Change Car Timing Belt Kit BMW 5-Series

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 4h00 ~400£
Estimated time 4h00
Estimated labour cost ~400£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
5-Series 1987-1997 2
  • 520i Petrol (M20B20M)
  • 525i Petrol (M20B25M)
Renew the timing belt 4h00
Renew the timing belt kit 4h00

What is the function of a BMW 5-Series timing belt?

The timing belt synchronises the rotation of the camshaft(s) with the crankshaft, ensuring that the inlet and exhaust valves open and close at precisely the right moment. It may also drive other components such as the high-pressure fuel pump or the water pump.

When should you change the BMW 5-Series timing belt?

The replacement interval varies greatly between manufacturers, typically between 60,000 and 240,000 km or 4 to 10 years, whichever comes first. Always respect the time-based interval even if the mileage has not been reached.

What happens if the BMW 5-Series timing belt breaks?

On interference engines (the vast majority of modern engines), a broken timing belt causes the pistons to strike the open valves, resulting in bent valves, damaged pistons, and potentially a destroyed engine. Repair costs can reach several thousand euros. Preventive replacement is critical.

Is it difficult to change the BMW 5-Series timing belt?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical, requiring specialist tools (crankshaft and camshaft locking tools specific to your engine, tensioner tools, torque wrench) and precise knowledge of timing marks. Incorrect installation can cause severe engine damage. Recommended for experienced mechanics only.

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6 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
5-Series 1981-1988 1981-1988 518 Petrol (M10B18), 518i Petrol (M10B18), 520i Petrol (M20B20), 520i Petrol (M20B20), 524td Diesel (M21D24), 525e Petrol (M20B27), 525i Petrol (M30B25), 528i Petrol (M30B28), 535i Petrol (M30B34), M5 Petrol (S38B35) Diesel, Petrol
5-Series 1987-1997 1987-1997 520i Petrol (M20B20M), 525i Petrol (M20B25M), 525i, -ix Petrol (M50B25), 530i Petrol (M30B30M), 535i Petrol (M30B35M), 535i Petrol (M30B35M) Petrol
5-Series 1996-2004 1996-2004 520d Diesel (M47D20 (204D1)), 520i Petrol (M52B20TU (206S4)), 520i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20 (206S3)), 520i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20TU (206S4)), 520i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M54B22 (226S1)), 523i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B25 (256S3)), 523i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B25TU (256S4)), 525d Diesel (… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
5-Series 2003-2011 2003-2011 520d Diesel (M47D20T2), 520d Diesel (N47D20A), 520d Diesel (N47D20C), 520i (120/125 kW) Petrol (N43B20A), 520i Petrol (M54B22), 520i Petrol (N46B20B), 523i Petrol (N52B25A), 523i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N52B25A), 523i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N53B25A), 525d Diesel (M57D25TU), 525d Diesel (M5… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
5-Series 2009-2017 2009-2017 518d Diesel (B47D20A), 518d Diesel (N47D20C), 520d Diesel (B47D20A), 520d Diesel (N47D20C), 520d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C), 520d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (B47D20A), 520d, -xDrive M Performance Diesel (N47D20C), 520d,-xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 520i Petrol (N20B16A), 520i Petr… Diesel, Petrol
5-Series 2017-2025 2017-2025 518d Diesel (B47D20B), 518d, -mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B), 520d, -mHev, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 520d, -mHev, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 520d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 520d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20B), 520e Electricity,Petrol (B48B20A+GC1), 520i… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

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View the service schedule for your 5-Series →