11 24 571 Replacing all connecting rod bearing shells (N20, N26)

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Special tools required:

00 2 590
00 9 120
83 30 0490 190
83 30 0 490 504

IMPORTANT: Modified procedure:
All crank pins are connected with the crankshaft.
The Blue/Red connecting rod bearing shell colors are no longer fitted in combination.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Removing oil sump . See 11 13 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING, SEALING OR REPLACING OIL SUMP (N20, N26) or 11 13 000 REMOVING AND FITTING, SEALING OR REPLACING THE OIL SUMP (N20 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE) .

IMPORTANT: All crankshaft crank pins are classified.
The identification (2) is located on the first crank web.
The first code letter (2) from the left is the first cylinder towards the control chain side

Optional classifications (2) per connecting rod

On the connecting rod and connecting rod bearing cap:

r. Connecting rod = Yellow.
Connecting rod bearing cap = Red.
b. Connecting rod = Violet.
Connecting rod bearing cap = Blue

Fig 1: Connecting Rod Bearing Shells Code Letter
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Example:

Possible classification: b r r r

Cylinder 1: Classification b

Violet (connecting rod)/\Blue (connecting rod bearing cap)

Cylinder 2: Classification r

Yellow (connecting rod)/Red (connecting rod bearing cap)

Cylinder 3: Classification r

Yellow (connecting rod)/Red (connecting rod bearing cap)

Cylinder 4: Classification r

Yellow (connecting rod)/Red (connecting rod bearing cap)

Release connecting rod bolts (1).

Remove connecting rod bearing cap (2).

Fig 2: Connecting Rod Bearing Cap And Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to cylinder wall and to crankshaft.

Gently release connecting rod from crankshaft.

Remove connecting rod bearing shells (1 and 2).

Use new connecting rod bearing shells according to code letter.

Installation note:

Pay attention to guide lugs during installation.

Fig 3: Connecting Rod Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: All crankshaft crank pins are classified.

If the connecting-rod bearing must be checked:

Piston in BDC position.

To determine the connecting rod bearing play, make sure that the bearing positions are clean and free from oil and grease.

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

Fit connecting rod bearing cap so that pairing letters match up.

Order number: 83 30 0490 190

Fig 4: Bearing Cap Pairing Letters

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not distort connecting rods or crankshaft.

It is possible to use the old connecting rod bolts if the connecting-rod bearing play requires checking.

Tighten down connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque: 11 24 1AZ .

Order number: 83 30 0 490 504

Fig 5: Tightening Connecting Rod Bolts With Special Tool (00 9 120)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew connecting rod bearing cap. Read off connecting rod bearing play at width of flattened Plastigage on measurement scale.

CONNECTING ROD BEARING PLAY .

Remove Plastigage
Coat crankshaft and connecting rod bearing shells with oil
Install new connecting rod bolts and tighten down with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque: 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 6: Checking Plastic Thread Bearing Width

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.