11 31 025 Removing and installing/replacing intake camshaft (N55)

Special tools required: 

• 11 4 481

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
• Remove INTAKE ADJUSTER .
• Remove INTERMEDIATE LEVER .
• Adjust VALVE TIMING .

The front bearing cap is a thrust bearing and does not have an identification.

Release screws on thrust bearing cover.

Release screws on all bearing caps 1 to 6.

Set all bearing caps down in special tool 11 4 481 in a neat and orderly fashion.

Fig 1: Identifying Intake Camshaft Bearing Caps

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Remove intake camshaft (2) towards top.

Installation note: 

Clean all bearing positions and lubricate with oil.

Check plain rectangular compression rings (1) for damage.

Fig 2: Removing Intake Camshaft

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Metal plain rectangular compression ring: 

Fig 3: Locating Rectangular Compression Rings

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Only replace plain rectangular compression rings (1) when they are broken.

The plain rectangular compression rings have catches at the joint.

Press plain rectangular compression rings (1) apart upwards and downwards and removed towards front.

Make sure plain rectangular compression rings (1) can move freely.

Installation note: 

When intake camshafts are inserted, no joint must point to a separating joint.

Plastic plain rectangular compression ring: 

Installation note: 

The plastic plain rectangular compression ring is maintenance free and does not have to be replaced.

Fig 4: Inserting Plastic Rectangular Compression Ring Into Exhaust Camshaft Groove

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Insert plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) into groove of intake camshaft (2) (see arrow).

Lightly oil plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) and rotate in direction of arrow until plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) is positioned on the intake camshaft.

Check plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1 and 2) for freedom of movement.

Fig 5: Identifying Intake Camshaft Plastic Plain Rectangular Compression Rings

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Mixing up the intake and exhaust camshaft will result in engine damage. 

A Exhaust camshaft.

E Intake camshaft

Fig 6: Identifying Exhaust And Intake Camshafts Marks

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Install intake camshaft so that the latch mechanism of the plain rectangular compression rings (1) does not point to a contact point of the bearing cap

Center latch mechanism of the plain rectangular compression rings with the bearing cap.

Fig 7: Locating Rectangular Compression Rings

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Insert intake camshaft so that data code (1) on mounting flats points upwards.

Fig 8: Locating Intake And Exhaust Camshaft Code

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Position intake camshaft (1) so that cams point upwards at an angle and to the left.

Fig 9: Locating Intake Camshaft Position

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The front bearing cap is a thrust bearing and does not have an identification.

Insert screws on all bearing caps 1 to 6.

Insert screws on thrust bearing cover.

Tightening torque 11 31 3AZ .

Fig 10: Identifying Intake Camshaft Bearing Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.