Has anyone ever changed an alternator and belt tension wheel in a Z3?

10

Asked by goodboyjohnny Jul 25, 2010 at 05:39 AM about the BMW Z3

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I tell you...That alternator and belt tension wheel in my Z3 looks impossible to swap out.  It looks like I need a special tool!  Anyone here ever done it?

2 Answers

305

It's pain in the ass. You need to remove most of your obstacles from the bottom. If you have access to a lift then use a lift, it's almost impossible in the driveway.

1 people found this helpful.
3,325

yes several times.you need a t-50 torx socket or a 40 dont remember he exact size.pull out the idler pulley should have a cover on it.pop it off then there is a 16mm i believe.disconnect the connector on the back of the alternator and positive cable .i dont disconnect the battery but you.take off the belt.take off the alternator bolts and may need to pry it off.should be 2 on the bottom and the one for the idler pulley goes throuh it.the tensioner might be mechanical or hydraulic.either or not hard to replace.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    bmwmastertech4hire
    Reputation
    380
  • #2
    Sleveillee
    Reputation
    350
  • #3
    BoholMark
    Reputation
    320
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW Z4
64 Great Deals out of 978 listings starting at $3,950
Used BMW Z3 M
8 Great Deals out of 83 listings starting at $11,795
Used BMW 3 Series
1,144 Great Deals out of 13,120 listings starting at $516
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
144 Great Deals out of 3,016 listings starting at $2,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
717 Great Deals out of 12,129 listings starting at $3,200
Used BMW M3
49 Great Deals out of 1,083 listings starting at $13,995
Used Porsche 911
374 Great Deals out of 3,900 listings starting at $16,500
Used Porsche Boxster
50 Great Deals out of 545 listings starting at $3,250
Used BMW Z4 M
4 Great Deals out of 51 listings starting at $10,990
Used Ford Mustang
885 Great Deals out of 22,945 listings starting at $1,150
Used Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
53 Great Deals out of 629 listings starting at $3,850
Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
137 Great Deals out of 2,497 listings starting at $4,995
Used MINI Cooper
396 Great Deals out of 6,005 listings starting at $900
Used BMW 1 Series
31 Great Deals out of 463 listings starting at $4,444
Used BMW Z8
25 listings starting at $182,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.