11 12 100 Removing and installing cylinder head (N52K)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 528xi, 2010 BMW 528i, 2009 BMW 528xi, 2009 BMW 528i, and 2008 BMW 528xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 aluminum screws/bolts exclusively.
Aluminum screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released.
Aluminum screws/bolts are permitted with and without color coding (blue).
For reliable identification:
Aluminum screws/bolts are not magnetic .
Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Drain COOLANT
Drain off ENGINE OIL
Remove both EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
Remove intake air manifold
Detach coolant hoses from cylinder head
Remove inlet and exhaust adjustment unit

IMPORTANT: Fit new cylinder head screws.
Do not wash off bolt coating.
There must be no coolant, water or engine oil in the pocket holes.
Risk of corrosion and cracking!

Release screws (1).

Unclip timing chain module (2) at junction (3) and remove towards top.

Set down timing chain.

Fig 1: Identifying Timing Chain Module, Junction And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: If the timing chain is stowed in the gearcase, the crankshaft must no longer be rotated.
This would cause the timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket wheel to jam or jump.

Installation:

The timing chain is lifted out with a hook only during assembly.

Release bolts (2) for eccentric shaft sensor (1).

Remove eccentric shaft sensor (1) towards front.

Fig 2: Identifying Bolts And Eccentric Shaft Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Screw (1) is not magnetic and must be secured against falling down.

Release screw (1).

Remove magnet wheel (2) towards front.

Fig 3: Identifying Magnet Wheel And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Magnet wheel (1) is highly magnetic and must be protected against metal filings/borings.

After removing, place magnet wheel (1) in a plastic bag (2) with a seal.

Fig 4: Identifying Magnet Wheel And Plastic Bag

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Preload eccentric shaft (1) upwards in direction of arrow.

Remove stop screw between 1st and 2nd cylinders.

Tightening torque 11 37 5AZ .

Fig 5: Preloading Eccentric Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Bolt (2) can only be released when the timing chain module is pressed forward slightly.

Fig 6: Identifying Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Secure bolt (2) with a gripper against falling down.

Release screw (2).

Tightening torque 11 12 3AZ .

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 11 12 4AZ .

Installation:

Replace aluminum screws.

IMPORTANT: Observe different bolt heads.

Release M10 cylinder head bolts (1) with special tool 11 8 580 .

Release M9 cylinder head bolts (2) with special tool 11 4 420 .

NOTE: Picture shows inlet and exhaust camshafts removed.

Fig 7: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts And Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Observe different M9 bolt lengths (1 and 3).

Release M9 cylinder head bolts (1 and 3) with special tool 11 4 420 .

Tightening torque 11 12 2AZ .

Release M10 cylinder head bolts (2) with special tool 11 8 580 from outside inwards.

Tightening torque 11 12 1AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: All cylinder head bolts (1, 2 and 3) must be replaced.
Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail.

Risk of damage!

Secure special tool 11 0 320 with existing cylinder head cover bolts (1).

Tightening torque 11 12 5AZ .

IMPORTANT: Removing and install cylinder head with a second person helping.
Weight of cylinder head with add-on parts is approx. 40 kg.
Do not rest cylinder head on sealing surface. Risk of damage to valves!

Fig 9: Securing Special Tool With Existing Cylinder Head Cover Bolts