My K reg BMW E36 1.6 has a squeaking belt. How do I cure it?

Common Car Noises and Their Likely Causes Noise More Details Likely Cause Fixing It Clicking noise while turning Starts faint, gradually becomes more noticeable until very loud Failed outer CV joint (constant velocity joint) due to torn boot (most likely) or old age Replace either the whole axle assembly (recommended) or the outer CV joint Water pump noises Difficult to diagnose because of water pump's location Noise usually caused by damage to the bearings in failed water pump Only cure is replacing it. If possible do it at the same time as a timing belt replacement to cut down on labor costs Squeak or squeal from an engine belt Loud, high-pitched squeak or squeal Belts either need adjustment or replacing If belts only squeak when damp, they probably just need adjustment. If they squeak constantly, they probably need to be replaced Exhaust heat shield noises Rattle that you hear when car is idling Damaged heat shield Replace heat sh

The first thing I will chk ,I will see any belt wearing sign,it that normal?any oil on the belt?is it only morning is making noise?second ,i saw some belt from the factory built is not as good as OEM.it will make noise .hoped that's help :)

It is possible you have a glazed belt - it is fine, it just slips until it warms up. If you have "V" belts, there is a belt dressing you can spray on that will cure the problem. If you have serpentine belts ( a wide belt that has several ribs on the inside ) you can us a small dab of Dielectric grease on the belt. smear a small dab across the ribs of the belt ans start the engine - the squeal should go away quickly.
Hope this helps!

Not familiar with bmw, but a squeal like that means that the belt isn't tight enough. Probably didn't get tensioned enough when the new belt was put on.

Its because your alternator is a 80 amp which is a lot of power drain ,some propriety belt sticky sprays will cure it for a while ,arrow chemicals used to make one 30 yrs ago in the Uk which was very good but aqs to sorting this one out then short of renewing the spring loaded tensioner their is not a lot you can other than to start engine and dont rev it let it idle for a minute and this will recharge the battery so stopping the strain on the belt and the screeching at the same time

You should have your belts checked for proper tension. If they're squeaking when the engine is at a low RPM then they are most likely loose and need to be tightened. However, that squeak may also be an indication that one of the tensioners in the belt's line may be wearing down. If that is the case the tensioner will need to be replaced since the bearing inside is worn down beyond the point where lubrication would be useful.

The only cure to fix squeaking belts, is to replace with the new one. When the belts start squeaking noise, then it is the time to check the status of the timing belt or chain, depending on the size of the engine.
The 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra was offered with the choice of 2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.3L V6 engine.
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine was a pretty good reliable engine, but for this truck, it was underpowered. This engine has a long-lasting timing chain - there is no timing belt to replace.
The 3.3-liter V6 SOHC was also a bit slow on pick-up, but for daily use, it was pretty good, durable, simple engine. This engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced at recommended intervals. The SE model offered a supercharged version of the same engine with more power.
To get more information, please read my tip :
When should I change the timing belt on my car?
http://www.fixya.com/cars/r6481199-when_change_timing_belt_car

i expect ur engine 24v. this model use one long belt and one short belt. the pulley cammonly not the cause. when belts is squeaking ur pour some water to those belt and find out the hot belt. the hot belt will vapourise the water. the belt should be replaced. before replace check for free running of each pulley and clean the pulley surface. im suggest place with continental belt.tq

they do have a spray to put on your belts to stop this. you can clean your belts

Usually (and I say this without having heard it myself), the noise is caused by a loose or worn out belt in the engine. The best thing is to have it looked at, or if your not worried and you think the belt is fine, buy some belt lubricant at your local automotive