11 31 025 Removing and installing/replacing intake camshaft (N52K)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 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.

IMPORTANT: Aluminium-magnesium materials.
No steel screws/bolts may be used due to the threat of electrochemical corrosion.
A magnesium crankcase requires aluminum screws/bolts exclusively.
Aluminum screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released .
Aluminum screws/bolts are permitted with and without color coding (blue).
For reliable identification:
Aluminum screws/bolts are not magnetic .
Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

NOTE: All bearing caps (1 and 2) are marked with numbers from 1 to 6.

Bearing cap (1) is a thrust bearing.

Release screws on bearing caps 1 to 6 (1 and 2).

Tightening torque 11 31 2AZ .

Set all bearing caps down in special tool 11 4 481 in a neat and orderly fashion.

Fig 1: Identifying Bearing Caps

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Remove intake camshaft (2) towards top.

Installation:

Clean all bearing points and lubricate with oil.

Fig 2: Removing Intake Camshaft

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Metal plain rectangular compression ring:

IMPORTANT: Plain compression rings (1) can easily break.

Plain compression rings (1) are engaged at joint.

Press plain compression rings (1) apart upwards and downwards and removed towards front.

Make sure plain rectangular compression rings (1) can move freely. Installation note: When intake camshafts are inserted, no joint must point to a separating joint.

Fig 3: Pressing Plain Compression Rings

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Installation note: The plastic plain rectangular compression ring is maintenance free and does not have to be replaced.

Insert plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) into groove of intake camshaft (2) (see arrow). Lightly oil plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) and rotate in direction of arrow until plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) is positioned on the intake camshaft.

Fig 4: Installing Plastic Plain Rectangular Compression Ring

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Check plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1 and 2) for freedom of movement.

Fig 5: Checking Rings For Freedom Of Movement

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IMPORTANT: Markings of intake and exhaust camshafts are different.
Mixing up the intake and exhaust camshafts will result in engine damage .
A Exhaust camshaft.
E Intake camshaft

Fig 6: Identifying Exhaust/Intake Camshafts Marks

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Insert intake camshaft (1) so that part number on mounting flats points upwards.

Position intake camshaft (1) so that cams point upwards at an angle.

Attach special tool 11 4 281 to mounting flats.

Fig 7: Identifying Intake Camshaft

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Assemble engine.