mechanical belt tensioner vs hydraulic
 

wondering if anyone has had good luck with replacing mechanical belt tensioner with one off ebay, $50, opposed to replacing with hydraulic. Found one that the warehouse is about 11 miles away from me.
Called moritz bmw and they told me they dont make mechanical any more and that the hydraulic will cost about $300in parts. But if i go with hydraulic ill only have to replace the pulley from now on. This is a 2001 x5 3.0 111k miles and im pretty sure its never been changed. I can buy 6 mechanical tensioners for the price of 1 hydraulic. Im also pretty sure my wife wont be driving this thing for another 9 years! and yes ill also be replacing the deflection pulley. both are shot.
anyone used the mechanical replacement?

Thanks BT

Interesting, learn something new every day. That same tensioner has been around forever, at least since the first M50('92). I usually just replace the pulley on the top one. If you don't trust the Ebay source I would suggest Pelican Parts.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 11-28-1-433-571-M40

Thanks for the direct to pelican. That one shown is for a/c side but i did find the one i need for waterpump / alternator side $56. Also thought it was funny that they showed a link for the geniune bmw part at $125. Thought they didnt make it any more.... interesting

Sorry pasted wrong link. If you look around Pelican they also have a conversion to the hydraulic(2 parts). Real Oem does show the mechanical as discontinued. Shouldn't you be buying the 11-28-1-427-252-M40 for 48.50?

BMW X5 (2000-06) - Main Engine Components - Page 1

Just go with the mechanical one, It's easy to replace and the price difference vs hydraulic one makes it no brained repair. I've installed new mechanical tensioners on my 530i and x5. Don't pay premium for spring enclosed in oil which has tendency to leak out.

absolute no brainer, replaced with mechanical tensior and also replaced top deflector pulley. piece of cake and working perfect. shame on parts dept guy for telling me i HAD to replace with hydraulic tensioner with a cost of $300. got both for around $115. BMW might not make mechanical tensioners anymore but everyone else does. Mine made by gates.