11 31 005 Checking Camshaft Timing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

For the following special tools, refer to ENGINE - SPECIAL TOOLS (N51) .

11 0 300
11 4 281
11 4 282
11 4 283

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove cylinder head cover . See 11 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR SEALING CYLINDER HEAD COVER (N51) .
Remove front splash guard.

Remove fastener (1) in direction of arrow.

Installation:

Install fastener (1) with bore facing outwards.

Fig 1: Removing Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate crankshaft at central bolt into TDC position.

Slide in special tool 11 0 300 in direction of arrow and block crankshaft. See Fig 2.

IMPORTANT: On engines with automatic transmissions, there is shortly before the special tool bore for the TDC position a large bore which can be confused with the special tool bore.

If the flywheel is secured in the correct bore with special tool 11 0 300, the engine can no longer be moved at the central bolt. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Sliding In Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The timings are correct when the part number (2) can be read from above on the camshafts (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Camshafts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With 1st cylinder in firing TDC position, cams of inlet camshaft (1) at 1st cylinder point upwards at an angle.

Fig 4: Identifying Cams Of Inlet Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With 1st cylinder in firing TDC position, cams of exhaust camshaft (3) at 6th cylinder point downwards at an angle.

Roller cam follower (1) is not actuated.

NOTE: If the timing is checked while the engine is installed, the position of the camshaft can only be checked with a mirror.

Fig 5: Identifying Camshaft Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure special tool 11 4 283 on cylinder head with screws (1). See Fig 6.

NOTE: Fit special tool 11 4 282 underneath on inlet side. See Fig 6.

Mount special tool 11 4 281 on inlet and exhaust camshafts. See Fig 6.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, adjust valve timing . See 11 31 505 ADJUSTING CAMSHAFT TIMING (N51) .

Assemble engine.