11 24 571 Replacing All Connecting Rod Bearing Shells (N52K)

Special tools required: 

For the following special tools, refer to MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS -- 128I .

• 00 2 590 
• 00 9 120 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove oil sump  . See 11 13 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING, SEALING OR REPLACING OIL SUMP (N52K) .

Possible classifications per connecting rod at top and bottom:

Fig 1: Identifying Crank Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

r: Red

b: Blue

Only one  color may be fitted per big end bearing cap and connecting rod.

In direction of arrow from (1 to 2) crank pin (1 to 6).

Example: 

Possible classification:

1. Cylinder Classification Red / Red
2. Cylinder Classification Blue / Blue
3. Cylinder Classification Blue / Blue
4. Cylinder Classification Red / Red
5. Cylinder Classification Red / Red
6. Cylinder Classification Blue / Blue

Release conrod bolts (1).

Remove connecting rod bearing cap (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Conrod Bolts And Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Gently release connecting rod from crankshaft.

Remove connecting rod bearing shells (1 and 2).

Install new conrod bearing shells.

Installation: 

Pay attention to guide lugs during installation.

Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In each case insert only one color of connecting rod bearing shell (1 and 2) for each connecting rod.

Check conrod bearing clearance.

Piston in BDC position.

To determine the connecting rod bearing play, make sure that the bearing points are clean and free from oil and grease.

Fit special tool 00 2 590  (Plastigage Type PG 1) to the oil-free crankshaft.

Fit conrod bearing cap so that pairing letters match up.

Fig 4: Locating Conrod Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Use the old conrod bolts to check conrod clearance. Tighten down conrod bolts with special tool 00 9 120. 

Tightening torque. See 11 24 1AZ in 11 24 CONNECTING RODS AND BEARINGS .

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (00 9 120)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew conrod bearing cover. Read off conrod bearing play at width of flattened plastic thread on measurement scale.

Conrod bearing clearance.  See ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA (N52K) .

• Remove Plastigage
• Coat crankshaft and connecting rod bearing shells with oil
• Install new conrod bolts and tighten down with special tool 00 9 120. 

Tightening torque. See 11 24 1AZ in 11 24 CONNECTING RODS AND BEARINGS .

Fig 6: Measuring Conrod Bearing Play Width Flattened Plastic Thread

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.