Few more cooling system Q's before I pull the trigger at AutohausAZ

[STREETFIGHTER50]

When doing the cooling system refresh, do u replace the Accessory Belt Tensioner Assembly (mine's hydraulic) or just the pulley/roller?

Also, aside from me getting the Saleri water pump, AutohausAZ carries these brands below for our cooling sytems. Any good? Any brands to avoid?? Genuine BMW parts are just so much more expensive :(
-CRP-Contitec
-auto Parts
-MTC
-O.E.M.
-Behr
-Nissens
-Ina OEM

[johnrando]

I know Stewart Water Pumps are highly recommended, but they are not cheap. I've heard good things about Behr. Not sure about the rest.

[ELCID86]

Miles on the car/system? I'd probably replace all the pulleys while you are in there. --oh, I htink your question is just to do the pulley on the tensioner or the whole thing. Not sure how easy it is to diagnose the hydraulic tensioner.

[trancenation]

When I did my cooling system, I purchased INA pulleys and they have worked well thus far. Additionally, I purchased a BEHR thermostat and that has performed well too.

[brettbimmer]

Nissens radiators are quite good in my experience. I just replaced one preventatively (with another Nissens) in my E36, but it was probably in the car for 120K miles without issue. I also ran one in an E30 without issue. Both cars were used on the track for a few high performance driving schools too, so they were not lightly used. That said, not sure about their setup for the E46 with separate expansion tank, as with the E30 & E36 it is integral into the radiator and not available separately.

Contitech hoses and belts are pretty common in our rides, and I have some of their parts on each of my two Bimmers. Quality looks good, and I have not had a component failure with anything they make. Believe that they make the BMW OEM hoses.

Additionally, Behr components seem fine as well, and I have used quite a bit of them for some air conditioning replacement parts in the past.

Hope that this helps.

[alexandre]

Look up the part numbers on rmeuropean.com to get the OEM manufacturer. It's usually a good bet to buy the OEM manufacturer vs Genuine BMW, and saves a good amount of money.

[Vas]

I do not know the mileage on your zhp however I replaced the complete hydraulic tensioner on my car roughly around 110k. The factory unit was still fine however it felt weak compared to the new unit.

I replaced it plus the pulley and not I know it will be good for the next 100k.

Check out http://www.thebmwpartstore.com/ for your cooling needs if anything. Prices are fair there.

[kayger12]

Look up the part numbers on rmeuropean.com to get the OEM manufacturer. It's usually a good bet to buy the OEM manufacturer vs Genuine BMW, and saves a good amount of money.

This

[STREETFIGHTER50]

My car is near 82k miles right now. Thanks for the replies folks! I will definitely use all of this info towards my purchase.

[STREETFIGHTER50]

Still haven't decided on replacing the whole hydraulic tensioner assembly or just the tensioner pulley/roller & idler pulley. At around what mileage do these tensioners normally fail?

[danewilson77]

Still haven't decided on replacing the whole hydraulic tensioner assembly or just the tensioner pulley/roller & idler pulley. At around what mileage do these tensioners normally fail?

I wouldn't go any longer than 100k miles.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[ELCID86]

I figure you might as well do them while you have it apart anyway. Piece of mind.

[WOLFN8TR]

I would replace the plastic water pump pulley. Also if you have a Automatic there is a Tstat for the Transmission underneath the Expansion tank.

[Johal E32]

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW_Cooling_System_Refresh_Kit_p/e46coolrefrkit.htm

with radiator..

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Parts_Cooling_Package/PKG-E46-COOLING-MANUAL.html

[STREETFIGHTER50]

Got new pulleys & belt from UUC & ordered this hydraulic tensioner kit complete with pulley from OEMBimmerParts
http://www.oembimmerparts.com/BMW_Hydraulic_Tensioner_Update_Kit_OEM_p/11287838797e46.htm

[STREETFIGHTER50]

How about on the AC side. Do y'all replace the whole mechanical tensioner/pulley too or can you just replace the pulley on it? I can't seem to find it on AutohausAZ's website.

[STREETFIGHTER50]

Ok I just figured out OEMBimmer's drop down menu for it lol! $53.50 for the INA AC tensioner with pulley :)