11 24 571 Replacing all connecting rod bearings

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT:

All crank pins are connected with the crankshaft.

Blue / Red bearing shell colors are no longer used in combination.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove all PISTONS .

IMPORTANT:

All crankshaft crank pins are classified.

Bearing shell colors are different in connecting rod and in connecting rod bearing cap.

Possible classifications per connecting rod at top and bottom:

r: Connecting rod = Yellow.
Connecting rod bearing cap = Red.
b: Connecting rod = Violet.
Connecting rod bearing cap = 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).

Fig 1: Identifying Crank Pin And Arrow

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Example:

Possible classification: rbbrrb

Cyl. 1: Classification r = rod side Yellow bearing cap side Red.

Cyl. 2: Classification b = rod side Violet bearing cap side Blue.

Cyl. 3: Classification b = rod side Violet bearing cap side Blue.

Cyl. 4: Classification r = rod side Yellow bearing cap side Red.

Cyl. 5: Classification r = rod side Yellow bearing cap side Red.

Cyl. 6: Classification b = rod side Violet bearing cap side Blue.

Install new connecting rod bearing shells.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check connecting rod 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 bearing cap so that pairing letters match up.

Fig 3: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not distort connecting rods or crankshaft.

Use the old connecting rod bolts to check connecting rod clearance.

Tighten down connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool 00 9 120

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove bearing cap. Read off bearing clearance at width of crushed plastic thread with aid of measuring scale.

Conrod bearing clearance .

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

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 5: Checking Conrod Bearing Play

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.