[LinkFox]

Just recently got a 2024 530i from the dealer. Less than 10K miles.Driving it for a week, and it's been awesome.

But today I noticed that 1 of the 3 bolts on the tensioner was loose. On here, I noticed jha96 had the same issue. I'm attaching an image from his post. Already towed my car to the shop, so I can't take a picture of mine.

I'm just feeling unsure of the explanation I got and would really appreciate another round of opinions. They said that "the bolts that came loose hold the pully onto the pump." So a bad water pump caused the bolts to rattle and loosen. Does that sound right to anyone?

The explanation that was given to Jha96 was that there "was no loctite on any of the belt components and they all needed to be replaced, as well as a new belt."

Do these two explanations sound similar? Not an expert or even a noice on any of this.

Thanks in advance.

[dubb13]

That is not good that's the second one that is not good

[dubb13]

I guess I'm going to have to keep an eye on mine there's an issue with that

[dubb13]

That is a big fucking issue if that thing flies off it's going to create major damage

[Blue Sky]

Lack of loctite makes sense. You would see some dried goop on the bolt threads if it were applied in some color. It’s simple to apply and torque so the service department should have no problem handling this and it should be considered a warranty issue.

The pump is not likely to cause the bolts to back out from malfunction, and any pump vibrating that bad would already have failed and you’d have an over temperature alarm.

Unclear why this has been reported more than once, either the bolts are supposed to be preapplied and were not, or the thread locker was not applied manually on the assembly line (procedure error)
perhaps associated with September production line problems.

I would ask that all tensioner bolts be removed and reinstalled after cleaning and fresh thread locker applied and retorqued in order to make sure all of them are correctly installed. If the bolts are considered one use then they should be replaced and installed at no cost to you.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by LinkFox

Just recently got a 2024 530i from the dealer. Less than 10K miles.Driving it for a week, and it's been awesome.

But today I noticed that 1 of the 3 bolts on the tensioner was loose. On here, I noticed jha96 had the same issue. I'm attaching an image from his post. Already towed my car to the shop, so I can't take a picture of mine.

I'm just feeling unsure of the explanation I got and would really appreciate another round of opinions. They said that "the bolts that came loose hold the pully onto the pump." So a bad water pump caused the bolts to rattle and loosen. Does that sound right to anyone?

The explanation that was given to Jha96 was that there "was no loctite on any of the belt components and they all needed to be replaced, as well as a new belt."

Do these two explanations sound similar? Not an expert or even a noice on any of this.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, this exact same issue happened to another forum member as well, and the solution recommendation is the same.

This is worrisome to say the least. Really, we should advise every forum member with the 530i to check this, I think.

[ToddRGuy]

LinkFox

Do you think you could provide a "distance" photo as well, to illustrate where the tensioner is located on the B48. Not everyone is mechanically inclined, so my hope is to provide people with a visual of where to look.

[ToddRGuy]

Here's the other post regarding this same issue:

https://g60.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ight=tensioner

jha96 - Check this thread out. You aren't the only one.

[Blue Sky]

On closer examination of the photo from the previous incident included in the first, that’s looks like a water pump pulley, while that smaller black plastic pulley with the single bolt right and up from that looks more like a tensioner pulley.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by Blue Sky

On closer examination of the photo from the previous incident included in the first, that’s looks like a water pump pulley, while that smaller black plastic pulley with the single bolt right and up from that looks more like a tensioner pulley.

I do believe you're right, at least from images I can find of both online. First to admit I know nothing about BMW engines. I took a look under the hood of my B58 today and was intimidated. lol.

Either way, bad news for the engine of whomever it works lose on and whatever collateral damage occurs as it goes flying around in there. Geesh.

[LinkFox]

Thank you ToddRGuy and Blue Sky for providing that info. I really hope this isn’t a widespread issue.