Auxillary Belts Replacement

[abcxyz]

Hi there,
I had an oil change done yesterday and they said I needed to change my Auxillary belts (the two belts that control the a/c, alternator, power steering). He said that it'd cost $175 for the job, is that a good price? He says they're cracked badly and need to be replaced.

Can anyone post a picture showing me where these two belts are located, so I can see them for myself?

Seems they always tell me something is 'wrong' with my car, but I don't always believe them and nothing has ever gone wrong. The told me almost a year ago that I had to change my powersteering rack ($1500 job), but I still have not, and I don't see any leaks or any problems in my power steering or any noises either when i turn the streering wheel, so I don't believe them anymore when they say something NEEDS to be changed.

Anyway, a picture or description of where I can view the belts would be much appreciated. Can yuo view them from the hood, or does the car have to be jacked up?

[Jeron]

LOL $175 is way too much. It's a <15min job for a mechanic and the parts are <$30.

This is a good DIY project. Minimal tools and you "can" do it without lifting the car, but it is easier to get the bottom one if you do lift it.

Take a look at the Tech Info Center. What year and model?

[abcxyz]

oh man, what a scam.....i have a 1998 328is

[Jeron]

A flat head to pull off the pulley cover, An Allen socket around 5-7mm and a long ratchet or a breaker bar. To get access from below a screwdriver.

Spin your pulleys to check the bearings.