From digest.v7.n920 Sat Jan 10 18:44:55 1998
From: danzee_at_juno.com (Dan B Zeitlin)
Date: Sat, 10 Jan 1998 14:30:40 EST
Subject: E30 Timing Belt Question

There is NO reliable visual check for the belt condition. Lack of cracking doen't mean the belt is good. If you can't determine it's age, replace it and the tensioner too. Replace the water pump while you are at it.
Belt replacement is not really that much of a PITA if you don't rush it. Finding a way/tool to hold the hub when you remove the fan bolts is probably the most difficult part of the whole operation. Good luck.

Dan Zeitlin, Annapolis, MD
BMW CCA #67431
<danzee_at_juno.com>
<zeitlin.d.b_at_postal.essd.northgrum.com>