Replacing drive belts and their tensioners (BMW 7 Series E38)

Drive belts

If you intend to continue using the belt being removed, mark the direction of its movement.

1. Remember the pattern of belt routing on the pulleys.

2. Remove the crankcase guard, the top engine cover, and the engine cooling fan shroud.



3. Press the A/C compressor drive belt tensioner by the hexagon (1) in the direction of the arrow and remove the drive belt (2).



4. Press the drive belt tensioner (1) in the direction of the arrow and remove the generator drive belt.



5. Check the condition of the belts (see chapter Vehicle settings and routine maintenance) and replace them if necessary.

6. Place the drive belt on the pulleys and rollers and make sure it is positioned correctly.

When installing a belt that has already been used, maintain its previous direction of movement.

A/C compressor drive belt tensioner

1. Remove the drive belts.



2. Remove the bolts (1) and the bolt on the rear side of the tensioner (3). Remove the tensioner roller with the lever (2) in the direction of the arrow. Remove the drive belt tensioner (3).



3. Make sure the groove on the tensioner body is facing down.

4. Center the tensioner, install the bolts, but do not tighten them.

5. Install the tensioner roller with the lever and tighten the bolts.

Generator Drive Belt Tensioner

1. Remove the drive belts.



2. Loosen the screws (1) and remove the air duct (2).



3. Unscrew the bolt (1) and remove the roller (2).



4. Remove bolt (1) and loosen bolt (2). Move the generator to the side.



5. Remove the self-locking nut (1).

When installing, use a new self-locking nut.

6. Remove the tension roller with the lever (1) in the direction indicated by the arrow.



7. Unscrew the bolts (1) and remove the generator drive belt tensioner (2).

8. Make sure that the groove in the tensioner housing (2) faces the generator.

9. Center the tensioner, install its mounting bolts, but do not tighten them.

10. Install the tensioner roller with the lever and tighten the tensioner mounting bolts.