2009 135i ate a belt

[Johnpaul7287]

Hi all, I'm hoping to get some expertise as I'm really uncertain as to what lies in the future.

So about a week ago my N54 ate a belt, I am assuming due to oil leaks. I subsequently pulled the engine (first time ever!) to address all the gaskets, turbos, pcv etc, basically all key maintenance items.

So when my car ate a belt, I got the half engine light immediately and drove for less than a block before I realized my belt was gone then I instantly turned the engine off. I have already confirmed that some belt went through the seal which is the main reason I pulled the engine.

So anyways, here's the question; immediately after turning the engine off I checked the codes and got the following:

-2a98 Crank shaft - inlet camshaft, correlation
-2a99 Crank shaft - outlet camshaft, correlation
-2e97 Generator
-3100 low boost mode engaged -- CEL displayed

So given these codes, are these common to have after eating a belt, or is it safe to assume I jumped timing? If that's the case, is there any easy method to check timing? I mean at this point it doesn't really matter since the engine is out but will I need the tool to check first or what?

Let me know, thanks guys.

[Cruuz]

Timing is controlled by the timing chain, which is independent of that belt that ate itself. I'd say unless something else extreme happened at the same time as the belt failure, timing should be unaffected. Since you have the engine out already, might as well do a full check-over. How many miles on it?

[MN.BIMMER]

How much oil was leaking before it snapped?

[Gizmo135i]

You defiantly want to take off the valve cover and oil pan, check the timing chain/sprockets, and oil pickup tube for pieces of belt.

Given you have timing faults I would also carefully inspect the timing guides for damage and check the timing. Your going to need timing tools which you can get off amazon and also the special tools to install the front main seal.

[Mr Gasser]

And get one of these after you sorted the engine issues, probably the worst catastrophic event for the N54, everyone should put on one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/i/254490645479?chn=ps

[Jeef]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

And get one of these after you sorted the engine issues, probably the worst catastrophic event for the N54, everyone should put on one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/i/254490645479?chn=ps

I'm the original owner of my n54 and I don't see a need to purchase one of these for my vehicle. 10+ years later everyone needs one of these now?

[Gizmo135i]

Originally Posted by Jeef

I'm the original owner of my n54 and I don't see a need to purchase one of these for my vehicle. 10+ years later everyone needs one of these now?

I guess that’s a little peace of mind, but for the most part if you stay on top of fixing oil leaks, more specifically the oil filter housing gasket (don’t let it get out of hand) then you should be ok. It’s a good idea to change the belt every 70k or so also as they typically don’t show any obvious signs of wear.

The problem here in my opinion is when the oil filter housing leaks onto the belt, sometimes people change the gasket, sometimes sloppier techs drip oil directly onto the belt when changing it, and no one thinks twice about the belt that is now soaked in oil. It also doesn’t help that the belt on the n54 is a headache to change so it adds an hour or two of labor to the bill.

[Mr Gasser]

It's a nice invention, but sure if you keep up with the gaskets and keep everything dry, there should be no problems...

[maj0r]

ugh after crank bolt capture more parts to prevent problems are required :S