Main Drive Belt, Continental - E39 540i, E38 740i, E53 X5 4.4 (M62TU)

The main drive belt runs the water pump, power steering pump, and alternator on the M62TU engine. It's very important not to neglect your drive belts as a failure will leave you stranded. They're easy to inspect during normal maintenance such as an oil change or refilling your washer tank. If there are cracks running across the ribs, sections missing, the edges are frayed, or the threads are visible on the belt surface, the belt should be replaced immediately.

If you can, inspect and test the pulleys before ordering your belt(s) - tensioner, idler, water pump, and power steering. Also test the belt tensioner at the same time. Or plan to order new pulleys and tensioner with your belt(s). These pulleys are made of plastic and shatter with age, causing potentially expansive/expensive damage to your engine, radiator, etc. They usually last longer than the belt but now is the best time to replace them. Since they are bolted on, not pressed, they are easy to replace.

This is an OEM main drive belt manufactured by Continental - the original supplier to BMW for rubber belts. As the OEM it meets all of BMW's original design, fitment, and performance requirements and is TUV approved. OEM parts are the best alternative to more expensive Original BMW parts because they are virtually identical without the inflated price tag. This part has a two year warranty.