[aarontufft]

Started the car up Sat morning and heard a bang which I thought sounded like it came from the rear.

Anyway drove to work, after 2 mins red battery light came on - ccid 213. Quick search on the net showed battery not fully charged, so I went out to have a look to find the alternator belt all loose.

With final year Uni projects and work I just don't have the time to even look at it, so off to the local indies it went. Had to cut the belt off too as couldnt unwind it off for a safe drive to the indies.

Chap said its most likley the tensioner or bottom pulley. Anyone else had this? Dreading needing a new alternator, although I believe the pulley in the alternator can be replaced?

 

[ste815l]

It's more likely to be the tensioner there hydraulic so it's probs lost its pressure there about £45 but may as well replace alternator pulley and new belt. About £80 in parts and an hours labour.

 

[aarontufft]

Just called me up to say it was the alternator pulley bolt has sheared off, so new bolt pully and belt. Said its going to be tricky getting the alternator off though.

 

[ste815l]

I'm sure he could tap a reverse thread into sheared bolt without taking alternator off. Just remove fans and should be enough space.

 

[GarnZ]

With that type of job, unless the sheared bolt comes out easily, you are better dropping the alternator off and exam the cause. The pulley must have been loose for the belt to come off.

RegardZ.

 

[JC189]

I had this problem mate, 123D currently 72k, happened around 68/69k mark.

Driving along, BOOM! Warning light straight away, rang Bmw for help, told me to turn the car off etc & call my breakdown cover. Anyway, when I got it home I booked it in for repair, it was the bottom pulley, their only rubber and they obliterate on impact to save any other damage.

Had a new one fitted for around £270 I think. But I can check on receipt upon request.

Car drove brilliant since.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ste815l]

I reckon the bearings inside the pulley have seized or shattered causing the pulley to lock solid with the rpm speed they run at it basically it's snapped the bolt in the pulley.

 

[aarontufft]

I reckon the bearings inside the pulley have seized or shattered causing the pulley to lock solid with the rpm speed they run at it basically it's snapped the bolt in the pulley.

This is exactly what he said had happened. He managed to get the alternator off and then grip the pulley bolt and cracked it loose.

New belt, pully and bolt, plus fitting - £190, so not too bad.

I had this problem mate, 123D currently 72k, happened around 68/69k mark.

Driving along, BOOM! Warning light straight away, rang Bmw for help, told me to turn the car off etc & call my breakdown cover. Anyway, when I got it home I booked it in for repair, it was the bottom pulley, their only rubber and they obliterate on impact to save any other damage.

Had a new one fitted for around £270 I think. But I can check on receipt upon request.

Car drove brilliant since.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sounds like it was the same issue mate, thanks for letting me know.