11 31 505 Adjusting timing of camshaft(s) (N20, N26)

Special tools required: 

• 2 212 831
• 11 9 340
• 00 9 460

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
• Check TIMING .

With 1st cylinder in TDC firing position, cams of intake camshaft point upwards at an angle.

Position tracing gauge (2) on mounting flats of intake camshaft.

Order number: 2 212 831

Fig 1: Intake Camshaft Points

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With 1st cylinder in TDC firing position, cams of exhaust camshaft point upwards at an angle.

Fig 2: Exhaust Camshaft Points

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The designation E and A on the intake and exhaust camshaft (1) as well as the part numbers can be read from above.

Fig 3: Intake And Exhaust Camshaft Designation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure mounting bridge (1) on cylinder head.

Secure tracing gauges (2 and 3) to mounting bridge (1).

Fig 4: Securing Bridge On Cylinder Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure tracing gauge (2) with screw (5).

Fig 5: Securing Tracing Gauge With Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw (6) must be removed for securing the screw (7).

Secure tracing gauge with screw (7).

Fig 6: Camshaft Screw Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Undo central bolts (2 and 3).

Fig 7: VANOS Units Central Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove vacuum unit (1) and lay to one side.

Release CHAIN TENSIONER  (2).

Tightening torque: 11 31 7AZ .

Fig 8: Vacuum Unit And Chain Tensioner

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Replace sealing ring.

Rotate camshaft sensor wheel until retaining pin (1 and 2) match up with setting gauge.

Secure camshaft sensor wheel.

Fig 9: Camshaft Sensor Wheel Retaining Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pretension timing chain with special tool 11 9 34000 9 4600, 6 Nm 

Fig 10: Special Tool (11 9 340) And (00 9 460)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only use special tool to secure central bolt (1) of intake adjuster.

Tightening torque: 11 36 1AZ .

Fig 11: Securing Intake Adjuster Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only use special tool to secure central bolt (1) of exhaust camshaft adjuster.

Tightening torque: 11 36 1AZ .

Fig 12: Securing Exhaust Camshaft Adjuster Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove all special tools.

Crank engine on the central bolt twice in the direction of engine rotation and check the TIMING .

Assemble engine.