I have been running 2.1s in XMs for over 15 years and 300,000 miles with no serious engine problems except the head gasket at about 150k. The design of the valve gear means that if the belt breaks it only breaks the rockers and generally doesn't damage the valves which usually makes it unnecessary to remove the cylinder head to repair it. I have certainly never had your problem.

I think that the 2.1 is the best IDI engine made, they are normally bombproof and better on fuel than the 1.9, its also more refined than either the 1.9 or Hdi

Brilliant engine - pig to work on.

Having just re read your original post, they would have to slacken the tensioner nut to set the tension and also to hold it in position while refitting the belt. The nut that holds it on also locks it in position.

Edited by Peter.N. on 16/07/2013 at 23:00

On this car one has to remove the bumper and the front of the car!

That's only bad design if that's a difficult job. I used to run a Zafira, on which quite a few things required removal of its plastic front end for access, but it was a five minute job to get that off and the end result was a heck of a sight easier to work on than fiddling around with restricted access.

You'd be amazed at how little is left of a modern car once that big plastic bit at the front is removed....