M52 / S52 only

Unfasten engine speed sensor

Fig 1: Identifying Speed Sensor

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Remove vibration damper. See 11 23 010 Removing and installing or replacing vibration damper (M52TU / M54 / M56) 

Version where vibration damper and hub are two parts: Remove hub for vibration damper. See 11 23 010 Removing and installing or replacing vibration damper (M52TU / M54 / M56) 

Remove oil sump. See 11 13 000 Removing and installing, sealing or replacing oil sump (M52TU / M54 / M56) 

Drive out dowel pins from timing case cover towards rear. (Mandrel diameter less than 5 mm)

Fig 2: Identifying Dowel Pins

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Unscrew timing case cover to cylinder head bolts.

Fig 3: Unscrewing Timing Case Cover To Cylinder Head Bolts

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Unfasten screws and remove timing case cover. See 11 14 110 Removing and installing lower timing case cover (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54) 

Fig 4: Unfastening Screws & Removing Timing Case Cover

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Installation: 

Clean sealing surfaces.

Drive alignment pins into timing case cover until they protrude approx. 2 to 3 mm.

Fig 5: Cleaning Sealing Surfaces

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Installation: 

Secure new seals to timing case cover with a little grease.

Fig 6: Securing New Seals To Timing Case Cover With A Little Grease

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Installation: 

Sealing faces clean and free of seal debris.

Apply Drei Bond 1209 sealing compound (refer to BMW Parts Service) at following points:

• A bead at the transitions to the cylinder head gasket on the left and right.
• Thinly and evenly to the entire sealing face of the timing case cover to the cylinder head gasket.

Fig 7: Applying Drei Bond 1209 Sealing Compound

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Installation: 

Install timing case cover, insert all screws and initially tighten to approx. 5 Nm.

Fig 8: Installing Screws

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Installation: 

Drive in dowel pins from front until flush.

Fig 9: Driving In Dowel Pins From Front Until Flush

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Installation: 

Fully tighten all screws in alternate sequence.

Tightening torque. Refer to ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES (E46) .

Fig 10: Identifying Screws

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Insert screws, tighten screw connection for timing case cover to cylinder head.

Fig 11: Tightening Screw Connection For Timing Case Cover To Cylinder Head

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Replace radial seal in lower timing case cover.

Assemble engine.