11 12 100 Removing and installing cylinder head (N55)

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:

IMPORTANT: Fit new cylinder head bolts.
Do not wash off bolt coating.
Lightly oil washer on the contact surfaces (both sides).
There must be no coolant, water or engine oil in the blind holes.
Risk of cracking and corrosion!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Drain COOLANT .
Drain ENGINE OIL .
Remove ENGINE .
Mount engine on ASSEMBLY STAND .
Remove intake PLENUM .
Remove EXHAUST TURBOCHARGER with integrated exhaust manifold.
Detach coolant hoses from cylinder head.
Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

IMPORTANT: If the timing chain is stowed in the gear case, the crankshaft must no longer be rotated.

Release screws (1).

Unclip timing chain module (2) at separation point (3) and remove towards top.

Set down timing chain.

Fig 1: Identifying Timing Chain Module, Separation Point And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Graphic shows N52.

NOTE: Bolt (2) can only be released when the timing chain module is pressed forward slightly.

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque: 11 12 3AZ .

Release screw (2).

Tightening torque: 11 12 3AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Timing Chain Module And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 3: Cylinder Head Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence (N55)

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Release cylinder head bolts in sequence 14 to 11 with special tool 11 4 420 .

Release cylinder head bolts in sequence 10 to 1 with special tool 11 8 580 .

NOTE: Picture shows intermediate lever and exhaust camshaft removed.

Secure special tool 11 0 320 with bolts (1).

Tightening torque: 11 12 4AZ .

IMPORTANT: Removing and install cylinder head with a second person helping.
Weight of cylinder head with add-on parts is approx. 40 kg.
Do not rest cylinder head on sealing surface. Risk of damage to valves!

Fig 4: Securing Special Tool (11 0 320) With Cylinder Head Cover Bolts

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NOTE: Graphic shows N52.

Insert 11 4 430 special tool into bore holes.

Fig 5: Inserting Special Tool (11 4 430) Into Bore Holes

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Remove coarse residues on sealing surfaces with special tool 11 4 471 from cylinder head and crankcase.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any metal-cutting tools.

Fig 6: Removing Coarse Residues On Sealing Surfaces Using Special Tool 11 4 471

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove fine residues on sealing surfaces with special tool 11 4 472 from cylinder head and crankcase.

IMPORTANT: Do not use any metal-cutting tools.
There must be no coolant, water or engine oil in the pocket holes.
Risk of cracking and corrosion!

Clean all blind holes.

Fig 7: Removing Residues On Sealing Surfaces Using Special Tool 11 4 472

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace CYLINDER HEAD GASKET .

Fig 8: Cylinder Head Bolts Tightening/Loosening Sequence (N55)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit new cylinder head bolts.

Insert cylinder head bolts (1 to 10) with special tool 11 8 580 .

Tightening torque: 11 12 1AZ .

Insert cylinder head bolts (11 to 14) with special tool 11 4 420 .

Tightening torque: 11 12 2AZ .

NOTE: Picture shows intermediate lever and exhaust camshaft removed.

Insert bolts (1).

Tightening torque: 11 12 3AZ .

Insert bolt (2).

Tightening torque: 11 12 3AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Timing Chain Module And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.