I need your help, I'm new here but I see that many experts so I'm counting on help. I bought a Mondial with about 20000 miles, the timing belt was replaced in 2012, since then the car has been driven about 1000 miles and has been stored in collection. I have changed the oil and filters, but should I replace the timing belt immediately? Sorry for any mistakes))) , I am from Europe )
I won't put 30K on my car in my lifetime. After buying the car I went 14 years to the first belt change because I didn't know any better. Pre internet!!!! I'm at 5 to 7 years right now.
Jacek: Yes...get those timing belts changed soon, along with any worn accessory belts and hoses. I change my timing belts every six years (the old belts invariably still look good after six years). Also check for old, brittle fuel lines while you’re in there. Find yourself a competent independent mechanic (stay away from the dealership). This is not a complicated or difficult job...I paid $1,000 to have this done recently on my 328. Also have the mechanic check your four motor mounts...if they’re original they probably need replacing at this point...again, not a difficult job but the mounts themselves are expensive ($250 each here in the U.S.). It goes without saying that you should also flush the cooling system and the brakes if you have no idea when that was last done. Next, give your car a comprehensive safety inspection including suspension and tire date-codes. Inspect your sparkplugs. Finally, get yourself a good fire extinguisher and/or a couple of Elements fire sticks. Once you’ve taken care of the above items you’ll be ready to enjoy many years and miles of driving fun! Good luck! Alan N.J.
Changing the belts on a Mondial T is a hell of a lot more complicated than on a 328. The motor has to come out of a T for this job. The 328 you can do it through the wheelwell.
Jacek: There’s a tutorial on this website somewhere on how to change timing belts on a Mondial T without dropping the engine...it involves removing the fuel tank to give you more room (I frankly don’t know how easy or hard that is to do). Use the Search function (the magnifying glass above) to find the thread. Maybe someone here who has done this can chime in? That being said, you may want to drop the engine anyway so you can easily get to the fuel lines, coolant hoses, motor mounts, etc. It’ll also give you a chance to clean and detail the engine compartment. Many of us here use “Hill” tensioners on the timing belts...again use the Search function to learn more. Keep the questions coming. Good luck, Alan N.J.
