11 36 010 Removing and installing, sealing/replacing VANOS adjustment unit (S54): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 BMW M Roadster, 2002 BMW M Coupe, 2001 BMW M Roadster, and 2001 BMW M Coupe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The removal of the VANOS adjustment unit is described separately from the installation. The assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Fit special tool 11 5 100 to four screws on crankshaft hub.

Fig 1: Fitting Special Tool To Crankshaft Hub

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate crankshaft in direction of rotation as far as firing TDC position of 1st cylinder.

Fig 2: Rotating Crankshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: TDC allocation above marking on vibration damper is sufficient.

Fig 3: Identifying Marking On Vibration Damper

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: When the engine is switched off, VANOS moves the camshafts to a position which is advantageous to engine starting.
The camshafts and the VANOS adjustment unit must be placed in the installation position before the VANOS adjustment unit is removed.

Detach bracket of oil line from timing case cover.

Fig 4: Detaching Bracket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove oil line from VANOS adjustment unit.

Fig 5: Removing Oil Line From VANOS Adjustment Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit special tool 11 7 130 to VANOS adjustment unit.

Connect compressed air (2 to 8 bar).

Fig 6: Fitting Special Tool To VANOS Adjustment Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection on solenoid valve.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Plug Connection On Solenoid Valve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect special tool 12 6 050 in conjunction with special tool 12 6 411 (from special tool kit 12 6 410) to solenoid valves.

Connect special tool 12 6 411 to correct terminals on car battery.

Alternately press toggle switch buttons 1 and 2 several times on special tool 12 6 050.

Fig 8: Connecting Special Tool Solenoid Valves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press and hold down toggle switch button 1 on special tool 12 6 050.

At same time, rotate inlet camshaft at hexagon drive against direction of rotation as far as it will go.

Fig 9: Rotating Inlet Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Spline teeth in VANOS gear are engaged; and inlet camshaft cannot be rotated further.

Alternately press toggle switch buttons 3 and 4 several times on special tool 12 6 050.

Fig 10: Pressing Toggle Switch Buttons

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press and hold down toggle switch button 3 on special tool 12 6 050.

At same time, rotate exhaust camshaft at hexagon drive against direction of rotation as far as it will go.

NOTE: Spline teeth in VANOS gear are engaged; and exhaust camshaft cannot be rotated further.

Fig 11: Rotating Exhaust Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect compressed air from special tool 11 7 130.

Fig 12: Disconnecting Compressed Air From Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).
Remove sliding rail (2).
Release screws (3).
Remove holder (4).

Fig 13: Removing Sliding Rail And Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws on VANOS adjustment unit.

Fig 14: Releasing Screws On VANOS Adjustment Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Make sure that compressed air is "not" connected.

Press buttons 2 and 4 on special tool 12 6 050. The solenoid valves are activated and the oil chamber of the hydraulic piston is ventilated.

CAUTION: Do not damage VANOS adjustment unit.

Carefully detach VANOS adjustment unit from adapter sleeves in cylinder head.

Fig 15: Pressing Buttons 2 And 4 On Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Detach VANOS adjustment unit until hydraulic pistons on exhaust and inlet sides are extended.

CAUTION: CCW thread!

Brace against twin surface (1) and release hex head (2).

Fig 16: Releasing Hex Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw connection of toothed shaft on inlet and exhaust sides, supporting VANOS adjustment unit with your hand in the process.

Remove VANOS adjustment unit.

NOTE: The toothed shafts (1) remain in the VANOS gear on the engine.

Fig 17: Identifying Toothed Shafts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: The engine must not be cranked while the VANOS adjustment unit is removed. The toothed shafts might displace and slip out of the spline teeth; the camshafts would no longer be non-positively connected and the valves could touch the piston.

Detach control valve (1) from VANOS adjustment unit.

Fig 18: Detaching Control Valve From VANOS Adjustment Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.