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A reminder that even the simplest mods reduce reliability
So I startup the Beast this morning and hear what sounds like a bearing making some noise. I figure since it's a cool morning it might go away when it warms up. Just to be sure, I putter around the neighborhood streets at 15mph for a few minutes until I hear something go "thwrampp" and then the noise stops.
I immediately figured out a belt had come off so I pull into the nearest parking lot and open the hood. Here is what I'm greeted with:
After pulling out the shredded belt I see the problem:
The bearing from one of the BWK pulleys is completely disintigrated. To top it off, like a dumbass I reach down there and try to see if the pulley is wedged against the other belt by TOUCHING IT and thus burning the crap-ola out of my finger!
I drove it home and will be taking off the BWK tomorrow. It wasn't doing anything for me anyway.
JoeJ - on the one hand I agree with you completely. On the other, I would say that once you mod your car you choose to no longer be a passive MB owner, and had better be willing to become a student of your car, and well educated in pre-drive inspections and preventive maintenance. Love my mods, but they do require a constant eye. Have had no significant problems, but have forestalled numerous issues before they became disasters. So "caveat emptor." Beware of what you're buying in to, and what you've signed up for when you go to mod your car. If something major goes out on you, there's nowhere else to turn except your wallet. Find a reputable mechanic, get to know him well, and provide copious amounts of his favorite booze over the holidays. Other than that - no issues with reliability!
DCHL - no argument there. The OP was talking about an aftermarket pulley, so he's in to swapping out critical components that involve high stresses. A little more than just headers and a tune. If you start swapping components like I have, it requires an active involvement. If properly looked after she's as reliable as any other car. If not, you're going to be a dissatisfied customer.
DCHL - no argument there. The OP was talking about an aftermarket pulley, so he's in to swapping out critical components that involve high stresses. A little more than just headers and a tune. If you start swapping components like I have, it requires an active involvement. If properly looked after she's as reliable as any other car. If not, you're going to be a dissatisfied customer.
He is talking about a BWK I think joe is running stock pulley
Check - thought the pulley was aftermarket as well - since they have a tendency to disintegrate. I guess you could say the same for a BWK. I've heard arguments on both sides. When I had the S/C installed at Kleemann, Cory suggested not to use a BWK for those very reasons. But I defer to you on the 63 series. No doubt you know the model far better than me! Cheers
DCHL - no argument there. The OP was talking about an aftermarket pulley, so he's in to swapping out critical components that involve high stresses. A little more than just headers and a tune. If you start swapping components like I have, it requires an active involvement. If properly looked after she's as reliable as any other car. If not, you're going to be a dissatisfied customer.
I know... my 180mm crack pulley shreds belts every few months.
what Im trying to say is not all mods are unreliable ...
Been there. One of the BWK double idler pullies wobbled like a top out of nowhere and suddenly gave up just as your pulley. The other one wasn't far off. Not exactly fun to quick fix these. Wish the bolt heads were regular hex 6 point at least. Less than 5k miles too.
For some reason this reminds me of one of my absolute favorite used car ads....it was for a 1954 MG-TF..."Very reliable. Just completed 400 mile road trip without breakdown." It's been years since I read that ad, but I have never forgotten those words. "400 miles without breakdown." :-)
That's not too far off. I only got 5000 miles on the BWK before the bearing let go.
same here but it was replaced for free.. I just lost my clutch bearing .. but that's after just turning 80 k on my 06.. so I just ordered the nachi..66 bucks looks like easy fix...