11 31 072 Checking camshaft timing (S65)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

IMPORTANT: Bank (2), cylinders (5 - 8), is checked first.
The timing of bank (1) at cylinders (1-4) can only be checked at overlap TDC.
The lettering (E1 and A1) must point downwards.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FAN COWL with electronic fan.
Remove left CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Remove right CYLINDER HEAD COVER
Remove all SPARK PLUGS .

IMPORTANT: Danger of mixing up both special tool bores.

10° before TDC (top dead center)

OT Top dead center

Fig 1: Identifying Timing Marks

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Only bank 2, cylinders (5 - 8), can be checked in cylinder no. 1 firing TDC position.
The 10° position is required only to adjust the timing.

Crank engine at central bolt until the firing TDC position appears on the vibration damper.

Engine installed: Secure vibration damper in position with special tool 110480 MANDREL .

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engine removed: Secure vibration damper in position with special tool 11 5 320.

IMPORTANT: Bank 2 is checked first.

The lettering (A2 and E2) points upwards.

The positions of the cams on the exhaust camshaft point vertically upwards (see picture).

The positions of the cams on the inlet camshaft point at an angle downwards (see picture).

Fig 3: Identifying Camshaft Lettering

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position special tool 11 9 972 on twin surface of exhaust camshaft (A2).

Position special tool 11 9 971 on twin surface of inlet camshaft (E2).

The timings are correctly set when special tool 119970 GAUGE rests without a gap on the cylinder head.

Permissible tolerance: A maximum gap of 1.0 mm is permitted on the non-contacting side of special tool 119970 GAUGE .

Fig 4: Positioning Special Tool (11 9 972) On Twin Surface Of Exhaust Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Remove special tools 119970 GAUGE and 11 5 320.
Crank engine at central bolt 360° in direction of rotation.
The timing of bank 1 at cylinders (1-4) can only be checked at overlap TDC.

Crank engine at central bolt until the firing TDC position appears on the vibration damper.

Engine installed: Secure vibration damper in position with special tool 110480 MANDREL .

Fig 5: Identifying Crankshaft Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Engine removed: Secure vibration damper in position with special tool 11 5 320.

IMPORTANT: Position of camshaft at overlap TDC
The lettering (E1 and A1) points downwards.

The cams on cylinder no. 1 on the inlet camshaft point at an angle downwards (see picture).

The cams on cylinder no. 1 on the exhaust camshaft point at an angle downwards (see picture).

Fig 6: Positioning Special Tool (11 9 971) On Twin Surface Of Inlet Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position special tool 11 9 971 on twin surface of inlet camshaft (E1).

Position special tool 11 9 972 on twin surface of exhaust camshaft (A1).

The timings are correctly set when special tool 119970 GAUGE rests without a gap on the cylinder head.

Permissible tolerance: A maximum gap of 1.0 mm is permitted on the non-contacting side of special tool 119970 GAUGE .

Adjust VALVE TIMING .

Fig 7: Adjusting Valve Timing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove all special tools.

Assemble engine in reverse sequence to its disassembly.