Socket size for Tension and Idle pulley removal

[NYCSterling]

Hi Folks,

I need to change my tension pulley and idle pulley asap and I would like to have all the needed tools beforehand.

Does anyone know what socket size is needed to remove the tension pulley and the idle pulley?

Just called BMW and the parts are in stock...
there are 2 sets of belts...
The Alternator belt has the Tension($157) and Idle Pulley($67)

and AC belt has another Belt tension pulley ($157)

I have the screeching sound for 2 days now and need to do the test to see which one needs changing.
From what i read, i need to slip off the belt and try to spin them..and they should NOT be able to spin freely.

[NYCSterling]

Trader,
Thank you so much man!!

appreciate your input and I will go look into Advance Auto now...
I am just concerned that I may be pushing my luck by still driving it with the screeching.

thanks !

[X5only]

You can also by original BMW parts from http://thebmwminipartstore.com/ at great prices.

[NYCSterling]

found this site: its great !

BMW Auto Parts Catalog | BMW Belt and Pulley Replacement Part 1

[NYCSterling]

Originally Posted by trader4

You are pushing your luck. IDK what the bell curve for failure looks like, but the one here went from:

Maybe something is making a noise

couple hundred miles later, something is definitely making a noise

couple hundred miles later, idler pulley sheared off

If it's really screeching loudly, I'd say you're close to the last step
and probably don't have many miles left.

Got lucky though, the only additional damage was loss of both fan belts. I would think it would be real easy to lose the fan, possibly radiator, etc.

Also, I was quite surprised how hard it is to steer without the power steering. Even making a slow turn at a light took a lot of force. And trying to manuver in a driveway, turning, aligning to the garage, Fuggedabowht it! Keep in mind that you also no longer have the water pump running, so don't plan on going far. Lucky here again, the car was only 1/2 mile from home, so got there with no problem.

You might want to consider changing the water pump and/or thermostat if they are original, high mileage, etc. Both of those, you're right there. Radiator hoses too I guess.

yeah man... i agree. I need to get this done. but its a rainy day in Queens NY today - i guess this is Sunday work.
Advance Auto just had the idler pulley in stock, so I picked that up and its pretty easy to change.

i will get the tension pulley also and change it at the same time.

I just do short drives during the day so i guess i might last a few more days

appreciate your input man.

some days I wanna sell this X5... some days I dont...lol