11 24 571 Replacing All Connecting Rod Bearings (N54)

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Special tools required:

00 2 590
00 9 120

IMPORTANT:

All crank pins are connected with the crankshaft.

Blue/Red bearing shell colors are no longer used in combination.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove all pistons.

IMPORTANT:

All crankshaft crank pins are classified.

Bearing shell colors are different in connecting rod and in connecting rod bearing cap.

Possible classifications per connecting rod at top and bottom:

r: Connecting rod = Yellow.

Connecting rod bearing cap = Red.

b: Connecting rod = Violet.

Connecting rod bearing cap = Blue.

Only one color may be fitted per connecting rod and connecting rod bearing cap.

In direction of arrow from (1 to 2) crank pin (1 to 6).

Example:

Possible classification: rbbrrb.

Fig 1: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Cyl. 1: Classification r = rod side Yellow bearing cap side Red.

Cyl. 2: Classification b = rod side Violet bearing cap side Blue.

Cyl. 3: Classification b = rod side Violet bearing cap side Blue.

Cyl. 4: Classification r = rod side Yellow bearing cap side Red.

Cyl. 5: Classification r = rod side Yellow bearing cap side Red.

Cyl. 6: Classification b = rod side Violet bearing cap side Blue.

Install new conrod bearing shells.

In each case insert only one color of bearing shell (1 and 2) for each conrod.

Fig 2: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Shell

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check conrod bearing clearance.

Piston in BDC position.

Fit special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage Type PG 1) to oil-free crankshaft.

Fit bearing cap so that pairing letters match up.

Fig 3: Locating Plastigage Type

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not distort conrods or crankshaft.

Use the old conrod bolts to check conrod clearance.

Tighten down conrod bolts with special tool 00 9 120.

Tightening torque, see 11 24 1AZ in ENGINE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS -- TWIN TURBO

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (00 9 120)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove bearing cap. Read off bearing clearance at width of crushed plastic thread with aid of measuring scale.

Conrod bearing clearance.

Remove plastic thread.
Coat crankshaft and bearing shells with oil.
Install new conrod bolts and tighten down with special tool 00 9 120.

Tightening torque, see 11 24 1AZ in ENGINE -- TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS -- TWIN TURBO

Fig 5: Locating Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.