11 21 531 Replacing all crankshaft main bearing shells (S63TU)

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 590 .
• 00 9 120 .
• 11 6 251 .
• 11 6 252 .

The letters on the crankcase and crankshaft denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 (main bearing cap).

The letters from the crankcase and crankshaft are required to determine the bearing shell colors.

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

The bearing seat (3) is designed as guide bearing.

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove CRANKSHAFT .

Fig 1: Identifying Main Bearing Caps 1 To 5

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The letters on the crankcase denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 on the crankcase.

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Color assignment on crankshaft 1 to 5

Number (3) is a guide bearing.

Fig 2: Identifying New Bearing Shell Classification Codes

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Observe crankshaft construction stage:

S: Series

B: Repair stage 1

The letters on the crankshaft denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 in the main bearing cap.

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Color assignment on crankshaft 1 to 5

Number (3) is a guide bearing.

Fig 3: Identifying Letter Codes On Crankshaft

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The letters from the crankcase and crankshaft are required to determine the bearing shell colors

Installation note: 

Install main bearing shells (1) with lubrication groove in crankcase.

Install main bearing shells (2) without lubrication groove in the main bearing caps.

Fig 4: Identifying Main Bearing Shells With/Without Lubrication Groove

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Fig 5: Identifying Thrust Washer Surface

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The letters on the crankcase denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 in the crankcase.

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Fig 6: Identifying New Bearing Shell Classification Codes

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The letters on the crankshaft denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 in the bearing cap.

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Example application: 

Fig 7: Identifying Letter Codes On Crankshaft

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Bearing Number 1:

Crankcase code letter (Q)  /crankshaft code letter (Q) 

Bearing shell crankcase 2 = white  bearing shell bearing cap 1 = red 

Bearing Number 2:

Crankcase letter code (H)  /crankshaft letter code (G) 

Bearing shell crankcase 0 = blue  bearing shell bearing cap 0 = blue 

Bearing Number 3 (guide bearing): 

Crankcase code letter (I)  /crankshaft code letter (N) 

Bearing shell crankcase 1 = green  bearing shell bearing cap 1 = green 

Bearing Number 4:

Crankcase letter code (H)  /crankshaft letter code (E) 

Bearing shell crankcase 0 = blue  bearing shell bearing cap 0 = blue 

Bearing Number 5:

Crankcase letter code (K)  /crankshaft letter code (M) 

Bearing shell crankcase 2 = white  bearing shell bearing cap 1 = red 

Turn back thread support bushing into main bearing cap.

Fig 8: Turning Back Thread Support Bushing Into Main Bearing Cap

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Checking main bearing clearance: 

To check crankshaft bearing play, use the existing main bearing bolts.

No oil is permitted in the blind holes.

Do not twist crankshaft.

Place special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage model PG 1) onto the oil-free crankshaft (see arrow).

Fig 9: Checking Main Bearing Clearance

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Tighten down all collar bolts (M11) of main bearing caps in sequence 1 to 5 to joining torque.

Tightening torque 11 11 1AZ .

Fig 10: Crankshaft Bolts (M11) Tightening/Loosening Sequence (S63 TU)

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Tighten down all collar bolts (M11) of main bearing caps with special tool 00 9 120 with angle of rotation.

Fig 11: Tightening Down Main Bearing Cap Collar Bolts Using Special Tool 00 9 120

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Remove main bearing cap.

Read off main bearing clearance at width of flattened plastic thread with assistance of measurement scale.

Main bearing play: see CRANKSHAFT AND BEARINGS - S63 ENGINE .

• Remove plastic thread
• Apply a coat of oil to new bearing shells and crankshaft
  Fig 12: Measuring Radial Clearance Using Flattened Plastigage And Measuring Scale

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

No oil is permitted in the blind holes.

Install CRANKSHAFT .

Carefully strike back and front of crankshaft with a plastic hammer to center guide bearing (do not damage crankshaft).

Secure special tool 11 6 252 with magnetic foot on crankcase.

Position special tool 11 6 251 .

Tightening specifications for main bearing:

Check AXIAL PLAY .

Check guide bearing shell, crankshaft and crankcase if necessary.

Fig 13: Checking Axial Play

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Assemble engine.