11 31 005 Checking camshaft timing (N55)

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: When the engine is shut down, the intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters are normally locked in their initial setting. In order to avoid incorrect timing adjustment, it is essential to check the locking of the camshaft adjuster and if necessary perform locking by rotating the camshafts.

IMPORTANT: For the positioning of the special tool 11 4 281 on the mounting flats of the intake camshaft, a collision with the cylinder throttle return spring 1 can occur.
Special tool 11 4 281 reconditions at following description.

Check for freedom of movement of throttle return spring at intermediate lever cylinder 1.

Recondition special tool 11 4 281 .

Rework chamfer on special tool 11 4 281 as shown in the range of 50 millimeters long and 8.5 millimeters wide.

Fig 1: Checking Throttle Return Spring Movement

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Recondition chamfer on special tool 11 4 281 to 8.5 millimeters (see Fig 2).

Fig 2: Measuring Special Tool Chamfer

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION or 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION (AWD) .
Remove fan cowl. See 17 11 035 REMOVE AND INSTALL OR REPLACE THE FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN (N53, N54, N54T, N55) .(Not E70, E71, F25)
Remove REINFORCEMENT PLATE(all-wheel drive vehicles only) .

Remove fastener (1) in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Install fastener (1) with bore facing outwards.

Fig 3: Removing Cylinder Head Cover Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate crankshaft at central bolt into TDC setting.

Slide special tool 11 0 300 in direction of arrow into dowel hole and secure crankshaft.

IMPORTANT: If the flywheel is secured in the correct dowel hole with special tool 11 0 300 , the engine can no longer be moved at the central bolt.

Fig 4: Sliding Special Tool (11 0 300)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Vehicles with automatic transmission can only be secured to the specified position on flywheel (1) (see arrow).

Fig 5: Locating Flywheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 6: Identifying Intake Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 7: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The timings are correct when the part numbers or read code (1) and the intake and exhaust camshafts point upwards.

Fig 8: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Camshafts Part Numbers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure special tool 11 4 285 with bolts (1) to cylinder head.

NOTE: Fit special tool 11 4 282 underneath on side of intake camshaft.

Mount reworked special tool 11 4 281 on the intake camshaft.

Mount special tool 11 4 281 on the exhaust camshaft.

Fig 9: Mounting Special Tool (11 4 281) On Exhaust Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, adjust VALVE TIMING .

Assemble engine.