X5 3.0 squeaking from belts when engine cold

[Ricky Bobby]

Slick,

I dont know about the 4.8is, but my OE belts for the 3.0 were continentals. If you look at ECS website it says continental on the belts of the genuine part. I bought continental belts to save the 5 bucks per belt because I saw continental on the OE version.

When my indy did my belts and tensioners at 62k and 8.5 years of age, he replaced both belts, AC tensioner with a new one, and I converted from mechanical to hydraulic tensioner (although he said both versions would be fine). I also did idler pulley at the same time.

Looks like you might have another wear part that is causing noise, my opinion is to check your tensioners and idler pulley.

ALSO, my indy found that my fan clutch was making a hell of a racket too, it turned out to be bad, and was replaced. All rusty and looked like crap when he showed it to me. Car is quiet as a peep now.