11 21 531 Replacing All Crankshaft Main Bearing Shells (S54)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required:

00 2 590
00 9 120

(Engine dismantled)

The preliminary operations are described in 11 21 500 REPLACING CRANKSHAFT (S54) .

NOTE: Piston cooling spray nozzles are installed between the bearing seats.

Check spray nozzles for damage.

Fig 1: Identifying Spray Nozzles

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Install bearing shells with continuous lubricant groove and one retaining lug in engine block.
Fit bearing shells without continuous lubricant groove and two retaining lugs in bearing cover.

Fig 2: Identifying Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

When the bearing shells or the crankshaft are replaced, the classification for bearing shell arrangement in the engine block is eliminated.
Only install yellow bearing shells in the engine block.

NOTE: The axial guide on the crankshaft is fitted to bearing point 6.

Insert pilot bearing shell in the engine block.

Fig 3: Inserting Pilot Bearing Shell In Engine Block

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The crankshaft is marked with yellow, green or white paint according to the tolerance of the main journal.

Insert crankshaft in engine block.

Fig 4: Identifying Crankshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

The bearing shell classification for the bearing cover is marked on the crankshaft in yellow, green or white paint.
Place main bearing shells with same color code as that of crankshaft in main bearing caps.

Fig 5: Placing Main Bearing Shells In Main Bearing Caps
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The bearing shells are marked with yellow, green or white paint.

Bearing shell.
Guide bearing.
Observe grinding stage of main bearing journals. Refer to ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 6: Identifying Bearing Shell And Guide Bearing
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Main bearing caps 1 to 5 are marked on exhaust side. Main bearing caps 6 and 7 are not marked. Main bearing cap 6 is thrust bearing.

Fig 7: Locating Mark On Main Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check clearance on main crankshaft bearing.

Install crankshaft and place special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage Type PG1) on oil-free crankshaft.

Do not twist crankshaft.

Fig 8: Checking Clearance On Main Crankshaft Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert main bearing caps in such a way that guide grooves of main bearing shells lie on one side.

Align main bearing cap flush with side of bearing seat.

Fig 9: Aligning Main Bearing Cap With Side Of Bearing Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

To check main bearing clearance, use the old main bearing screws.

There must be no oil in the blind holes (risk of cracking).

NOTE: Wash and oil main bearing bolts.

Tighten down main bearing screws with jointing torque.
Tighten down main bearing screws using special tool 00 9 120 and torsion angle.
Tightening torque, refer to 11 11 1AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 10: Identifying Torque Angle Measurement Dial
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove main bearing cap and read off bearing clearance at width of pinched plastic thread on measuring scale.

Crankshaft bearing clearance radial, refer to ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA .

If necessary, fit new bearing shells with a different color code to correct bearing clearance.

Fig 11: Checking Bearing Clearance Using Measuring Scale

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Remove plastic thread. Coat main bearing shells and crankshaft with engine oil.

Insert main bearing cap in such a way that grooves of main bearing shell guide lie on one side.

Align main bearing cap flush with side of bearing seat.

Fig 12: Aligning Main Bearing Cap With Side Of Bearing Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Always replace screws of main bearing caps with new ones.
There must be no oil in the blind holes (risk of cracking).

NOTE: Wash and oil main bearing bolts.

Holders for oil lines are fitted on main bearing caps 3 and 5.

CAUTION: Holders (1 and 2) are different.

Holder (1) with elongated hole in vertical direction.

Holder (2) with elongated hole in horizontal direction.

Fig 13: Locating Holders For Oil Lines On Main Bearing Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening specifications for main bearing:

Tighten all screws on main bearing cover with jointing torque.
Unfasten screws on main bearing cover 6.
Strike back and front of crankshaft with plastic hammer to center thrust bearing (do not damage crankshaft).
Tighten screws of main bearing cover 6 with jointing torque.
Tighten down all screws on main bearing caps with special tool 00 9 120 and torsion angle.

Tightening torque, refer to 11 11 1AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 14: View Of Torque Angle Measurement Dial

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check axial play.

If permitted end float is exceeded, check crankshaft, guide bearing shells and engine block, replacing if necessary. Refer to ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 15: Checking Axial Play

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.