Plastic washer behind belt tensioner?

Kkuba · 05-28-2023, 01:33 AM

Hello all,

2008 135i MT E82 N54

So I removed my belt tensioner in order to access something (long story), but there was nothing wrong with it.

Now I went to put it back and found a cracked plastic washer / collar on the block of the engine, just below where the bolt goes in for the tensioner.

What is this thing, and where does it go exactly, and how do I find a replacement? I did not find anything in the parts catalogue in this area. Parts catalogue just shows the tensioner bolting to the block.

Picture of half the washer below (dropped the other half and can't find it).

Also picture of where I found the two halves.

https://ibb.co/C2L8SDv

https://ibb.co/726kf35

brake-fade · 05-28-2023, 11:37 AM

I would check one of the coolant hose connections to the head and oil filter housing. The Micky Mouse ears flange is in that area. Could be one of those is broken or had broken in the past and wasn't cleaned up.

Kkuba · 05-28-2023, 05:20 PM

Update:

I think I've found an image of it:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...5i-11287563927

See image 3 of 5.

I think I will just have to lathe up a new one. Now to find the right material and dimensions.

4JawChuck · 07-10-2023, 04:31 PM

That plastic washer is there to prevent the tensioner assy from rubbing against the block, any thin plastic washer will work.

JustAnotherSportsCar · 07-10-2023, 08:16 PM

Or just replace the tensioner while you are there. They go bad eventually. Might as well do the idlers and belt while you at at it.

05-28-2023, 01:33 AM	#1
Kkuba Private First Class 25 Rep 101 Posts Drives: N54 135i Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: VIC, Australia iTrader: (0)	Plastic washer behind belt tensioner? Hello all, 2008 135i MT E82 N54 So I removed my belt tensioner in order to access something (long story), but there was nothing wrong with it. Now I went to put it back and found a cracked plastic washer / collar on the block of the engine, just below where the bolt goes in for the tensioner. What is this thing, and where does it go exactly, and how do I find a replacement? I did not find anything in the parts catalogue in this area. Parts catalogue just shows the tensioner bolting to the block. Picture of half the washer below (dropped the other half and can't find it). Also picture of where I found the two halves. https://ibb.co/C2L8SDv https://ibb.co/726kf35
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05-28-2023, 11:37 AM	#2
brake-fade Private 112 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 128i, 6sp MT, Koni, Swift Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	I would check one of the coolant hose connections to the head and oil filter housing. The Micky Mouse ears flange is in that area. Could be one of those is broken or had broken in the past and wasn't cleaned up.
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05-28-2023, 05:20 PM	#3
Kkuba Private First Class 25 Rep 101 Posts Drives: N54 135i Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: VIC, Australia iTrader: (0)	Update: I think I've found an image of it: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...5i-11287563927 See image 3 of 5. I think I will just have to lathe up a new one. Now to find the right material and dimensions.
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07-10-2023, 04:31 PM	#4
4JawChuck Private First Class 216 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 2013 128i SE Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	That plastic washer is there to prevent the tensioner assy from rubbing against the block, any thin plastic washer will work.
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07-10-2023, 08:16 PM	#5
JustAnotherSportsCar Private First Class 80 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i E88 Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	Or just replace the tensioner while you are there. They go bad eventually. Might as well do the idlers and belt while you at at it.
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