Front End Overhaul

[Hornung418]

http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy41/jhornung318i/e46_328i_front_end_overhaul-1.jpg

I need some help determining the correct part numbers for the highlighted parts. I have checked and confirmed that I do indeed have a hydraulic belt tensioner, but I'm looking to replace the entire unit. If this is a bad idea then tell me that I just have to replace the pulley. I'm also aware that there are two different pulleys, one with a center mount and one with an offset mount. I believe that my deflection pulley is offset and my tensioner pulley is centered.

And before you tell me I need an Upper Radiator Hose and an Expansion Tank...I already have them :biggrin

Over.

[ryankokesh]

I converted mine from mech to hydraulic, so I got the conversion kit. I think if you want to replace everything that would definitely have what you need.http://184.72.239.143/mu/4b5f7999-8817-adfc.jpg

Edit: sorry, not sure why that ss came out sideways... Part number for my tensioner was 11-28-7-838-797-m40 and then the conversion kit was 09-0434-001-m40. Hope that helps

Double edit: fixed the weird photo. and not sure about your pulleys. I haven't heard of an offset pulley - not sure how that would work... (I haven't heard of a lot of things though)

[Hornung418]

Yeah the way they have it worded, I'm not sure what I really need. The part number for the a complete Hydraulic Tensioner is listed properly, but when you search it, you get hits for a conversion...I don't need a conversion, I just want to replace it...I'm not understanding fully what entails a new kit :(

[ryankokesh]

I would just give them a call in the morning - pelican guys will know.

[ryankokesh]

I thought one of the perks to the hydraulic was that you only needed to replace the one piece? maybe someone who knows what they're doing will chime in :)

[Johnmadd]

Get the TMS kit, I think they have a kit anyways.

[Hornung418]

Well the real question at hand is can I get away with having an 11 year old 109k hydraulic tensioner, and just replace the bolts and pulley.

[Johnmadd]

I would just get a new one. If belts look like they are shaking its bad, but id just replace with new one man.

[Hornung418]

From this list (http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AM53&mospid=47723&btnr=11_2190&hg=11&fg=18), which parts are necessary to insure proper functioning of my belt drive?

[Hornung418]

Updated Post #1.

Decided that I should get the whole deal. If anyone can give me reason to keep my $66.50, I'd be eternally thankful :)

[danewilson77]

I got the conversion kit from ECSTuning.....

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?62-Hydraulic-Tensioner-Upgrade-Layout

[Hornung418]

Thanks Dane, I was looking for that post! Did you have a mechanical one to when you purchased the ZHP? I'm trying to decide if the actual shock and base unit will need replacing, or if I can just buy the washers, bolts, pulley and caps.

Does any idea what the lifespan for a hydraulic shock type tensioner is?

[danewilson77]

No data on longevity. The kit I got went on the ZSP. Seemed like a very solid unti.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[Hornung418]

http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy41/jhornung318i/e46_328i_front_end_overhaul.jpg

So I found more things to do while I had the Front Clip off...

Still wondering if I should pull the trigger on the Hydraulic Shock Tensioner :dunno

[danewilson77]

Pull the trigger

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[Hornung418]

I'll have to see (and photograph)what the differences between one with 100+k miles on it when I get to it. I know it's pretty dirty and pitted, and the top mounting Dust Cover is missing.

I'm also now curious how important the heater core send and return lines are to replace. I hear that's a real PITA when you get to the back of the block.

[danewilson77]

I'll have to see (and photograph)what the differences between one with 100+k miles on it when I get to it. I know it's pretty dirty and pitted, and the top mounting Dust Cover is missing.

I'm also now curious how important the heater core send and return lines are to replace. I hear that's a real PITA when you get to the back of the block.

Need to check my diy thread where I have it laid out. It may shed some light for you.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[Hornung418]

Yeah I saw that. I'm definitely getting the pulley and associated bolts and washers, the question is tho what is the lifespan of the shock? I'm going to call my Dealer on Tuesday and see if Master Mechanic Joe can give me good explanation of the quality and life of the shock.

[danewilson77]

I would hedge, that the lifetime of the shock > lifetime of the mechanical spring. Keep us filled in on what he says.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[Hornung418]

10-4

[danewilson77]

10-4

Copy. Out.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[Hornung418]

Great news! Just spoke with Joe Driscoll at BMW of Bel Air. He has never had to replace the actual Hydraulic Shock, so it would theoretically only need to be purchased in the event of a retrofit. He did however mention that the needle bearings in the pivot point can get noisy. He further detailed that it's not worth gaining access to the bearings if they're not making noise. So I will save the $66.50 for a later day :)

Part number 5 in the diagram below.
http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/z/x/226.png