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How essential is it that I get cam belt replaced now?

S

Seb25

Car  BMW 330CI M SPORT
How important is it that I get this done? I have just bought a 53 reg 172 with 46k on the clock, it looks in absolutely incredible condition with one previous owner.

I've been reading around the forums and the only real niggle with this car is that they need the cam belt doing at one point or another.

Is it absolutely necessary to have it done yet? I'm trying to save as much money as I can! Is there any signs that it probably needs doing?

I'm not sure if it has been done before but I seriously doubt it.

Could i happily go for another 20k and maybe not have a problem or what?

If it does go, what is the extent of the damage?

Cheers lads
 
Complete guessing game mate, i've had a clio with 73k on the std belt before lol, although it wasnt a sport!

Cost of repairing a snapped belt will easily be x10 the cost of replacing it. However i'd consider 46k early for a camblet change, perhaps reconsider at say 56k???
 
It should have been done in 2008

Its impossible to tell if its been done, the belt (on the car) will probably look brand new, it just isnt worth the risk.
 
yeah, 70k or 5 years.

Get it changed, then you wont have to drive around worrying it might snap at any minute.
 
It might last another 5 years... or it might not. Not worth the rist imo.. i got mine changed on 26k cos it was 5 years old, expensive but no doubt cheaper than replacing all the bits that will break if it goes!
 
i would get it done mate, where in the country are you? as there are loads of specialists that are alot cheaper than main dealers
 
jordan172 said:
£460 inc vat, that was cam/aux belts all pullys & rollers including cam seals

renault wanted £769 +vat that didnt include cam seals either.

www.birchdown.com

search them in Dealer, Specialist and Trader Experiences
Click to expand...
Would recommend these guys, they did my V6, although slightly more then the £460 quoted, but you could end up paying as much for sorting out the mess from a snapped cam/aux belt as i did sorting the vee out, although it had done just shy of 24K the pulleys had started to squeak and was losing confidence.
 
It's not worth the risk. If it snaps you'll be very upset and it wil cost you significantly more than if you just sort it now.
 
i always do my belts everytime a get a new car even if its not due, piece of mind for me. I driving a car knowing the cambelt is over due, ticking time bomb.
 
The risk is IMO effectively doubled in the Clio, as the aux belt can take the cambelt with it. Best to know it's got fresh belts and tensioners all round.
 
You say you want to save money - so the best option is lay out 400 odd quid now and then you'll save yourself 1500+ in the long run on an engine rebuild.

I know which one I'd be going for and have it booked like asap!
 
Roy Munson said:
Yeah. You can usually tell by the bent valves.
Click to expand...

Like these?

Valvesresized.jpg


Get it done, mine recently snapped and cost me £1070 to fix!! Seems expensiv to have it replaced but as you can see, a snapped belt causes lots of damage.
 
ben_r1 said:
Complete guessing game mate, i've had a clio with 73k on the std belt before lol, although it wasnt a sport!

Cost of repairing a snapped belt will easily be x10 the cost of replacing it. However i'd consider 46k early for a camblet change, perhaps reconsider at say 56k???
Click to expand...
A 172 that's stood still for 5yrs, zero miles would need the belts doing. They naturally perish, it's not just use that causes them to go.
 
Thanks for the replies people, royally shitting myself now ha!, once it is up and running I will be looking to get it booked in.

Thanks for the Birchdown Auto link too!
 
Nah don't worry. Just don't be thrashing the s**t out of it until it's done. Reducing the risks FTW, and also reducing potential damage if it did go.
 
Roy Munson said:
Nah don't worry. Just don't be thrashing the s**t out of it until it's done. Reducing the risks FTW, and also reducing potential damage if it did go.
Click to expand...

You don't need to be thrashing the car to cause lots of damge, I was at low ish revs when my belt went and you can see what it did to the valves!! Theres massive forces involved at any engine speed.
 
Yeah that's probably the best bet, I only do a nice steady 6 miles a day for work so until i've saved a few more quid I will take it steady!

But as soon as the 28th comes (my next payday) it is getting done!
 
While it's in, is it best to get anything else done as well. Cam belt, aux, service and...?
 
Cambelt kit, and aux kit, make sure they are full kits, if you go to Birchdown they'll sort you out.
 
Yeah make sure it's the full Cambelt kit and Aux belt kit that's changed, not just the belts. Though if you're going to one of the specialists off here they should see you right.
 
is there any closer to Huddersfield that are also known to be good. Leeds, Manchester etc?
 
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