Quote:
Originally Posted by pbonsalb
BMW used both belt routings. One is for early cars, through the middle of 2008, and one is for later cars. I think the photograph of the motor is the early car and the diagram of the pulleys and belts is the later car. I think the belt that runs the AC and PS is two sided on the later cars, and one sided on the early cars.
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Correct: For M3's built before 4/29/08 the belt is routed over the (clockwise turning) power steering pump (and under the idler pulley). M3's with build dates after 4/29/08 the belt is routed under the (counter-clockwise turning) power steering pump (and over the idler pulley). This is because they changed the idler pulley design (see above posts for part numbers and pictures).
*Note: There are some E9X M3s out there with a replacement engines that may not meet the criteria above. Probably worth taking a look before you order just to be sure.