[Hxm99]

Hello everyone
My car is on 98k ATM and I'm looking to get the drive belt done as preventative, My car has a N53 engine and I've been looking around and cant seem to find a proper kit for the car. Some sellers say I don't need the automatic belt tensioner and just need to replace the roller on the tensioner. I'm not sure if my car has active steering or not, under the hood its got no steering oil reservoir, so I would assume it doesn't have active steering.
In terms of the kit, what must it include? and what are the tools I'd need, is this a complicated job?

This is urgent cause I need the kit by Friday

[Dormermike]

I did mine recently.

Make sure you have the right size torx screw, i didnt, and had to order it.

The belt and tensioner i bought off ebay from separate sellers.

My old belt had 72k on it and was perfect.

[Hxm99]

Originally Posted by Dormermike

I did mine recently.

Make sure you have the right size torx screw, i didnt, and had to order it.

The belt and tensioner i bought off ebay from separate sellers.

My old belt had 72k on it and was perfect.

What's the right torx size? and if you're car does not have active steering, could you direct me to the seller you bought it from?

[eljay]

Take a look here:

It's not a complicated job. The above video is for N52, but I think N53 would be similar.

And some more views of the area:

[Hxm99]

Originally Posted by eljay

Take a look here:

It's not a complicated job. The above video is for N52, but I think N53 would be similar.

And some more views of the area:

you sir are a star, is the procedure exactly the same for the N52 and N53

[Hxm99]

Im browing through amazon and it says these 2 fit my car, however it says one of them fits cars with active steering(I don't think I have it) whilst the other doesn't mention anything. is there a difference between drive belt kits for cars with active steering?

[eljay]

The belt itself seems to have a different part number between cars with/without Active Steering.
I would call a dealer, give them your VIN and ask if your car has active steering option and if they are willing, ask them for parts numbers for the drive belt, pulley, and tensioner assembly. Then find a kit.

[0l0dom0l0]

Look on real OEM it tells you everything you need to know. Active steering belts are longer - 1990 vs 1827mm because it goes round a power steering pump as well.

Euro car parts have the belts and tensioners in stock and they aren't expensive. I got a dayco belt, original is contitech. Mine looked brand new to be honest.

Changing the belt is easy, I've done it a few times. You'll need a breaker bar and torx socket for the tensioner. Take a picture before you remove the belt as its easy to get confused which way ot goes and mark the direction of travel on the old one in case you need to re use it.

Be very careful threading the new belt on the crank pulley, its very awkward and takes a few goes. Make sure it is 100% on it properly (again take a photo) or else you'll do damage.

I would recommend turning the engine over with a socket and ratchet on the crank pulley (clockwise) a few times before starting it in case you haven't got it seated on the pulleys correctly. It will stop it running off when you start it.

[Dormermike]

Also make sure you get no oil on the belt.

[Dormermike]

Originally Posted by Hxm99

What's the right torx size? and if you're car does not have active steering, could you direct me to the seller you bought it from?

t60 on mine (n53)

[Josh.N53]

Hello belt snaped and need new one anyone know were I can get the correct one got one off eBay and says it fits but it’s to big I’ve looked around and I don’t have the extra pulleys I’ve attached a picture of the same engine n53b30a

[Phil325i]

In the eBay search bar enter BMW plus the part number. The standard belt is BMW 11287628651 but for cars with 'active steering' (which I assume means electric) the part number is 11287628650.