I just bought a 1987 BMW 325 6 cylinder with 98,000 miles. I believe it to be the eta (e) or economy engine. The car had the timing belt 2,000 miles ago in 2000, but the car has not been driven since 2004. I understand that the timing belt is rubber. I'm concerned that the timing belt could be brittle or dry and prone to coming apart. Given this, what do you think? Also, if the belt does come apart is there zero deck clearance between the vales and the top of the piston? Could I bend or damage some valves if the timing belt breaks?

For the fact that you don't know what is the cause as you bought it like that I think it's best for you to buy another gearbox before you start spending on that gearbox, then you can start deciding on fixing selling or keeping it for spare parts bye bye

The master cylinder is directly underneath the fluid resevoir. The Resevoir mounts to the master cylinder. If you would like an image enter "2001 BMW 325 master cylinder" into a search engine, under the image option.

its got a timeing chain so dont try to change it

iac valve ( idle air control valve) its located on the throttle body, and timing belt, that year does not have a timing belt, good luck.

If the timing belt breaks it could cost you alot more! If it breaks the pistons can slam into a intake or exhaust valve and bend them. This action could also crack the piston. If this happens an engine re-build will be required plus it could leave you stranded somewhere. It is possible you could drive another 30,000 miles without a problem...but do you want to take the chance?

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.

80-100K miles

I had a similiar issue (2001 Leganza 112,000 miles) ran great then died. Broken timing belt also bent 2 exhaust valves. Bought the timing belt kit (includes water pump, tensioner and 2 pulleys), top end gasket set, 16 valve lifters (8 of mine had collapsed) and 2 valves on Ebay.I found all the procedure documentation posted on line andI did the job myself for about $325 in parts cost. Runs great now!

Moral of the story....change that damn timing belt at the recommended interval of 60,000 miles!

P.S. Your problem sound like broken teeth on the belt. I would suggest a timing belt replacment and then a compression check of a all cylinders to see if any valves were bent - Good Luck!

The fan/clutch assy has left hand thread. Loosen by turning clockwise.

Remove radiator top shroud & air cleaner assy. to gain access.
Remove engine cooling fan by holding the belt drive pulley with a suitable flat bar tool (that fits over the top of the drive pulley attachment bolts), then using a suitable flat spanner to unscrew the fan clutch assy (clockwise). When re-fitting, tighten clutch nut to 30 ftlb.
You may need to use a bit of ingenuity in making the flat bar holding tool, unless you are able to procure the BMW tool #11.5.030.
Good luck

Try your local library.