11 31 505 Adjusting Camshaft Timing (N12)

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:

00 9 120
00 9 250
11 9 340
11 9 450
11 9 540
11 9 590
32 2 100

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.
To open the central bolt at the camshaft, grip hexagon on rear of camshaft.
Risk of damage!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove cylinder head cover.
Check timing.

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.

Slide in special tool 11 9 590 in direction of arrow and block crankshaft.

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

G04796154

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

To open central bolt, mount special tool 11 9 540 on camshaft.

If the setting gauges cannot be positioned, grip the camshaft with an open-end wrench to release the central bolt.

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 540) On Inlet Camshaft

G04796272

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release chain tensioner (have a cleaning cloth ready).

Tightening torque: See ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 3: Identifying Chain Tensioner

G04796303

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

To open central bolts (1 and 2), mount special tool 11 9 540 on camshafts.

Release central bolts (1 and 2).

Tightening torque: See ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 4: Identifying Central Bolts

G04796308

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The designations for the inlet camshaft (IN) and exhaust camshaft (EX) point upwards.

Both camshafts (inlet and exhaust) have three machined surfaces to enable special tool 11 9 450 to be mounted.

The fourth surface is not machined and is crescent-shaped - it must point downwards.

Fig 5: Identifying (IN And EX) Camshaft Installation Position

G04796268

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 6: 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 7: Identifying Inlet Camshaft Left In Upper Position

G04796270

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate exhaust camshaft with special tool 32 2 100 in direction of arrow.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 100) On Exhaust Camshaft

G04796312

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pretension camshaft with special tool 32 2 100 .

Attach special tool 11 9 540 (exhaust side) to direction and secure with bolt (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tool (32 2 100 And 11 9 540)

G04796313

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach special tool 11 9 540 (inlet side) to direction and secure with bolts (1 and 2).

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 540) On Inlet Camshaft

G04796272

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw special tool 11 9 340 into cylinder head.

Pretension timing chain with special tool 00 9 250 to 0.6 Nm .

Fig 11: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340) Into Cylinder Head

G04796315

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure central bolt (1) with special tool 00 9 120 or an electronic torque wrench.

Tightening torque: See ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tool (00 9 120) On Central Bolt

G04796316

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure central bolt (1) with special tool 00 9 120 or an electronic torque wrench.

Tightening torque: See ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 13: Identifying Special Tool (00 9 120) On Central Bolt

G04796317

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove all special tools.

Assemble engine.