11 25 671 Replacing piston rings on all pistons (N55)

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove all PISTONS .

Measuring side clearance of piston rings in piston ring groove. See 1125 PISTONS WITH RINGS AND PINS (N55) .

NOTE: It is not possible to measure the axial clearance of the M-flex rings.

Fig 1: Measuring Piston Rings Side Clearance

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Remove plain rectangular compression ring and stepped ring upwards with piston ring pliers.

The M-flex ring comprises two steel band rings and a bearing spring.

NOTE: The M-flex ring cannot be removed with piston ring pliers.

Put aside all piston rings in correct sequence and installation position.

It might not be possible to find the identification on used piston rings.

Fig 2: Removing Compression Ring And Stepped Ring Using Piston Ring Pliers

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Installation note:

New pistons may only be installed together with new piston rings.

Insert removed piston ring into cylinder bore hole.

With aid of piston (piston crown), position piston ring in its measuring position.

Determine END CLEARANCE with a feeler gauge.

Fig 3: Measuring Piston Ring End Clearance

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Schematic diagram of piston rings.

Installation note:

Plain rectangular compression ring "top"
Piston ring "top"
Steel band with M-flex ring

Fig 4: Identifying Piston Rings (Plain Compression, And Steel Band With M-Flex)
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Installation note:

Piston rings with "TOP" identification (1) must point to piston crown.

Fig 5: Identifying Piston Rings Top Identification

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NOTE: The M-flex ring comprises two steel band rings (1) and a bearing spring (2).

Installation note:

Insert bearing spring (2) into piston ring groove and then fit steel band rings (1) so that contact points are offset by approx. 120°.

Fig 6: Identifying Steel Band Rings And Support Spring

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The contact points (1) of the piston rings must be arranged offset by approx. 120°. However, the contact points (1) must not be arranged over the gudgeon pin boss.

NOTE: Graphic of N52.

Fig 7: Identifying Piston Rings Contact Points Angle

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Assemble engine.