, and we see you turning the crankshaft counterclockwise. My Haynes manual says to turn the camshaft counterclockwise, and that makes a difference because that way it pulls on the part where there's no tensioner, whereas if you do it on the crankshaft it doesn't. I think it should be mentioned that one needs to be careful to get the new belt on without changing the relative positions of the sprocket on the crankshaft and the one for the distributor (the one slightly above the crankshaft sprocket). I apparently didn't get it right, so the car wouldn't start, and it took me a lot of work to get it right. Also, when you say "You can take out that 13-mm bolt there that you just loosened", it looks like you're taking out the other one.

[@navototo]

Man, you are great!!! Keep up good videos!!!

[@dylandoherty6430]

Awesome help, thank you. For anyone else that has a late model car, it’s 98% the same

[@patriciopaniagua6662]

Thanks a lot, Dan. I dared to do it myself was able to successfully get it done!!!

[@Athorain]

if you go to most bike shops (motor bike), you can pick up a 32mm skinny wrench for the fan clutch. Just for future endeavors :D

[@karmatose]

P G Or, Probably cheaper... Go to Harbor Freight/Princess Auto/Whatever discount tool company you have in your country and grab a cheap 32mm and grind it down to fit. It cost me $12 for mine and it's probably way stronger than the bike wrench.

[@Dmanpeterson]

I just bought the fan tool on Amazon. Came with the wrench and a tool to hold the pulley/clutch. Costs $10

[@thetimmister]

Awesome vid brother ! Thank you so much!!

[@hectormaclean7797]

Awesome stuff man I’m in the same position as you old e30

[@rogerpoel613]

Excellent video, very well done. Thanks

[@Dengafur]

thanks for sharing you knowledge!

[@danielh163]

you need to make a video how to replace intake gasket and fuel line if needed. thanks for your videos very helpful

[@JediSkillz7]

Great video, I have an 87 325e and looking to replace alot of parts sonce I've gotten it 6 years ago and this helped. Good job.

[@JediSkillz7]

4dr

[@m20redline58]

Same here, '87 325e sedan... About to start this process!

[@hectortorres1133]

Keep up the vids they really help out a lot thanks for making these videos..

[@E30Source]

Hector Torres No prob!

[@ZlatiGochev]

Thank you very much, very informative video!! I am BMW fan and it is very interesting for me!!

[@Klaubauter4]

Thank you very much for your video. I would take off the hood first to have better access. Also I would clean it first and spray some rust spray on everything to make sure nothing brakes. Then. Do it in a garage instead of a street. All other things are good.

[@bonerack154]

Great video. A little long however. Don't need to see turning wrenches we can assume that the wrenches turn. Lol. Thanks for pointing out bolt locations, that's extremely helpful. Great Job.

[@jrventura7866]

Please do head gasket replacement next. Nice video!

[@edwardlinchester2206]

It helps to mark the gears with some white out before you take it apart (if the engine ran before starting the job ) it's easy to see the marks you made than the originals but do check the original marks when finished

[@walterfritz786]

great work

[@hectorortega06]

Here's a pro tip for the water pump gasket. apply vaseline on the water pump before installing. this will allow you to put the gasket on without it moving everywhere and install the water pump. Also, what worked for me when adjusting the tensioner, is i set the cam gear TDC mark one tooth ahead, so when I put tension on the belt, both TDC marks lined up perfectly. Took me 10 times to figure it out.

[@thisisyaren]

how did you figure it out and how did you go about adjusting it to make sure it was TDC... say my TDC is like a tiny tiny bit ahead is that bad? its in the groove on the crankshaft but just slightly more to the right ... the camshaft appears basically perfect too maybe a little the same as the crankshaft if you get me... what do you think?

[@thomasstorrs6345]

Several small differences for my 1988 325is m20 engine but basically pretty good. Contrary to some comments removal of hood not really necessary. As far as camshaft front seal I would say if no signs of leakage the not broke dont fix it saying. You'll be back in in 4 years or less anyway.

[@judeandrivekasubbiah3952]

Another top video!

[@pauly5502]

Dude- this is awesome! I’m looking at purchasing an e30 that needs this! are you in nj?

[@taylormondina9514]

You should leave a link in the description of a parts list

[@madisonhuss8616]

Well put video, appreciate it very much!

[@E30Source]

***** Enjoy and Subscribe!

[@awkwardgerm]

I'm about to replace my timing belt soon and want all the parts together before starting. Where would i be able to get the proper O ring located behind the sprocket at 9:11-9:16? I'm planning on buying the performance timing belt kit from turnermotorsports. Well explained video! It's my first time ever working on a car and i feel this video has taught me a lot, super stoked to get started!

[@nfggarage8135]

I feel bad for all the east coasters, i live in California and my engine and car is rust free

[@epelayo1991]

NFG Garage, it doesn't help if you live in Cali and buy the e30 in San Diego. I have a lot of rust spots in the car 😥

[@InsaneBimmer]

Don't feel bad for us. We don't have your stupid laws. I'll take rust over living in Commiefornia.

[@fuckingallthesehoes3295]

There’s a lot of e30s in san diego rusty

[@j.valencia3274]

Hey man! Great vid I have a BMW 1982 528e does this video apply to that vehicle? if it does where did you get those parts?

[@vicenteramirez8054]

Great video, it help me alot. Keep up the great work.

[@E30Source]

Vicente Ramirez Thanks!

[@luisguzmangutierrez7067]

Hi Dan, thanks for the video. I'm planning to do the timing to a m40 316i, slightly different from this but even though, very helpful to see your video. One thing: does the water pump box include the gasket? thanks from Spain!

[@Keekko94]

Hello, great video, congratulations .. I have a question to ask: how to align the camshaft (without special tool) after loosening the pulley bolt? Are there any marks on the camshaft?

[@michaelbender1226]

Good Job 👍

[@boogierilleybugautorepair3416]

Love the video just got done taking my off lol

[@shamchevyp9898]

very helpful couldnt have removed my alternator without this !!!! really appreciated!

[@richardm423]

Good video. Subscribed

[@carslover3509]

great great video thanks friend go head

[@jpsimm5709]

So when are you going to make a new video? I really enjoy them! They're fantastic. I think an introductory video of your car, a tour if you will, a review of both, that would be amazing. Really!

[@rons8749]

sweet channel !

[@Angeldenis1987]

This is a good ass tutorial, if you had a camera man it would be perfect, not hating btw. I just bought an 87 325es and Im not a mechanic, other than oil, sparkplugs, brake pads and that kind of stuff I dont mess with cars, so I'll be watching your videos. Keep it up man. You just got yourself a new subscriber.

[@Solaar_Punk]

Angel Flores If you have E30, then I've found alternator/belt and coolant flush/service including thermostat replacement to be easy jobs too. There is a Wikipedia on www.e30zone.net to help too (I think Pelican autos website has some good instructions too, that's more US based, E30 zone is euro, but still the best E30 wiki out there).

[@tameraed5541]

thank u dan 😊

[@floatingjabroni9473]

Thx for the great video. Do you think is gonna be same in e30 318 i cabrio 1991? Also watching your videos several times now.

[@molliarti]

Dan good morning bro,good job thanks for share. Question please; Do you have anythink video of change belt to 318i of 1991 M40 Engine? Thanks for your time and dedication,best wishes.

[@alexpesh18]

Hey love the videos!! I have a 1990 325is. You should do a head gasket soon it would help out a lot no videos on it

[@Holiday_Ringo]

alex peshchanitsky because when ur head gasket fails it can cause warping and sometimes just replacing the gasket will not work

[@alex_rodriguez777]

Garl Gamp Have it resurfaced if that's the case

[@Sclassmercedes]

The crank pulley of the m20b25 and 28 , how many mark is on the crank it self ? I’ve heard there’s a few mark on it . I also heard there are some crank pulley with out the ot tdc writing . Have you seen this ?

[@Ma50ud]

can you please do a video on rod bearing replacement!!!!!!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Your the best mechanic teacher !!! Best regards

[@joshmcdonald2949]

Great video! Just getting into the E30, bought an 88' 325 "super eta" for $100. It's been left sitting in an orchard for 5 years. It still runs, but boils coolant out of the reservoir. Are there any parts or procedures that are specific to the "super eta" as opposed to what is demonstrated in this video?

[@audiofreak09]

josh..feel free to contact me..I have the same car

[@qTnationX]

Hey after you have done the timing belt and out everything back together, what do you do with the radiator and coolant? How do you re bleed it and so on? Also at the start off the video you didnt explain how to drain the radiator coolant and stuff. But thats for the video helps me allot:) will soon be doing the timing belt

[@E30Source]

+mak ten You can try leaving the cap off the expansion tank, and there is a bleeder screw on top of the thermostat. Crack the bleeder open and see if some air comes out, then repeat until the air is completely bled.

[@thisisyaren]

Hey man is the car jacked up in this video at all? Thanks

[@Mike-cv7hv]

thanks!

[@yeyoo5166]

Had a question. So I have a 1987 325i I align the bottom one straight as can be but when I put the hormonic balancer it is like 2 cm off with the line of the hormonic balancer do I align it with the hormonic line or the other line?

[@xSniIPeZzHDzZ]

I would not use a razor blade for removing the gasket residue from the thermostat housing, this could lead to leaks around the gasket. Use a plastic scrape instead, that wont scrape the surface, just a tip :)

[@nicholaswieczorek4971]

Does the Euro hood make it easier of harder to work on the car?

[@artmakesascene]

Good morning Mr. Cronin, I'm getting ready to pick up a Gates' timing kit today at O'reilly. which spark plugs do you recommend and/or does BMW recommend? Thank you.

[@E30Source]

I believe they are iridium plugs, E30s dont like platniums.

[@luciousberib373]

I needed to replace my water pump,made a mistake by loosening the tensioner. I know know alignment on both sprockets needed to be aligned.. what do I do?

[@mrkongsimr]

Yours so clever , where in the states do you live ..See you there hehe Or I'm I understanding that these cars are easy to work on ?

[@jayjaybrooks3]

Dan.... JUst got an E30 325i. Drove it for 4 days and the TBelt broke. This is very helpful but its a start to take the cylinder head out. You got something on this?

[@E30Source]

I don't yet sorry.

[@peterlevine1738]

how do i re install the key lock barrel in my e30???? there are no access holes in the door!! any ideas?? all electronics are still in place. i can lock all the doors from the trunk... they took them out during body work for the paint job...

[@BimmerGarage]

I think you turned your motor counter clockwise instead of clockwise 23:40. Great vid though bro!

[@dflat3084]

Just did it on my 520i. That stupid hood really kills someone's back. Something very important: mark the marks with white paint AND MARK THE MIDDLE GEAR AS WELL! It is responsible for spark timing. Your engine will run like shit or even won't go on if it's not aligned correctly. And the second thing I wanna say: don't let the coolant splash on the ground. It's very poisonous and you could get in trouble with the police. But anyway, thanks for the video. It helped me doing this job tremendously!

[@luisguzmangutierrez7067]

*By the way, can't find the red O-ring that seals the camshaft in any shop or website...any clue? size, material...thanks in advance

[@orlanmedina3693]

How long did it take you tp get the job done?

[@Vladan725]

i have bmw 316i e30 1990 1.6 with belt not chain.wondering because i dont see for my engine that water pump must be removed or it must be?

[@agonzales424]

@E30Source how long did it take you to do the timing? my co worker said it took him 11 hours to do it and that he had to modify a tool to get to the fan clutch (sometimes i think he is BSing but IDK). im guessing if you do it correctly it should take 4 hours.

[@E30Source]

+anthony gonzales It took me about a weekend, on and off working on it.

[@bmwe3opassion519]

Nice tutorial bro , thx

[@E30Source]

BMW Bear No prob!

[@bmwe3opassion519]

I subscribe you , me to have an e30 with m20 , look to my videos :D thx

[@E30Source]

Cool!

[@atomicspartan9692]

I'm a little late but does this apply to a late model m20b25?

[@PANTHERBURNS]

@E30Source Hey your videos rule! My 86 325e had the timing belt replaced exactly 2 years ago. My odometer is broken of course so I'm not sure how many miles it's been driven since it was last replaced. I've driven it everyday for work in LA for the year I've owned it. Not sure how much the previous owner drove it but I don't think he drove it that much, he had an M3 that was his main car. Do you think it's about time to replace my belt?

[@tritop]

+PANTHERBURNS I had a similar situation back in 1990, my belt broke while I was thinking about to change it; thanks god my grandfather bought me a new engine; hate these belts since then. Better change it little before it's about time for that in the maintenance schedule