Belts themselves aren’t that expensive. The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).
When should a serpentine belt be changed on a BMW?
- Squealing and chirping sounds coming from under the hood of your car.
- Failure of vehicle systems like your power steering and air conditioner.
- Cracks and wear on the rubber of your serpentine belt when you pop the hood and have a look.
- Vehicle failure.
How long do BMW serpentine belts last?
On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you’re only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don’t use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.
Can you drive a BMW without a serpentine belt?
Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.
Can I replace a serpentine belt myself?
Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and step-by-step instructions and you’ll be done in 15 minutes.
What are the signs of a failing serpentine belt?
Common signs include a squealing noise from the front of the vehicle, power steering and AC not working, engine overheating, and cracks on the belt.
How much is a BMW alternator belt?
Labor costs are estimated between $114 and $144 while parts are priced between $42 and $53. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed. This range is based on the number and age of BMW 328i’s on the road.
What does a serpentine belt control?
The serpentine belt plays an essential role in running your car’s systems, explains TheDrive.com. It powers the alternator, the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor and, in some vehicles, the water pump. The serpentine belt rotates constantly when the car is running.
How much is a timing belt for a BMW 328i?
The average cost for BMW 328i Timing Belt Replacement is $1156.
Can a serpentine belt last 150000 miles?
An older-style belt, made from Neoprene, usually lasts around 50,000 miles. Thus, a car with this type of belt might last you for four to five years. However, a newer belt made from ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, may last for 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.
What happens if your serpentine belt breaks while driving?
If the serpentine belt breaks, the alternator stops generating electrical power. If that happens, your headlights will dim, the radio won’t work, and the battery will die. The battery warning light will also turn on because your battery isn’t being charged.
How long can a car run without serpentine belt?
There are a few variables involved in the answer, but it should be able to run between 20 to 90 minutes. If it is a hot summer day, your engine can overheat very quickly without the coolant being pumped through the radiator. In many modern cars, the engine light will illuminate once it exceeds a safe temperature.
Does the serpentine belt affect the transmission?
If your car’s serpentine belt breaks, the transmission could be damaged. Almost as soon as your car’s serpentine belt breaks, the engine will begin to overheat. Without the belt running, the water pump won’t be able to adequately cool your engine. When the engine overheats, your transmission may be damaged.
How long does it take to change a serpentine belt?
It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
Is timing belt the same as serpentine belt?
A timing belt has horizontal “teeth” that are made to fit both the crankshaft and camshaft. In contrast, a serpentine belt has multiple V-shaped grooves that appear vertically along the belt. Over time, these belts need to be replaced (roughly around the same time).
Do I need a special tool to change serpentine belt?
To replace a serpentine belt, start by locating the old belt at the front or side of your engine bay. Then, use a wrench to relieve the auto tensioner so you can pull the belt off of the pulley system. If your vehicle doesn’t have an auto tensioner, look for an alternator bracket and loosen the bolts in it instead.
What causes serpentine belt squeal?
Worn/Cracked Serpentine Belt – Serpentine belts have grooves which fit into grooves in the pulleys. Over time, the friction wears down these grooves, resulting in a loose fit. A worn belt can, therefore, begin to slip, which is one of the causes the squeal. Alternatively, cracks can cause the belt to snap.
Is Replacing a serpentine belt expensive?
Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.
Can serpentine belt affect acceleration?
Can A Bad Serpentine Belt Cause Acceleration Problems? Yes, it could. Bad serpentine belts cause loss of power. Especially in situations where slippage occurs and the alternator supplies power to the ECM.
What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?
Belt Noise As these belts wear out, they can begin to squeak or squeal. They make noise because there is not enough tension on the belt, or because the pulleys are misaligned or weak. Often, simply changing the belt will make it stop squealing. The noise isn’t usually a danger, though it does sound alarming.
How do I test my serpentine belt?
How much is a new belt for a car?
A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you’re looking at around $100 to $195 to replace your serpentine belt.
Does a BMW X5 have a serpentine belt?
Your BMW X5 will be happy to know that the search for the right Serpentine Belt products you’ve been looking for is over! Advance Auto Parts has 38 different Serpentine Belt for your vehicle, ready for shipping or in-store pick up.
Does serpentine belt affect alternator?
What does a serpentine belt do? Well, it won’t keep your pants up, but it does transport power to your vital automotive components. The serpentine belt is one long, snaking, winding belt that keeps your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning and—in some cases—your water pump running smoothly and effectively.
What damage can a broken serpentine belt cause?
This can lead to a sudden lost of power assist for the steering system, leading to the steering wheel all-of-a-sudden becoming very hard to turn. A broken serpentine belt may stop the water pump from circulating coolant through the cooling system, causing the engine can overheat.