Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

How to Replace the Tensioner and Pulleys

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Timing belt

First, locate the position of the timing belt. In this case, it is located in the engine compartment immediately behind the radiator. To access it, you need to remove the air box that is directly above. To do this, remove the various bolts that hold it in place and, after disconnecting the electrical supply, take it out. Now, you need to remove the radiator fan, which you can do using the appropriate wrenches to unscrew it from its position. Now you can relieve tension on the air conditioning belt by using the appropriate wrench on the tensioner. Remove the belt and replace the tensioner with a new one. Next, relieve tension on the upper belt and remove it. Replace two pulleys and the component they are mounted on. Reinstall the belts and reassemble the parts you removed to work. The maintenance operation shown in the images is performed on a BMW 3 Series.

Updated on 22 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Replacing the Auxiliary Belt
Replacing the Auxiliary Belt
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) This car model has two auxiliary belts: one for the water pump and the other for the air conditioning compressor, alternator, and power steering pump…
How to Replace the Timing Chain on a BMW 3 Series?
How to Replace the Timing Chain on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW Serie 3 (2005-2013 / E91, E90, E92) To replace the timing chain on a BMW 3 Series, open the hood and remove the plastic cover located on top of the engine block: this will allow access …
Replacing Auxiliary Belt
Replacing Auxiliary Belt
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) Replacing the auxiliary belts is fairly simple since they are positioned at the front of the engine and there is enough maneuvering space to work; th…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Connect the Cables to the Battery of the Citroen Xsara Picasso?

In this tutorial, you will see how to connect the cables to the battery of the Citroen Xsara Picasso, useful if you need to recharge it or perform an emergency start. First, ensure the key is not inserted, then open the bonnet and move to the front of the left headlamp. Next, locate the bolt just behind the filter box and connect the positive terminal clamp to it. Now you can connect the negative terminal to any point on the chassis, such as the indicated point. Once the operation is complete, ensure you disconnect the negative first and then the positive.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos