2012-2017 BMW M5 Serpentine Belt Replacement and Brand Guide
Keep your M5's S63 engine performing flawlessly by knowing when to replace your serpentine belt and which brands to trust.
- A failed serpentine belt will immediately cause your M5 to overheat and stop charging the battery; do not drive it.
- Continental is the OEM supplier for BMW; buying their aftermarket belt gives you the same quality as the dealer part for less money.
- Always replace the belt tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time as the belt to prevent premature failure of the new belt.
- Plan to replace your serpentine belt preventatively every 60,000 to 90,000 miles to avoid being stranded.
Is Your M5's Serpentine Belt Failing?
A failing serpentine belt gives clear warning signs. Ignoring them can lead to sudden failure, leaving you stranded and risking expensive engine damage from overheating. Watch for these symptoms:
- Squealing or Chirping Noises: A high-pitched squeal from the engine bay, especially on startup or during acceleration, 🎬 Listen to this example of engine squeal and how to fix it. is the most common sign of a worn or slipping belt.
- Visible Wear and Tear: Inspect the belt. If you see cracks, fraying, missing ribs, or a glazed, shiny surface, it's time for a replacement.
- Accessory Malfunctions: Dimming headlights or a battery warning light on your dash points to the alternator not being spun correctly. If your engine temperature starts to climb, the water pump may not be circulating coolant due to a slipping belt.
- Sudden Power Steering Loss: A complete and sudden loss of power steering assist while driving is a major indicator that the belt has snapped.
Critical Failure Warning
A snapped serpentine belt on a BMW can sometimes get pulled into the front crankshaft seal, causing a major oil leak or even jumping engine timing, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. This makes proactive replacement crucial.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Serpentine Belt
When it comes to a critical part like the serpentine belt, quality matters. For the F10 M5, the choice between OEM and a quality aftermarket brand is straightforward.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: The original BMW-branded belt is manufactured by Continental. You can buy the exact same belt under the Continental brand name for a fraction of the price of the part in a BMW box. For this reason, choosing a top-tier aftermarket brand is a smart financial decision without sacrificing quality.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your M5
Not all aftermarket brands are created equal. Stick with reputable manufacturers known for being Original Equipment (OE) suppliers.
- Top Tier (OEM Supplier): Continental is the original manufacturer for BMW's belts. Choosing Continental ensures you are getting the exact same quality, material, and fitment as the factory part. This is the most recommended option for European vehicles.
- High Quality: Gates is another top-tier manufacturer that supplies belts to many automakers. They have a strong reputation for durability and quality that meets or exceeds OEM specifications. You can confidently use a Gates belt on your M5.
- Standard: Dayco is a widely available brand. While generally reliable, most BMW specialists and owners prefer Continental or Gates for high-performance European applications.
Pro Tip: Replace More Than Just the Belt
A belt rarely fails on its own. The cause is often a worn-out belt tensioner or idler pulley. To ensure a lasting repair and prevent shredding your new belt, it is highly recommended to replace the serpentine belt, the tensioner, and any idler pulleys as a complete kit.
🎬 See how to properly remove and replace the serpentine belt tensioner.Cost of Replacing a 2012-2017 BMW M5 Serpentine Belt
| Part | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Serpentine Belt | $13.48 - $58.35 |
| New OEM Serpentine Belt | $30 - $70 |
| Belt Tensioner & Pulley Kit | $100 - $250 |
| Shop Labor | $150 - $300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace the serpentine belt on my M5?
While there is no official interval from BMW, mechanics and owners recommend inspecting the belt at every oil change after 50,000 miles. A safe, preventative replacement interval is between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, even if the belt looks fine.
Is this a DIY job?
For an experienced DIY mechanic, yes. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step drive belt replacement walkthrough for the S63 engine. The job requires removing the upper radiator cover, cross braces, and the electric cooling fan to get access. You will need a special T60 Torx bit to release the tensioner. If you are not comfortable with this, it is a relatively quick job for a qualified independent shop.
Are there any recalls for the F10 M5 serpentine belt?
No. Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and other sources show no specific recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the serpentine belt on the 2012-2017 BMW M5.
My belt shredded. Can I just put a new one on?
No. A shredded belt is almost always caused by a seized or failing pulley. Before installing a new belt, you must spin every pulley by hand (with the engine off). The alternator, power steering, and water pump pulleys should spin smoothly with some resistance. Idler and tensioner pulleys should spin freely. If any pulley is seized, wobbles, or makes noise, it must be replaced, or it will destroy the new belt immediately.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 11287631823 11287549873
The main accessory belt is a 7-rib EPDM belt, approximately 1629-1633mm in length (Part number format: 7PK1629). A separate, smaller 4-rib belt may be used for the A/C compressor.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- BMW M5:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your M5's Serpentine Belt Failing?
- Critical Failure Warning
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Serpentine Belt
- Aftermarket Brand Tiers for Your M5
- Pro Tip: Replace More Than Just the Belt
- Cost of Replacing a 2012-2017 BMW M5 Serpentine Belt
- Frequently Asked Questions
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