11 31 005 Checking Camshaft Timing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 MINI Cooper and 2007 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

11 9 540
11 9 590

IMPORTANT: Modified procedure for timing adjustment.
The timing is not determined at firing TDC of cylinder no. 1.
All pistons are in the 90° position.
Check locking of adjustment units.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove cylinder head cover.
Remove front splash guard.

IMPORTANT: Danger of mixing up special tool bore.
Balance hole and special tool bore can be mixed up; all pistons must be in the 90° position.
If necessary, determine by means of spark plug bore.

Rotate crankshaft at central bolt.

Position crankshaft with special tool 11 9 590 .

Do not remove special tool 11 9 590 during repair work.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 590) On Crankshaft

G04796154

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Check locking on VANOS adjustment units.
Attempt to rotate camshaft in direction of rotation at hexagon head.
The adjustment units are locked in the initial position when the camshafts are non-positively connected to the adjustment units.
If no fixed connection to the camshaft can be established, the adjustment unit is faulty and must be replaced.

Both camshafts are in the correct installation position when the designation (IN) for inlet camshaft points upwards.

In the case of the exhaust camshaft, the designation EX must point upwards.

Fig 2: Identifying (IN And EX) Camshaft Installation Position

G04796268

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position of exhaust camshaft (A) points at an angle to the right in an upper outward direction

Fig 3: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft Right In Upper Position

G04796269

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position of inlet camshaft (E) points at an angle to the left in an upper outward direction

Fig 4: Identifying Inlet Camshaft Left In Upper Position

G04796270

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position special tool 11 9 540 (exhaust) on direction of exhaust camshaft and secure with a bolt (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 540) On Exhaust Camshaft

G04796271

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position special tool 11 9 540 (inlet) on direction of inlet camshaft and secure with a bolts (1 and 2).

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 540) On Inlet Camshaft

G04796272

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, adjust valve timing.

Assemble engine.