Replacing Drive Belt - 2003 330i - United Bimmer Community

**Dathaeus** · 11-21-2012, 03:33 AM

Just curious, how much should replacing a worn out belt cost at an indy and then at a dealer to fix? Evaluating some shops in my area right now for my new ride. Thanks guys.

DEATH2000 · 12-02-2012, 01:10 AM

Your talking about the rubber belt that powers the pumps and such correct?

The belt itself is usually about $30-50. And it only take me 10 minutes to swap one on an E46 (2004 320i) so if they try to charge you any more then $75-100 then I would find someone else.

**Dathaeus** · 12-02-2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

Your talking about the rubber belt that powers the pumps and such correct?

The belt itself is usually about $30-50. And it only take me 10 minutes to swap one on an E46 (2004 320i) so if they try to charge you any more then $75-100 then I would find someone else.

I am no sure exactly what part, but I think thats it from what I have heard... my usual indy told me it is like a 30 minute job, but he still charged me $140 i think, and when I said I had cash, he told me $125.

FYI, a lot of people I know go to him and trust him, and they are legitimately nice and talk to you, not like some other mechs... but ya that does sound a bit on the pricey side. I am going to checkout out one more place and see, but this is a pain in the %$#!. Maybe bec they just opened this new shop they are not charging any partial hours and just going full, because that sounds like he charged me an hours labor plus full retail parts price.

DEATH2000 · 12-02-2012, 01:46 AM

The thing that sucks about the drive belt on an E46 is their is very little room to change it out. Its really a pain in the ass to get to the belt tensioner as you have barely enough room to get the 18mm socket on. Been there. However once off, it only takes about 10 minutes to swap, not counting the removal of the plastic skid plate, but that is 6 bolts and takes two minutes to remove. It all depends on the shop labour rate. If its a $100 an hour, and takes him 30 minutes thats $50 plus the belt itself.

**Dathaeus** · 12-02-2012, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

The thing that sucks about the drive belt on an E46 is their is very little room to change it out. Its really a pain in the ass to get to the belt tensioner as you have barely enough room to get the 18mm socket on. Been there. However once off, it only takes about 10 minutes to swap, not counting the removal of the plastic skid plate, but that is 6 bolts and takes two minutes to remove. It all depends on the shop labour rate. If its a $100 an hour, and takes him 30 minutes thats $50 plus the belt itself.

Either way I look at it it seems I got screwed of the cost, but then again maybe most people here are comparing his prices to Braman. I'll check out this other old man who fixes cars, see if he'll work on mine. He is semi-retired but works for himself, so we'll see. My friend who is very well versed in cars goes to him, but then again he has a Blazer so.....

DEATH2000 · 12-02-2012, 02:08 AM

Haha, I have a Blazer as well. A 98 GMC Jimmy to be exact, but same platform.

With the Bentley Manual and a decent socket and wrench set you could do all the work on your own car. The belt tensionor is an 18mm socket. The skid plate is a 10mm socket. The oil filter is a 36mm socket and the oil plug (on mine) is a 15 mm wrench/socket.

**Dathaeus** · 12-02-2012, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEATH2000

Haha, I have a Blazer as well. A 98 GMC Jimmy to be exact, but same platform.

With the Bentley Manual and a decent socket and wrench set you could do all the work on your own car. The belt tensionor is an 18mm socket. The skid plate is a 10mm socket. The oil filter is a 36mm socket and the oil plug (on mine) is a 15 mm wrench/socket.

LMAO, what are the chances.... dont tell me its also white, that'd be scary.

Ya lotsa people told me to do it but I have about 20 reasons why I dont, and prob never will unless at least half those reasons disappear, even though I do love working mechanically. Oh well.

DEATH2000 · 12-03-2012, 12:18 AM

No mine is blue. Ill post a picture one of these days. Its the 2 door SLS.

You only need about $500 in tools, give or take. And by doing it myself I have saved my self over $2,000 in labour costs alone! Thats between both the E36 and Jimmy. A week after I got the Jimmy the alternator crapped out. No biggy, three bolts and its out.