Thanks for confirming. I was pretty certain you could reach the crank bolt without removing the fan/clutch.

First remove the spark plugs. Then remove the front belly pan (the big plastic one) and then you will have access to the 22mm bolt that sticks out from the front of the crank pulley. Not sure how much room is available but sometimes the radiator will interfere with using a socket and wrench so I usually use a box end wrench (with closed side) to turn the crank. Harbor Freight has a decent set for not too expensive if you are looking to add to your tool collection.

Belly pan for sure like I mentioned. The same wrench is needed to turn the engine slowly by hand no whacking with hammer. That said you can get a lot more elbow room to work with fan and shroud removed.


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Appreciate that.

I did check the belly pan, although I could have been more thorough (I don't have anything to raise the car).

I do not have the 32mm wrench to remove the fan, so would have to order it (where I am, it will take weeks ).

Could you describe what the crankshaft looks like? Is this possible without raising the car as well?

I'll get a 5/8 Deep socket to remove the spark plugs (is that correct)?

You need to remove the belly pen to check it. I think it's held by 4-6 bolts.


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You do not need to remove the belly pan to reach the crankshaft pulley. You only need to remove the plastic splash guard that is in front of the belly pan. Removing the belly pan is not simple and you need to be able to raise the car. You don't have to raise the car to remove the splash guard.

You can get to the crankshaft pulley which is what you're actually looking for by remove the plastic splash guard in front of the belly pan. You don't need to raise the car to do this. The crankshaft itself is inside the engine. there is a pulley attached to the end that has a drive belt running around it. that drive belt power the alternator and power steering pump. Look for that at the bottom front of the engine after you remove the splash guard.

5/8 is the correct size for the spark plugs.

I also suggest you invest in the Bentley manual for your truck. Lots of pictures and clear direction on how to fix things.

BMW E46 Drive Belt Replacement | BMW 325i (2001-2005), BMW 325Xi (2001-2005), BMW 325Ci (2001-2006), BMW 325ti (2001-2004) | Pelican Technical Article

Look at figure 1. I would take a photo if I could, but I'm away from the vehicle. This is from an e46, but same setup.

Removing the belly pan is for searching for the DISA pin


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I don't think removing the belly pan is necessary. Just the plastic splash guard. Removing the belly pan requires jacking the car up and replacing the bolts. Don't do it.

He may be correct. Start with the plastic splash guard. I don't think you really need to jack up the car to remove
the belly pan. It's of course easier when you can drive up on a stack of 2x8s


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