Noise From Belt On E36

[8080pbmw]

Hi all E36 owners, I was wondering if anyone has the cure for this problem of mine. The AC belt tend to make noise about 4 to 6 weeks after a new replacement. The pulley are fine so after some complaint to my mechanic, he suggested to have the ori auto-self adjust belt tensioner changed to a modified fix type commonly used on Japanese engine. The belt can then be tighten periodically. This solution only helps for about 2 to 3 months before the problem comes back again.About 6 months back, the mechanic said they have found a better soltuion and recommended that the fix type belt tensioner to replaced by a ori self adjustable type from a 7-series. I did that and also change the ac belt to a better "first grade" version. Now I am having the noise again. The mechanic said this problem is a common thing for my car as the under site of the engine is not covered and fine sand carried by water can damage the belt. I am planning to have the belt change soon but would like to know if anyone has the cure to this problem. Maybe cover ( if there is one ) for the front side of the bottom of the engine will prevent too much ingress of water and fine sand from our daily drive during rainly days. I have been having this problem since I got the car 5 years ago. At first, the noise sounds like the ac compressor is damaged but my first visit to my mechanic solve my problem with just the change of the AC belt. but it proved to be just a short term solution as I have changed more that 5 belts already not forgeting the belt tensioner. All I want is a quite engine noise that does not embarrass me everytime I warm up my car in the morning. Cheers.

 

[mpower]

No cure for this for E36 as it is a common problem as you already know. Just live with it or change to another car for good.

 

[elwine30]

get the lower engine cover for e36. that can help from sand and water from your belts. i m not too sure if 32x above have this as default. but 318i need to purchase saperately.

 

[8080pbmw]

get the lower engine cover for e36. that can help from sand and water from your belts. i m not too sure if 32x above have this as default. but 318i need to purchase saperately.

Hi Elwine,
It's an original parts? does it cover the whole of the bottom front engine?
I know Fabian has customized a sump guard for the E30, any such thing for the E36? does the sump guard help in this case?
changing the belt every 3 to 6 months is just not the solution.

Thanks.

 

[LazyServer]

Noise belt or tensioner

My advise, get the original parts. Some of the BMW parts that you find nowadays are refurbished.

 

[viewfinder]

8080pbmw, seems like there's such a cover for e36 328i. It has a fancy name "Front Aggregate Protective Cover", same name as the E46 version. Price seems darn expensive for a cover... maybe chop shop or customize a fiber glass panel?

 

[LCP]

Actually, is that supposed to come standard with every car? I checked realoem for E36 325i, also found the same item, click here:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CB32&mospid=47444&btnr=51_2218&hg=51&fg=75

 

[LCP]

Btw, I think I read somewhere (possibly Haynes manual?) before that E36 sold in some countries come pre-fitted with "poor road condition" kit... I wonder whether our CKD variant have that... Among other items I noticed are extra protection washers, seals, lining, etc. especially for suspension parts.

 

[8080pbmw]

Thanks ViewFinder and LCP, I'll check out the price for a new one first and also try to seach the chop shop for it.
Anyone has this part installed on to their car? it seems that one need to weld / rivet on 2x M8 nut for the mounting of the two M8 x20mm hexagon bolts.

Cheers.

 

[elwine30]

8080pbmw, no need to weld. it's bold on.

 

[1996E36328i]

I have the cover fitted on my car. it comes as an option. you can get the cover from Bavarian Auto. Never had any problems with the a/c belt squeeking uptodate.

 

[LazyServer]

How much you pay for it..?

 

[8080pbmw]

I have the cover fitted on my car. it comes as an option. you can get the cover from Bavarian Auto. Never had any problems with the a/c belt squeeking uptodate.

How much did you pay for it? I have asked my mechanic to quote me today.

I think this is the cure for the E36's premature failure of it's belting system.

Thanks.

 

[absidian]

I have on mine as standard with the sport coupe version, its just a big flat piece of plastic.

If you're adventurous with a thick sheet and a jigsaw, you could actually start making one yourself that will bolt-up to the same places as the original. Cheap as chips, pretty sure many pple will be interested in these.

 

[viewfinder]

It does look pretty flat from the realoem diagram. I wonder if clear plastic is strong enough for this purpose. Clear plastic is cheap... can get from any car number plate shop or advertising board shop.

 

[absidian]

That type will probably crack under load/stress, if i'm not mistaken.

Would be good to use flexi plastic like those "tupperware" variety - holds shape but won't break that easily. When it hits/catches on something, it'll just graze off a little instead of ripping itself off entirely, if you know what i mean.

 

[8080pbmw]

i am still waiting for my mechanic to come back to me on the price. will post up once i have it.

 

[8080pbmw]

My mechanic just quoted me RM410.00 for just the "front aggregate protective plate" without installtion. One month delivery.
Anyone can get it cheaper?

 

[elwine30]

pb, the 410 is cheap. I got quote from BA in kl for 415 but got immediate stock. I can check if 1st Div is cheaper which is the normal case.

 

[8080pbmw]

it's plastic material instead of aluminium. installation might cost RM50