Hi,

My 1997 850 T5 has about 110,000 miles on it. Last Winter some time I think, whenever I started the engine cold, then drove off, a noise like a loose belt sound but lower pitched starts to happen, and will last about 30 seconds. But you only hear it when you step on the gas, not while idling. Now, when I start the car cold, you can hear the noise while you start the car, then it's even louder when you step on the gas. The sound will now last about 1-2 minutes while you drive down the road, then the sound just stops. My mechanic says it appears to be the timing belt tensioner pulley.

Should this be going out at only 110,000 miles? Has anyone else experienced or heard of this part going out this early? Does making noise indicate that I should get it fixed ASAP? Or, will it keep get louder before it fails? Is it possible now that it's making noise that it could just fail at any time?

I've been told what could happen if the part fails. So I'm concerned.

Thanks.

Michael