Replacing a timing belt 93 325i

Here's a link for a estimate,but as you know if you go to the BMW dealer it will be real high.You can call them and call Midas and compare prices as with other shops in the yellow pages,places that sell new tires does that kind of work too. BMW 328i Serpentine Drive Belt Replacement Costs YourMechanic Estimates

Depending on the amount of miles on your vehicle it may be time to service the timing belt. Personally if it was me and I had to replace the water pump I would probable replace the timing belt at the same time since the cost is minimal. You can always check it for wear and cracks when you take it apart.

timing chain?

Below is the master help link provided to go through belt routing diagram:---Timing belt, drive belt, serpentine belt, accessory belt, fan belt, engine belt routing diagrams for all types of car models?
Click the link below: ----

http://carbeltrouting.blogspot.in/2012/02/timing-beltdrive-beltserpentine.html
----------This will help. Thanks.

Here is a link to a thorough alternator replacement guide for BMWs.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-89-Alternator/101-Projects-89-Alternator.htm
The model noted is an older 318is, (the E30 model), but since it is the exact same engine, the guide notes the changes with your model year BMW. Note that if you are ever looking for information for your BMW, generally info online is found under the internal model code. 1993-1999 BMWs are called E36, so in this guide make sure to follow what it says about the E36 models.

There are 2 engines used on the 318i. One has a chain the other a belt. The M40B18(1990-1993) uses a cam belt and the M43B18(1993-1998) a chain.

most manufacters suggest that the timing belts should be changed no later than 75,000 miles.

replace it with a new one, make sure to tension it correctly and make sure it is running in line

look at mileage. the replacement of the timing belt needs to be done at 60,000 miles. you risk severe damage if this is not done. these belts costs around $300-400 to do.

BMW 318/325/M3/525/535/M5 1989-1993 Repair Information



Fig. 1: Setting the engine to tdc for cylinder 1 engine



Fig. 2: Releasing the tension on the spring for the timing belt roller engine



Fig. 3: Checking the alignment of the timing marks before installing the timing belt engine




Fig. 4: Timing belt arrangement engine

BMW recommends that the timing belt be changed every second Inspection ii, or every 4 years on cars that have low mileage. Most of the rest of the industry has timing belt changing intervals ranging from 40,000 miles to 60,000 miles. It is better to change the belt at a lower mileage than at a higher number.
The timing belt must be replaced every time the belt tensioner is loosened. Do not reinstall a used belt. Reusing a timing belt, even one with low mileage, is not worth the chance of having a belt break and damaging the engine.

Good luck.

Hi some of them have a belt but yours being the M43 engine is a chain, the only thing to listen for with them is chain slap or an rattling around the chain area, a bit of research on the M43 engine also shows that the chain should be changed after 100000 miles as they become weak, Just joined here and found this unsolved i know its a bit late but hope the extra info helps