11 21 531 Replacing all main crankshaft bearing shells (N62/N62TU)

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 590  . See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .
• 00 9 120 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• (engine dismantled)
• Clean components before installing.
• Preparatory tasks are described in the section Replacing crankshaft.  

Fig 1: Identifying Main Bearing Shells

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The letter (1) denotes the crankshaft construction stage.

S= Series

B= Construction stage 1

C= Construction stage 2

The numbers (2) denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 (main bearing cap).

1= yellow

2= green

3= violet

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Construction Stage Specification

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The letters (1) denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 in the crankcase and is located on the transmission side in the Vee. The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front.

Y= yellow

G= green

V= violet

Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Shell Classification

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Fig 4: Identifying Main Bearing Caps

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Fig 5: Identifying Main Bearing Cap Number

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Unscrew thread support bushings in main bearing caps.

Fig 6: Unscrewing Thread Support Bushings

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Checking main bearing clearance: 

To check crankshaft bearing clearance, use old main bearing screws.

There must be no oil in the blind holes (risk of cracking).

Do not twist crankshaft.

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

Fig 7: Identifying Crankshaft Main Bearing

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1. Tighten all screws on main bearing cover with jointing torque.
2. Tighten down all screws on main bearing caps with special tool 00 9 120  and torsion angle.

   Tightening torque, see 11 11 2AZ  in ENGINE BLOCK .

   Fig 8: Tightening Screws On Main Bearing Cover

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   Remove main bearing cap.

   Read off main bearing play at width of flattened plastic thread with assistance of measurement scale.

   Main bearing play. 

   • Remove plastic thread.
   • Lubricate bearing shells and bearing shells.
     Fig 9: Checking Main Bearing Play

     Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   NOTE: Always replace main bearing bolts of main bearing caps with new bolts.
   Do not wash off bolt coating.
   No oil is permitted in the blind bores! (Danger of cracking).

Tightening specifications for main bearing:

1. Tighten all screws on main bearing cover with jointing torque.
2. Unfasten screws on main bearing cover 5.
3. Strike back and front of crankshaft with plastic hammer to center thrust bearing (do not damage crankshaft).

   Check axial play.  See CRANKSHAFT WITH BEARING .

   Check guide bearing shell, crankshaft and crankcase if necessary.

4. Tighten screws of main bearing cover 5 with jointing torque.
5. Tightening torque, see 11 11 2AZ  in ENGINE BLOCK .
   Fig 10: Checking Axial Play

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   Tighten down all screws on main bearing caps with special tool 00 9 120  and torsion angle.

   Tightening torque, see 11 11 2AZ  . in ENGINE BLOCK .

   Tighten down thread support bushings (2).

   Tightening torque, see 11 11 3AZ  in ENGINE BLOCK .

   Fig 11: Identifying Thread Support Bushings

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   Replace flanged head screws (1) and tighten down.

   Tightening torque, see 11 11 3AZ  .in ENGINE BLOCK .

   Fig 12: Identifying Flanged Head Screws

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