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Home >> BMW >> 2008 >> 323i Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Engine Control Systems >> Engine - Repair - E90/E91 (-08); E92/E93 (N51/N52) >> Crankshaft With Bearings >> 11 21 531 Replacing all main crankshaft bearing shells (N52K)

11 21 531 Replacing all main crankshaft bearing shells (N52K)

Special tools required: 

IMPORTANT: Aluminium-magnesium materials. 

No  steel screws/bolts may be used due to the threat of electrochemical corrosion.

A magnesium crankcase requires aluminium screws/bolts exclusively.

Aluminium screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released  .

Aluminium screws/bolts are permitted with and without color coding (blue).

For reliable identification:

Aluminium screws/bolts are not magnetic  .

Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage). 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

Checking position of oil spray nozzles: 

Insert special tool 11 4 251 in screw connection of main bearing.

NOTE: Special tool 11 4 252 must be pre-installed at the seventh main bearing.

Check position of oil spray nozzle (2) according to position (1) on special tool 11 4 251.

If necessary, adjust and secure oil spray nozzle (2).

For tightening torque refer to 5AZ in 11 11 CRANKCASE .

Fig 1: Special Tools (11 4 252), (11 4 251), Spray Nozzle And Position
G04751105Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove bearing shells (2) and guide bearing shell (3).

NOTE: Guide bearing shell (3) is a thrust bearing.

Observe Bearing Classification .

Fig 2: Bearing Shells And Guide Bearing Shell
G04751097Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

Bearing shell (1) with lubricant groove must be fitted in crankcase.

Bearing shell (2) without lubricant groove must be fitted in bedplate.

Fig 3: Bearing Shells With And Without Lubricant Groove
G04751107Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: It is not possible to re-machine the crankshaft.

Surface (1) for marking.

Seven-digit part number (2).

Bearing classification (3) on bedplate (see table : values of 1/2/3).

Fig 4: Crankshaft Surface, Seven-Digit Number And Bearing Classification
G04751108Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bearing classification (1) on crankcase (see table : values of A/B/C).

Installation: 

When all the letters and number code have been determined, the color of the bearing shells must be allocated (see table ).

IMPORTANT: Excessively small bearing play will result in engine damage.

The color combination Yellow and Red must not be fitted. Possible color combinations (see table ).

Fig 5: Bearing Classification
G04751109Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
BEDPLATE SPECIFICATION

(A1) Bedplate / Yellow (B1) Bedplate / Yellow (C1) Bedplate / Green
(A1) Crankcase / Yellow (B1) Crankcase / Green (C1) Crankcase / Green
(A2) Bedplate / Green (B2) Bedplate / Green (C2) Bedplate / Green
(A2) Crankcase / Yellow (B2) Crankcase / Green (C2) Crankcase / Red
(A3) Bedplate / Green (B3) Bedplate / Red (C3) Bedplate / Red
(A3) Crankcase / Green (B3) Crankcase / Green (C3) Crankcase / Red

Install bearing shells (2) and guide bearing shell (3).

Installation: 

Clean all sealing surfaces.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any metal-cutting tools.

Clean sealing faces with special tool 11 4 470 only.

Determine bearing play with special tool 00 2 590.

Fig 6: Bearing Shells And Guide Bearing Shell
G04751097Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

All measuring points must be clean and free from oil and grease. If necessary, clean all measuring points.

Use the existing screws to determine the bearing play.

Set up bedplate  with bearing shells.

Remove bedplate.

Read off bearing play at width of flattened plastic thread and measurement scale.

Installation: 

Remove plastic thread.

Apply a light coat of oil to bearing shells and crankshaft.

Fig 7: Checking Bearing Play
G04739747Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install Bedplate. 

Assemble engine.