Okay, I think I know the answer to this, but thought I'd check in with the Group Mind.

Recently did the shadetree version of the Inspection II on my wife's 2005 non-supercharged coupe. Part of that was replacing the belt, so I did my usual online search for part #s at NAPA, which lets you print out a shopping list when you go to the store.

I always try to buy the higher-end offering for things like belts and hoses, since they're only a few bucks more and I'd rather not have to do a job any more often than necessary due to a cheaper wear item failing early. Under serpentine belts, I selected the first "premium" belt of many that came up in the search, along with the intake air and cabin filters.

As it turns out, the belt I bought was a bit too long, as the tensioner went WAY far in its travel when I released it after getting the belt in place. It also squealed when the engine was cold, like a stretched-out belt would be. I went back to the NAPA site, and found out there are TWO belts listed (of the same product line) for the non-supercharged 2005 MINI. The other one is a bit shorter.

I went back to the store, where I buy all kinds of stuff and know the manager on a casual basis, and asked him to look it up since I got the wrong belt. Looking in his computer, he saw two belts as well. The first one I got (the one that was too long) is described as "Belt - AC" and the shorter one is called "Belt - Water Pump & Alt". As I was sort of looking to see if they'd take back the first belt, the manager said the shorter one "was the one I would have picked -- that's the water pump and alternator belt." I then pointed out that it's a SERPENTINE belt that wraps around everything, and that the same belt drives the alternator and AC compressor.

The place was busy and I wanted to get going, so I didn't press the issue and just bought the shorter belt, but now that I have the wrong one off I'd like to get my money back since their listing was incorrect. Even though it's somewhat my fault for just grabbing the part number and asking for that belt, I'd like to call NAPA on the incorrect listing of two different belts.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there just one configuration of belt for non-S MINIs (like with most modern cars)? For example, there isn't such thing as a MINI without air conditioning, or is there? (And actually, that wouldn't really matter, as the WRONG belt was shown as the belt for the air conditioner.)

Thanks in advance!

 

Oops...sorry...I posted this in the wrong place. Can an admin move it to First Generation Forum when convenient?

(I can't get out of the habit of thinking "First Generation MINIs" are those tiny ones from the 1960s!)

 

First of all, many of the "discount" stores parts listings are wrong for MINI's. The aftermarket for service parts are horrible unless you get them from a reputable euro specialist. Your best bet for service/repair items would be online. I purchase from both Worldpac and KW parts (they sell to shops only) and are an importer for many OE brands, they also carry some real junk, so knowledge of the individual parts or brands certainly helps. Being in the European auto repair business for more than 20 years, I can spot junk from a mile away, so it may help to have a trained eye looking out for you. In this situation, I ONLY use Conti-tech belts, they always fit and they work as they are supposed to. They also cost the same or less than a Gates or Goodyear belt from a discount store.
Now for the shameless plug... I sell parts, good parts. The same parts I use on my own car, my mothers car, and my child's car...and they don't cost much more.

 

Moved to proper forum.

 

Since you 'know' the mgr., package the old belt up in the sleeve and go talk to him - a wise old saying goes "If you don't ask, the answer's always No."

If nothing else you'll get some insight on how willing there are to deal w/ these special little cars - which will be handy in the future...

And (2 cents) after my last belt change (diff. size because of the 15% pulley) I put the front part of the sleeve w/ the part# and belt size in the glovebox - when searching for another it's that size that's the important # (p# between mfr.s isn't always searchable) ...

 

I know the listing for the belt on my S is wrong, and far too long from when I tried to do a belt change before I did my pulley. Had to go back to the store and get a smaller one. Now I order many of my supplies through vendors like WayMotorWorks that know the correct sizes, so I am saved the hassel and trouble of getting the wrong parts. It does suck that the books st most repair places and the big box online places are wrong, but it is just another reason this web- site and our vendors are so great!!

 

Thanks for all the replies, and yes, if I had planned it out better I probalby would have ordered the belt from a MINI-specific vendor.

(BTW, NAPA does carry Mann filters for the MINI, which is what I got. I have bought filters there in the past for my VW.)

But I'm still curious: is there just one belt per engine and per model year?

 

One belt does all gen1 "S" and a different belt does all gen1 coopers I think...I don't think transmission choice or lack of ac made a differance as a dummy pulley is used on non ac cars.

 

Resurrecting an old thread that I should have read before buying a belt.

Non-S serpentine belt lists two sizes at my parts store (and as it turns out, at all parts stores including on line):
continental 4060407 - water pump and alternator
continental 4060415 - air conditioning, base

Despite having air conditioning, the first one is the proper size one! I don't know what the second one actually fits but it'll squeal like a banshee when installed on a cooper non-s with air conditioning.
I'm no genius but i think the coding is 6 for 6 ribs, 407 is 40.7", and 415 is 41.5". Only .8" difference...

F