11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (N55) from March 2012

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Remove all SPARK PLUGS .
Remove CRANKSHAFT SEAL at front
Remove TENSIONING DEVICE for drive belt.
Remove VIBRATION DAMPER .
Check TIMING .
Remove SEALING COVER for vacuum pump.
Remove SEALING CAP of chain tensioner for oil pump.

Engine removed:

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 9 260 .

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

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (119 260) & Central Bolt

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IMPORTANT: When central bolt of crankshaft is released, there is no longer a secure connection to timing drive.

Mark position of crankshaft using a colored mark (1).

This will make future insertion of special tool 11 0 300 easier.

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Position Mark

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Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 8 660 .

Fig 3: Blocking Crankshaft With Special Tool

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Vehicles with manual gearbox:

Attach special tool 11 8 180 to manual transmission with existing transmission bolts (1).

Block crankshaft in direction of arrow with special tool.

Fig 4: Attaching Special Tool (11 8 180) To Manual Transmission

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IMPORTANT: Before releasing the central bolt, the hydraulic chain tensioner must be drained.

Carefully press tensioning rail (1) with a suitable screwdriver (2) in direction of arrow.

As the oil pressure in the chain tensioner can only be drained pulsating, the tensioning rail (1) must be pressed several times.

Fig 5: Pressing Tensioning Rail Using Screwdriver

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Press the tensioning rail (1) and hold down.

Fix chain tensioner piston in position with a suitable lock pin (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Tensioning Rail And Lock Pin

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IMPORTANT: Breakaway torque of the central bolt > 600 Newton meters
A 3/4-inch tool (large powered square) is required to release central bolt.

Release central bolt (1) with 3/4-inch tool (2).

Tightening torque: 11 21 1AZ .

Fig 7: Releasing Central Bolt

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Remove CHAIN TENSIONER .

Screw in vibration absorber screws (1).

Move hub (2) on crankshaft forward in direction of arrow to remove.

Fig 8: Removing Crankshaft Hub

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Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque: 11 31 8AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Screw Plug

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Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque: 11 11 7AZ .

Installation note:

Replace aluminum screws.

Fig 10: Identifying Screw Plug

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Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque: 11 31 6AZ .

Fig 11: Identifying Bearing Journal

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IMPORTANT: Install special tool 11 4 280 to release the central bolts on the intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters.

Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Fig 12: Installing Special Tool (11 4 280) On Camshaft Adjusters

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Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on crankcase.

Tightening torque: 11 31 5AZ .

Fig 13: Identifying Timing Chain Bearing Journal

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Release bolts (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque: 11 31 4AZ .

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

NOTE: Graphic N52.

Fig 14: Removing Timing Chain Module Bolts

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IMPORTANT: Note direction of installation of camshaft sprocket (2).
Collar (see arrow) on camshaft sprocket (2) points to engine .
Incorrect assembly will result in engine damage.

Fig 15: Locating Sprocket Collar