11 24 571 Replacing all connecting rod bearings (N63)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Note grinding stages on crankshaft . See Crankshaft and Bearings Ground Sizes Of Conrod Bearing Journals , Crankshaft And Bearings Grinding Stages, Crankshaft Guide Bearings , Crankshaft and Bearings Bearing Journal 2-5 or Crankshaft and Bearings Bearing Journal 1 .

Necessary preliminary work

Removing all PISTONS .

Install new connecting rod bearing shells.

Install one blue bearing shell (1) and one red bearing shell (2) in each connecting rod.

Install PISTON .

Fig 1: Identifying Blue Bearing Shell And Red Bearing Shell

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Installation note:

The bearing shells on the connecting rod are coded.

Connecting rod bearing cap (1): the red bearing shell is fitted and the fastening notches are on the left and right sides of the bearing shell (see arrows).

Connecting rod (2): the blue bearing shell is fitted and the fastening notches are one side of the bearing shell (see arrows).

Fig 2: Locating Connecting Rod Bearing Cap Fastening Notches

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Check connecting-rod bearing play.

Piston in BDC position.

Fit special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage type PG 1) to oil-free crankshaft.

Fit bearing caps so that matching numbers match up.

Fig 3: Locating Bearing Caps Matching Numbers

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IMPORTANT: Do not distort connecting rods or crankshaft.

Use connecting rod bolts to check connecting-rod bearing play.

Connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 4: Connecting Rod Bolts Using Special Tool (00 9 120)

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Remove bearing cap and read off bearing play at width of flattened plastic thread with assistance of measuring scale.

CONNECTING-ROD BEARING PLAY.

Remove plastic thread.
Lubricate crankshaft and bearing shells.
Install new connecting rod bolts.

Fig 5: Measuring Conrod Bearing Clearance Using Measurement Scale
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Secure connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 6: Connecting Rod Bolts Using Special Tool (00 9 120)

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Assemble engine.