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Old 09-14-2016, 07:31 PM   #1
paul somlo
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Greeley CO
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Default Mechanical Belt Tensioner - INA vs. BMW

Regarding the spring loaded accessory belt tensioner on the M44 - does anyone have experience with INA vs. original BMW? Price difference is about half. Some concerns I have, other than longevity, are whether replacement pulleys can be ordered for the INA. The original (for which pulleys are available) used a hex head bolt that recessed deep into the center of the pulley, while it appears that both the INA and the current BMW offering use a Torx head fastener that is flush with the pulley face. I also saw a review on Pelican Parts that states the dust cover doesn't fit the pulley used on the INA. In the pictures that I'm seeing online, the BMW part appears to use the same pulley as the INA, that is, no provision (groove) for the dust cover. Wondering if the pics are wrong, or if BMW made a change. But more important than the dust cover, I want to be able to replace just the pulley when the bearing goes dry.

Paul
'96ti 231,000 mi
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