Belt tensioner replacement 3.0d

[killer205]

Hi Guys

Can anyone tell me what I need to remove in order to replace the drive belt tensioner on the 3.0d M57 engine. from looking it looks like the tensioner arm is fitted to a spring loader at the back and would appear I its all fitted behind everything am I wrong??

Any help would be appreciated on this

Thanks

[Lamby]

Yeap, this is one that I would be interested to please.

[wpoll]

As you haven't indicated the model/year of your car, be aware that the parts and process for the M57 are different from the M57TU (pre-facelift and facelift).... (I know yours is an M57TU, Lamby).

Firstly, you are going to need to remove the fan in order to remove the v-belt belt and tensioner.

The tensioner removal process for the M57 is here: -

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 3.0d (M57) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 11 Engine (M57) > 28 V-ribbed Belt W.tens.-deflect.elemt > 2 RA Removing And Installing Alternator Drive Belt (M57 _ M47TU) > Page 525

The same process for the M57TU also looks to require the removal of the alternator: -

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 3.0d (M57TU) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 11 Engine (M57TU) > 28 V-ribbed Belt W.tens.-deflect.elemt > 2 RA Removing And Installing Alternator Belt Tensioner (M57TU)

[Lamby]

Hi Killer205

Awesome, thanks and merry xmas. No big deal about the alternator needing removal as my one has a open diode and it has a small trickle drain so I will be getting a new one.

Merry Christmas!

[killer205]

Originally Posted by wpoll

As you haven't indicated the model/year of your car, be aware that the parts and process for the M57 are different from the M57TU (pre-facelift and facelift).... (I know yours is an M57TU, Lamby).

Firstly, you are going to need to remove the fan in order to remove the v-belt belt and tensioner.

The tensioner removal process for the M57 is here: -

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 3.0d (M57) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 11 Engine (M57) > 28 V-ribbed Belt W.tens.-deflect.elemt > 2 RA Removing And Installing Alternator Drive Belt (M57 _ M47TU) > Page 525

The same process for the M57TU also looks to require the removal of the alternator: -

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 3.0d (M57TU) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 11 Engine (M57TU) > 28 V-ribbed Belt W.tens.-deflect.elemt > 2 RA Removing And Installing Alternator Belt Tensioner (M57TU)

Thank you for the reply, the year of my x5 is 2003. I had to change the water pump a few months ago but when I replaced the belt there was very little tension in the tensitoner and feels very slack. I waa going to replace the tensitoner I just wanted to see if it was an easy diy.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by killer205

Thank you for the reply, the year of my x5 is 2003. I had to change the water pump a few months ago but when I replaced the belt there was very little tension in the tensitoner and feels very slack. I waa going to replace the tensitoner I just wanted to see if it was an easy diy.

An early 2003 won't need the alternator removal but the late 2003 cars will; the change (facelift) was about September 2003.

[killer205]

Originally Posted by wpoll

An early 2003 won't need the alternator removal but the late 2003 cars will; the change (facelift) was about September 2003.

Mine was just before the facelift

But from looking I will need to remove a few things from the top so I can get into the space where it is.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by killer205

Mine was just before the facelift

But from looking I will need to remove a few things from the top so I can get into the space where it is.

Agreed - the manual states you'll need to remove the fan and fan shroud, then the v-belt. Remove the idler pulley (see image R11 1520 in link below). You can then remove one of the alternator bolts, slacken the other (image R11 1519 in link below), tilt the alternator out of the way (top will rotate toward the left) exposing access to the rear of the tensioner.

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E53 X5 3.0d (M57) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 11 Engine (M57) > 28 V-ribbed Belt W.tens.-deflect.elemt > 2 RA Removing And Installing Alternator Drive Belt (M57 _ M47TU)

Worst part will be removing the fan but I guess you've "been there - done that" if you have recently replaced the water pump.