XSeries-forum

Now that the weather is so hot, I need to replace my ac belt which I had to cut off a few moths back in order to replace the longer drive belt.
I bought a new AC stretch belt for BMW but could not get the damn thing on because the E53 diesel does not incorporate a pulley tensioner for the AC belt

Only thing I can see online to do is a bmw stretch belt tool only available in the US (ebay) for around £180.

Anyone installed the stretch belt easily on the Diesel engine?

The 2 indys close to me wont take the belt I bought so that means labour and a new belt from them.

I could take it to my local mechanic and happy to pay the labour cost. Question is would they be able to fit the belt on?. I am assuming that there are lost of cars with this type uneasy setup so they must be used to putting stretch belts on with special manufacturer tools

Any good….? Less than £18….

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-8331-Str ... 25&sr=8-18

X5Sport wrote: ↑Fri Jun 16, 2023 2:44 pm Any good….? Less than £18….

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-8331-Str ... 25&sr=8-18

I have not tried this yet. But my understanding is that tool wont work because the other pulley can't be spun round. It can't take a ratchet

Most modern cars now use stretch belts now so your mechanic will have done plenty ,I put the one on out focus with a piece of card and some washer tube (as I didnt have the tool then) with a slit in it to protect the belt from the outer rib of the pulley but as you say I could turn the engine with a ratchet.

This looks like it and cheap enough (do your own checks )

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274688001452 ... R8zj5NWYYg

Leslie wrote: ↑Fri Jun 16, 2023 7:00 pm This looks like it and cheap enough (do your own checks )

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274688001452 ... R8zj5NWYYg

I actually bought that particular one. I convinced myself it would not work rather than trying due to the cold weather back a couple of months ago. I guess the weather is not hot enough for an attempt

Get it on and see can't see why it wouldn't work as long as you turn engine in correct rotation. The belt flipper tool should make it so much easier .

Leslie wrote: ↑Sat Jun 17, 2023 2:56 pm Get it on and see can't see why it wouldn't work as long as you turn engine in correct rotation. The belt flipper tool should make it so much easier .

The tool in your link and this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lisle-59370-St ... B00AC60VEC

makes it an easy job to do underneath 5min!