Prevent Broken Belt from going through Front Main Seal.

[MightyMouseTech]

If you are worried about a serpentine belt breaking and getting sucked in through the front main seal, this looks like a fantastic idea.

Have seen it happen way to often. Never pretty.

[ShocknAwe]

What's the punchline for those who can't watch the video? Does it work?

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

What's the punchline for those who can't watch the video? Does it work?

Appears to in the video. Dunno. Basically a small shield that bolts to the block behind the crank pulley, and covers the front main seal.

[dtla1]

Looks like it works, but also looks like a pain to do. I guess just needs to be weighed against the possibility of you having to deal with a shredded/sucked serpentine belt.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by dtla1

Looks like it works, but also looks like a pain to do. I guess just needs to be weighed against the possibility of you having to deal with a shredded/sucked serpentine belt.

Looks really easy actually. Remove belt, unbolt crank pulley, install shield, reassemble vehicle. If you are already doing a new belt and tensioner, this is only a couple extra minutes. I could probably do everything in about 30 min on a hoist.

[dtla1]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Looks really easy actually. Remove belt, unbolt crank pulley, install shield, reassemble vehicle. If you are already doing a new belt and tensioner, this is only a couple extra minutes. I could probably do everything in about 30 min on a hoist.

For some reason I saw the video and immediately thought you would need to remove intercooler to get access (might still need to on upgraded larger intercoolers?) but I guess not. Just need to remove the intact ducting up above to be able to remove the belt I guess. Actually not too bad I guess.

[Ric in RVA]

Looks easy to do and fixes one of the dumbest engineering mistakes BMW ever made.

Nice work!!!

[iminhell1]

Well coming from a guy who has broke a belt and has not sucked into the engine, I'll pass.
I really feel it's blown out of proportion.

[zx10guy]

I don't think so. I ran into some random guy who happens to own a N54 135i. He had this happen to him. He even showed me pictures of the carnage. He said he was fortunate enough to recognize what had happened and immediately shut off the engine, coasted to the side of the road, and called for a tow truck.

ETA: A friend who is a BMW tech in my area said he's seen this on a few occasions. While it's not widespread, I've seen enough evidence to believe the risk warrants some attention: either stay on top of replacing the belt and associated hardware or get that shield installed.

ETA2: Incidentally, this idea is similar to a shield I've installed on both of my sport bikes that was made popular a few years ago by Cox Racing. It's a shield that attaches around the trans output drive gear. The shield is to protect the engine case from being smashed open if the chain snaps.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Well coming from a guy who has broke a belt and has not sucked into the engine, I'll pass.
I really feel it's blown out of proportion.

We see it fairly often. Quite often it means a new engine.

[Boost3d_1M]

VTT, also has something available to prevent this from happening, its $99 on their website.

[iminhell1]

Originally Posted by Boost3d_1M

VTT, also has something available to prevent this from happening, its $99 on their website.

Not the same thing at all.

This is a 'crank bolt capture'. It's made to stop the bolt from backing out and letting the pulley loose tension against the grip disk. Which allows the chains to jump timing.

[drunkenup]

There was discussion on a N54 facebook group that either suggested it might not work or has failed to do its job. I'm also no fan of undoing bedplate bolts.

[Yeineken]

$150 is a bit steep for a small piece of cnc'd metal. Maybe if you can pick it up on a sale it'd be worth adding to the to-do list while your already replacing your belt.