11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (N55) from March 2012

Special tools required: 

• 11 0 300 .
• 11 4 280 .
• 11 8 180 .
• 11 8 660 .
• 11 9 260 .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
• Remove all SPARK PLUGS .
• Remove CRANKSHAFT RADIAL SEAL at front.
• Remove TENSIONING DEVICE  for drive belt.
• Remove VIBRATION DAMPER .
• Check TIMING .
• Remove SEALING COVER for vacuum pump.
• Remove SEALING CAP of chain tensioner for oil pump.

Engine removed: 

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 9 260 .

Fig 1: Identifying Central Bolt And Special Tool (11 0 300)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Mark position of crankshaft using a colored mark (1).

This will make future insertion of special tool 11 0 300 easier.

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Position Mark

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: 

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 8 660 .

Fig 3: Blocking Crankshaft Using Special Tool (11 8 660)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Vehicles with manual gearbox: 

Attach special tool 11 8 180 to manual transmission with existing transmission bolts (1).

Block crankshaft in direction of arrow with special tool.

Fig 4: Attaching Special Tool 11 8 180 To Manual Transmission

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully press tensioning rail (1) with a suitable screwdriver (2) in direction of arrow.

As the oil pressure in the chain tensioner can only be drained pulsating, the tensioning rail (1) must be pressed several times.

Fig 5: Pressing Tensioning Rail Using Screwdriver

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press the tensioning rail (1) and hold down.

Fix chain tensioner piston in position with a suitable lock pin (2).

Fig 6: Fixing Chain Tensioner Piston In Position Using Lock Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release central bolt (1) with 3/4-inch tool (2).

Tightening torque 11 21 1AZ .

Fig 7: Releasing Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove CHAIN TENSIONER .

Screw in vibration absorber screws (1).

Move hub (2) on crankshaft forward in direction of arrow to remove.

Fig 8: Moving Hub Forward

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque 11 31 8AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Screw Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque 11 11 7AZ .

Installation note: 

Replace aluminum screws  .

Fig 10: Identifying Screw Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque 11 31 6AZ .

Fig 11: Identifying Bearing Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Fig 12: Fitting Special Tools

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on crankcase.

Tightening torque 11 31 5AZ .

Fig 13: Identifying Bearing Journal

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque 11 31 4AZ .

Remove chain module with timing chain and camshaft sprocket upwards in direction of arrow.

Fig 14: Identifying Timing Chain Module Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 15: Identifying Collar On Camshaft Sprocket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull timing chain (1) upwards until camshaft sprocket (2) engages chain guide (3).

Install timing chain (1) and sprocket (2) in this position.

Installation note: 

Always hold timing chain (1) under tension. Timing chain (1) may jam on chain guide (3).

Fig 16: Identifying Timing Chain, Camshaft Sprocket, And Chain Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert central bolt (1) with hub for crankshaft.

Tighten down central bolt (1).

Tightening torque 11 21 1AZ .

Install INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Install CHAIN TENSIONER .

Fig 17: Tightening Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Crank engine twice.

Check TIMING .

If necessary, adjust VALVE TIMING .

Replace front CRANKSHAFT SEAL .

Assemble engine.