Newbie Saying hello & a couple of Q's
 

Hello everybody I've just become an X5 (3.0 2001) owner for the first time. I previously had a E36 coupe back in England but had to sell my pride and joy when I moved to Dallas, Texas. I've just picked up an immaculate X5 3.0 with only 70K on the clock that just has a couple of minor issues. First was the brake pads which were taken care of last weekend. The second being a squeeky upper idler pulley. I've seen a great write up on here where someone was replacing the alternator which seemed to cover most of the things I needed to know just to change the pulley (and belts while I'm at it).

I was just wondering, 1. how slim does the 32mm wrench need to be, can I get away with using a regular 32mm wrench or will I need the special tool @ $30.
and 2. if I was just to replace the upper idler pulley without changing the belts (which look to be in good condition), can this be done without even needing to take off the fan/fan shroud?

Many thanks in advance and again 'Hello'.
John

If you're going to be DIYing on the car, get the special tool, it makes life so much easier. When you do the alternator it would be also a good time to replace the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) since the 6 bolts that holds the housing to the block can be access once the alternator is off. My OFHG went at 144,000 miles, but your X is the same age as mine so could be age dependent or mileage dependent.

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks. I'm not actually replacing the alternator, just the pulley and the belts. I may buy the tool in time but I'm just wondering if it can be done without as I'm getting married soon and it's been a very expensive month :(

By the way I'm a lotus nut too!

Welcome Revi ! We all adding year/ model/ engine/ etc in our signature in order for other to quickly know your car .. Alway great to see pics too....70k i guess in miles right ?... With only 70k i guess that i would start with the belt (had the same issue on mine...

Thanks Whitecat, I'll be sure to update my sig with vehicle details as soon as I get a minute.

Re my question, I'll already be changing the belts and the idler pulley which is making the nose, the question was will a normal 32mm/1 1/4inch wrench fit in the space or will I need to buy the special tool. I would normally just go and buy the thing but I'm getting married next month and the old green backs are in rather short supply.

Thanks
John

Considering you can get the water pump tool/wrench set for under $30 I'd just buy Pabst instead of Budweiser this week and you shouldn't see any negative to your wallet

BMW 32mm Fan Clutch Wrench Water Pump Holder Removal Tool | eBay

As the only time I have to do the job is weds and thurs of this week, anything mail order is ruled out. I guess if no one knows I'll just have to buy a normal 32mm wrench and find out for myself if it fits or not.

The normal open end wrench will fit, but depending on how tight the nut is you may have a tough time getting it off without the holder.And don't forget the nut has reversed threads.

We'll i took y'all's advice and bought the tool and holder from a parts store close to me that carried it in stock. So if anyone in the Dallas /Fort Worth area needs to borrow one just let me know. Hope that Pabst tastes good!