How to Change the Belt on a 2002 BMW 530i


1. Ensure the car is turned off and the key is out of the ignition. Open the hood for access to the engine compartment.
2. Locate the tensioner bolt toward the top of the engine to the right of the water pump. There will be two bolts to loosen.
3. Unscrew the top bolt to loosen the tensioner with a socket wrench. Loosen the bottom bolt with a socket wrench to release the tension on the belt.
4. Pull the belt off all the pulleys and out of the engine compartment. Place the new belt around all the new pulleys. Follow the provided belt-routing diagram supplied under the hood. Place the belt over the tensioner pulley last.
5. Tighten the bottom bolt with a socket wrench first to tighten the belt. Tighten the top bolt once tension is placed on the belt.
6. Start the car, and allow it to idle to ensure the belt has no slack in the lines. Turn off the car, and close the hood.