11 31 001 Replacing camshaft (M52TU / M54 / M56): Removal

Removal of camshafts is described separately from installation. The assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Remove VANOS adjustment unit.

Unfasten cylinder for chain tensioning piston.

Fig 1: Unfastening Cylinder For Chain Tensioning Piston

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Press down secondary chain tensioner at top and lock with special tool 11 3 292.

Fig 2: Pressing Down Secondary Chain Tensioner

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Release nuts, remove sensor gear (1).

Fig 3: Releasing Nuts Removing Sensor Gear

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Remove plate spring (2).

Fig 4: Removing Plate Spring

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Release nuts on inlet side and remove corrugated washer (7).

Fig 5: Releasing Nuts On Inlet Side

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Unfasten screws.

Fig 6: Unfastening Screws

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Lift off exhaust and inlet chain wheels together with chain, friction washer (3) and toothed shaft (4).

Fig 7: Identifying Friction Washer And Toothed Shaft

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Remove toothed shaft (5) with toothed sleeve (6).

Fig 8: Removing Toothed Shaft With Toothed Sleeve

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Unfasten screws. Remove secondary chain tensioner.

Fig 9: Unfastening Screws Removing Secondary Chain Tensioner

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Release screw-in pin.

Fig 10: Releasing Screw-In Pin

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Feed chain wheel (1) towards front out of timing chain (2).

Fig 11: Feeding Chain Wheel

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Fig 12: Identifying Timing Chain

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If necessary, release screw-in pin on inlet side.

Remove thrust washer.

Fig 13: Removing Thrust Washer

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Remove sensor gear.

Fig 14: Removing Sensor Gear

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Fig 15: Identifying Cam Shaft Screws

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Unscrew studs.

Fig 16: Unscrewing Studs

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Pull special tool 11 2 300 back until flywheel is no longer secured in position.

Fig 17: Pulling Special Tool 11 2 300

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Lift timing chain and hold under tension.

Fig 18: Lifting Timing Chain And Hold Under Tension

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Rotate engine against direction of engine rotation approx. 30° using the central bolt.

Fig 19: Identifying Bearing Cap

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Fit special tool 11 3 260 to cylinder head and screw into spark plug threads in cylinders 1 and 4.

Fig 20: Identifying Cylinder Head

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Turn the eccentric shaft to tension the bearing caps.

Fig 21: Turning The Eccentric Shaft To Tension The Bearing Caps

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Unfasten nuts on bearing cover.

Relieve tension on eccentric shaft and remove special tool 11 3 260.

Remove bearing covers and place to one side in orderly fashion. Remove camshaft.

Fig 22: Removing Bearing Covers

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Locate bucket tappets in bearing strip with special tool 11 3 250.

Lift out complete bearing strip with bucket tappet.

Fig 23: Identifying Bearing Strip With Bucket Tappet

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Check bearing points on bucket tappets for signs of wear (scoring).

Fig 24: Checking Bearing Points On Bucket Tappets

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Bearing strips are marked "A" for exhaust side and "E" for inlet side.

Fig 25: Bearing Strips Are Marked "A" For Exhaust Side And "E" For Inlet Side

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Note centering dowels on retaining pins at bearing points 2 and 7.

Install bearing strips.

Fig 26: Installing Bearing Strips

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