Underdrive pulleys

rubicon1976 · 07-28-2023, 12:12 PM

I was looking at under drive pulley kits. It seems there's no real down side to doing them but my car seems to be right on the cusp of when they changed the pulley system design, production of 5/28/2008. Can anyone tell me how I can tell if I need the older style pulleys or newer style pulleys for sure?

Also, what is the best bang for the buck kit? Any vendors running any specials?

Thanks,
Seth

agenator · 07-28-2023, 02:35 PM

Look at your power steering pump. Over the pump is the older style and is a single sided belt. The newer style runs below the pump and is a double-sided belt. Mine was a production date of 5/2008 and was the older style. I also have a DCT. Not too sure if it changes for the 6spd.

kevin @ eas · 07-28-2023, 04:35 PM

5/28/08 I would suspect you are later style but always good to verify. Like agenator said, single sides or double sided power steering belt is the easiest way to tell. We stock and the Macht Schnell pulley kits. It utilizes a crank pulley and power steering pulley to underdrive. Feel free to PM me for details.

rubicon1976 · 07-28-2023, 10:56 PM

Thanks guys. Kevin, I'll PM you.

smokinjoe64 · 07-29-2023, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubicon1976

I was looking at under drive pulley kits. It seems there's no real down side to doing them but my car seems to be right on the cusp of when they changed the pulley system design, production of 5/28/2008. Can anyone tell me how I can tell if I need the older style pulleys or newer style pulleys for sure?

Also, what is the best bang for the buck kit? Any vendors running any specials?

Thanks,
Seth

Whatever you decide, highly suggest don't go with aFe pulley kit; here's why:

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2033799

brettcp · 07-29-2023, 10:37 AM

I installed the Dinan pulley on my 2012 M3, wasn't difficult at all. Just be very careful when removing/re-installing the plastic fan shroud.

I used a Milwaukee M12 ratchet which made the job painless.

07-28-2023, 12:12 PM	#1
rubicon1976 New Member 46 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2016 M4, 2009 3281 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: GILBERT AZ iTrader: (0)	Underdrive pulleys I was looking at under drive pulley kits. It seems there's no real down side to doing them but my car seems to be right on the cusp of when they changed the pulley system design, production of 5/28/2008. Can anyone tell me how I can tell if I need the older style pulleys or newer style pulleys for sure? Also, what is the best bang for the buck kit? Any vendors running any specials? Thanks, Seth
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07-28-2023, 02:35 PM	#2
agenator Private 7 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: indiana iTrader: (4)	Look at your power steering pump. Over the pump is the older style and is a single sided belt. The newer style runs below the pump and is a double-sided belt. Mine was a production date of 5/2008 and was the older style. I also have a DCT. Not too sure if it changes for the 6spd. Last edited by agenator; 07-28-2023 at 02:41 PM..
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07-28-2023, 04:35 PM	#3
kevin @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3391 Rep 23,323 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M4 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Anaheim iTrader: (22)	5/28/08 I would suspect you are later style but always good to verify. Like agenator said, single sides or double sided power steering belt is the easiest way to tell. We stock and the Macht Schnell pulley kits. It utilizes a crank pulley and power steering pulley to underdrive. Feel free to PM me for details. __________________ Kevin S. \| european auto source (eas) email: kevin@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x31 GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
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07-28-2023, 10:56 PM	#4
rubicon1976 New Member 46 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2016 M4, 2009 3281 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: GILBERT AZ iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. Kevin, I'll PM you.
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07-29-2023, 10:37 AM	#6
brettcp Captain 389 Rep 745 Posts Drives: 2012 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: So Cal iTrader: (4)	I installed the Dinan pulley on my 2012 M3, wasn't difficult at all. Just be very careful when removing/re-installing the plastic fan shroud. I used a Milwaukee M12 ratchet which made the job painless.
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