Greetings all,
Looking for a general consensus on timing belt replacement. I'd read another thread with several advocates for 90K miles or 5 years.
I bought mine in April of 2015 with 109K on it. Having driven BMWs for a number of years, I wasn't familiar with the belt replacement. Staring at the interference engine chart at my local mechanic's one day I realized it pertained to the car they were doing work on. Went back and forth on having it done, but they couldn't find any indication it had been changed. Did the better to do it that regret it later. I replaced mine a month later @ 128,846 miles on 4/12/17. Of course, it turns out it had been changed. It currently has 160,948 miles on it. Obviously, it doesn't get a lot of miles. So, with only 32K miles on the belt, I'll hit the 5-year mark in a few months. I'd hate to chuck out $1500 or so if it really doesn't need it. I'm retired here in Wichita, KS, and it's always garaged, so it really doesn't see the extremes that some do. On the other hand, an engine replacement would be close to equal what the vehicle is worth.
Opinions?

 

I am the original owner of my 2005 RX330. I had my timing belt replaced at around 90K miles. It was definitely older than 5 years. Mine too is garaged and now has just over 164K. I plan on having the job done again as it gets nearer to 180K. I took delivery of it in October 2004, so going on 19 years. Perhaps I’ve just been lucky, but have not had anyone recommend or suggest to me to replace it after 5 years. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

5 years is a best case scenario. Many will disagree with me but you can go 7-8 years without much worry. As far as if the 3mz is a true interference engine the jury is still out in my opinion. The 1mz is a traditional non-interference engine and the 3mz is almost identical minus the larger cylinder bores leading to 10% more internal volume. The best answer I’ve gotten is that the 3mz is partial interference and the pistons will only damage the valves is you are driving in high RPM’s I’ve encountered 2 anecdotes of people who’s TB’s broke while driving on a 3mz and they just replaced the belt and kept on going. I should have a definitive answer when I tear down my old 3mz from the engine swap I just did on my 04 Rx.

but idk I fb you have tools if you do I would suggest you try doing the belt yourself. It isn’t too hard at all. The hardest part is taking the cam sprockets off and this is made easy with a chain wrench and a battery powered right angle impact wrench.

just watch what is in my opinion the best diy video on this task. If you’re tight on funds you can save a boatload doing it yourself and replace the cam and crank seals at the same time which I feel is really crucial.


i understand if it’s intimidating to take on such a job. But I just did a full engine swap and I did a timing job as well. It was a little easier todo the timing job since the engine was out of the bay but honestly I would have preferred to just do the timing job with limited room to work and not have done a whole engine replacement.

also if you choose to take the plunge there are tons of members here that will help you be sure to get it right.

 

Recommend this thread for some RX330 timing belt info:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...z-s-rx330.html