OE Quality
60-Day Returns

Vaico V20-0273 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly
Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner for BMW Cooling Systems
The Vaico V20-0273 accessory drive belt tensioner assembly is built for BMW applications that drive the water pump through the belt system. It is a direct-fit replacement for select 1996-1999 BMW 318i, 318is, 318ti, and 1996-1998 BMW Z3 models, with dimensions that support proper belt alignment and tension control.
Key Features
- Accessory drive belt tensioner assembly for the belt and cooling system
- Driven unit: water pump
- Dimensions: 100 mm height, 101 mm length, 118 mm width, 70 mm outer diameter
- Built for select BMW 318i, 318is, 318ti, and Z3 applications
- Vaico part number V20-0273 for catalog and cross-reference use
- This part cross-references Gates 38223 and Dayco 89333 for the same application.
Detailed Description
VAICO V20-0273 is an accessory drive belt tensioner assembly for BMW belt and cooling system service. It is specified for vehicles where the driven unit is the water pump, making it a relevant replacement when restoring belt tension and maintaining consistent accessory drive operation. This part number, V20-0273, is listed for 1996-1999 BMW 318i, 318is, and 318ti, plus 1996-1998 BMW Z3 models.
VAICO product line components are cataloged for European vehicle service applications and are commonly selected for OE-style replacement needs. The V20-0273 tensioner assembly is sized at 100 mm high, 101 mm long, 118 mm wide, and 70 mm outer diameter, which helps match the original packaging and mounting profile for the listed BMW applications.
Vehicle Fitment
- Fits 1996-1999 BMW 318i, N/A
- Fits 1996-1999 BMW 318is, N/A
- Fits 1996-1999 BMW 318ti, N/A
- Fits 1996-1998 BMW Z3, N/A
Common Replacement Reasons
- Worn or noisy belt tensioner assembly
- Loss of proper accessory belt tension
- Belt tracking or alignment concerns in the drive system
- Service replacement during BMW cooling system repair
- Restoration of water-pump-driven accessory belt operation
Installation Notes and Tips
Verify the existing tensioner dimensions and driven-unit layout before installation. Confirm fitment against the vehicle year and model, especially on BMW 318i, 318is, 318ti, and Z3 applications, and inspect the accessory belt, pulleys, and related cooling-system components during service. Use the part number V20-0273 to match catalog listings and interchange references during ordering.
Quality Assurance
VAICO supplies OE-style replacement components for European vehicle maintenance, and this tensioner assembly is cataloged with multiple interchange references for application matching. Cross-reference numbers include Gates 38223 and Dayco 89333.
| Brand | Vaico |
|---|---|
| Part Number | V20-0273 |
| Position | VAICO |
| Driven Units | Driven unit: water pump |
| Height [mm] | 100 |
| Length [mm] | 101 |
| Outer diameter [mm] | 70 |
| Packaging Depth [cm] | 13 |
| Packaging height [cm] | 13,2 |
| Packaging width [cm] | 12 |
| Weight [kg] | 0.970 |
| Width [mm] | 118 |
This part fits 15 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel | Liters | Cylinders | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | BMW | 318i | 1.9L | L4 | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | |
| 1999 | BMW | 318is | 1.9L | L4 | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | |
| 1999 | BMW | 318ti | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1998 | BMW | 318i | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1998 | BMW | 318is | 1.9L | L4 | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | |
| 1998 | BMW | 318ti | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1998 | BMW | Z3 | Roadster | 1.9L | L4 | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO |
| 1997 | BMW | 318i | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1997 | BMW | 318is | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1997 | BMW | 318ti | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1997 | BMW | Z3 | Roadster | 1.9L | L4 | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO |
| 1996 | BMW | 318i | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1996 | BMW | 318is | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1996 | BMW | 318ti | Base | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO | ||
| 1996 | BMW | Z3 | Roadster | N/A | Compatible with front suspension stabilizer bar link kit, brake hydraulic hose, and steering tie rod end installations.; VAICO |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.