11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (N54, N54T)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW Z4, 2012 BMW Z4, 2011 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW Z4, and 2009 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FAN COWL
Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER
Remove all spark plugs
Remove CHAIN TENSIONER .
Remove CRANKSHAFT SEAL at front
Remove BELT TENSIONER
Remove VIBRATION DAMPER
Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST ADJUSTERS

Remove fastener (1) in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Install fastener (1) with bore facing outwards.

Fig 1: Installing Fastener

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Secure engine in TDC firing position of cylinder no. 1 with special tool 11 0 300 .

Fig 2: Securing Crankshaft

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Mark flywheel and transmission housing with a line (1).

NOTE: Graphic shows automatic transmission.

Fig 3: Identifying Line On Flywheel And Transmission Housing

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Do not remove special tool 11 4 280 .

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool 11 4 280

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Procedure, transmission removed

Secure flywheel (crankshaft) with special tool 11 9 260 .

Fig 5: Securing Flywheel (Crankshaft) Using Special Tool 11 9 260

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Block flywheel (crankshaft) with special tool 11 8 660 on gearbox.

Fig 6: Securing Flywheel (Crankshaft) Using Special Tool 11 8 660

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Fit special tool 11 8 180 with screws (1).

Secure flywheel in direction of arrow.

Fig 7: Securing Flywheel

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IMPORTANT: To release central bolt (1), remove special tool 11 0 300 .

Release central bolt with a 3/4" socket (1) and if necessary with a 3/4" extension (2).

Tightening torque 11 21 1AZ .

Remove central bolt with hub towards front.

Fig 8: Removing Central Bolt Using Socket

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Open plug (1).

Tightening torque 11 31 6AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Plug

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Open plug (1).

Tightening torque 11 31 6AZ .

Fig 10: Identifying Plug

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Release screw (1) on chain drive at top.

Tightening torque 11 31 2AZ .

Fig 11: Identifying Screw On Chain Drive At Top

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Release screw (1) on chain drive at bottom.

Tightening torque 11 31 3AZ .

Fig 12: Identifying Screw On Chain Drive At Bottom

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 11 31 2AZ .

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

Fig 13: Identifying Screws

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IMPORTANT: Note installation direction of sprocket (2).

Collar (see arrow) on sprocket (2) points to crankshaft.

Incorrect assembly will result in engine damage.

Fig 14: Identifying Sprocket Wheel

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

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

Installation note:

Always hold timing chain under tension.

Timing chain (1) may jam on chain module (3).

Fig 15: Identifying Timing Chain And Chain Module

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IMPORTANT: The N54 engine requires special friction plates between the friction surfaces.

The engine will incur damage if the friction plates are damaged or are not fitted.

Friction plates (1 and 2) are clipped into place on sprocket wheel/oil pump module.

Fig 16: Identifying Friction Plates

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Make sure friction plate (3) is in correct installation position.

Fig 17: Identifying Friction Plate Installation Position

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Push on friction plate (1) without retainers.

IMPORTANT: The N54 engine requires special friction plates between the friction surfaces.

The engine will incur damage if the friction plates are damaged or are not fitted.

Fig 18: Identifying Friction Plate Without Retainers

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Insert chain module from above and secure with bolt (1).

Make sure gear wheels (2) are in correct installation position.

Insert hub (3) with friction plate.

Tightening torque 11 21 1AZ .

Fig 19: Identifying Gear Wheels Installation Position

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Secure special tool 00 9 140 with magnet to engine support (1).

Fig 20: Securing Special Tool 00 9 140 With Magnet To Engine Carrier

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Secure central bolt with special tool 00 9 140 .

Fig 21: Securing Central Bolt Using Special Tool 00 9 140

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Remove CRANKSHAFT SEAL at front

Install INTAKE AND EXHAUST ADJUSTERS .

Install CHAIN TENSIONER .

Crank engine twice.

Check TIMING .

Assemble engine.