Loading ...Q
I have a 2001 325i with 91,000 miles. No one will give me a straight answer on when the timing belt should be changed. When should it be changed and what would be the estimated cost? Also should the water pump be changed at the same time since the front of the motor is already apart?
A
The M54/M56 engine in your 2001 325i does not use a timing belt. The cams are driven via a timing chain that does not require any regular maintenance or replacement.
The water pump on these engines, however, should be replaced at around 60,000 miles, due to historic failure data. It’s a lot easier, and usually less expensive, to replace the pump before it fails (out on the road someplace). We typically also replace the accessory drive belt and the tensioner and idler pulleys (for the belt). The Bentley repair manual details all of this. Additionally, I’ve attached a copy of the Spring 2007 issue of our Fast Times newsletter, which contains an article on replacing the water pump on a 2001 330i (similar to your 325i).
