11 37 006 Removing and installing/replacing left eccentric shaft (N62 from 9/03 and N62TU)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

(cylinder bank 5 to 8)

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove servomotor for left eccentric shaft .
Remove ignition coils on cylinder bank 5 to 8. See 12 13 511 REPLACING IGNITION COIL (N62TU) .
Remove spark plugs on cylinder bank 5 to 8. See 12 12 011 REPLACING ALL SPARK PLUGS (N62, N62TU) .
Remove left cylinder head cover .
Remove left inlet and exhaust adjustment units .
Remove left inlet camshaft .

Eccentric shafts from 2/2003:

NOTE: Eccentric shafts of cylinders 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 are identical parts.

IMPORTANT: Note installation direction of eccentric shafts.
Depending on the side on which the magnet wheel is fitted, the eccentric shafts are used for cylinders 1 to 4 or 5 to 8.
Incorrect assembly will result in engine damage.

NOTE: The work steps are only described on one bearing position.
The procedure is identical for the other bearing positions.

Carefully tilt bearing shell (1) to one side and simultaneously remove towards top.

Fig 1: Tilting Bearing Shell

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Lift out eccentric shaft (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Eccentric Shaft

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Removal of magnet wheel (if necessary):

NOTE: Carefully clamp eccentric shaft (1) as illustrated with protective jaws (2) in a vice.

Fig 3: Identifying Eccentric Shaft And Jaws

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IMPORTANT: Danger of mix-up:

It is very easy to mix up left and right or front and rear on the eccentric shaft.

If necessary, mark the side on which the magnet wheel is fitted.

Fig 4: Identifying Magnet Wheel

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NOTE: Magnet wheel (1) is extremely magnetic.

After removal, place magnet wheel in a plastic bag to protect it against metal chips.

Release screw and remove magnet wheel (1).

IMPORTANT: Needle bearings (1) break off very easily when removed and installed.

Carefully press needle bearings (1) apart at split position only to such an extent that they can be removed from eccentric shaft.

Fig 5: Pressing Needle Bearings

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NOTE: If the needle-roller bearings are replaced, the bearing shells must be replaced as well.

Carefully press bearing shell (1) to one side and simultaneously remove towards top.

Fig 6: Identifying Bearing Shell

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Installation

Installation of eccentric shaft is described separately from removal.

NOTE: Lubricate eccentric shaft at bearing positions.

Replace needle bearing (1).

IMPORTANT: Needle bearings break off very easily when installed.

Carefully press needle bearings (1) apart at split position only to such an extent that they can be fitted over eccentric shaft.

Fig 7: Pressing Needle Bearings

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Eccentric shafts from 2/2003:

NOTE: Eccentric shafts of cylinders 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 are identical parts.

Installation of magnet wheel:

NOTE: Carefully clamp eccentric shaft (1) as illustrated with protective jaws (2) in a vice.

Fig 8: Identifying Eccentric Shaft And Jaws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Incorrect assembly will result in engine damage.

Assembling eccentric shaft for cylinder bank 5 to 8:

The machined curvature (3) and the groove in the eccentric shaft must point forwards as illustrated.

The unmachined surface on the eccentric points to the left.

Secure magnet wheel (1) with lug in eccentric shaft groove.

IMPORTANT: Only install original antimagnetic screw (2).

Insert screw (2) and tighten down.

Tightening torque, see 11 37 1AZ in 11 37 VARIABLE VALVE GEAR .

Fig 9: Securing Magnet Wheel With Lug In Eccentric Shaft Groove

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NOTE: Replace bearing shells (1) of needle bearings.

IMPORTANT: Bearing shells (1) must be installed in such a way that ends of bearing shells (1) face each other as shown in illustration.

Fig 10: Identifying Bearing Shells Of Needle Bearings

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Insert bearing shells (1) into bearing bracket so that it is secured in bore (2).

Fig 11: Inserting Bearing Shells Into Bearing Bracket

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Lubricate bearing shells (1) with engine oil.

Fig 12: Identifying Bearing Shell

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Cylinder bank 5 to 8:

IMPORTANT: The machined curvature (1) of the eccentric points inwards.

Install eccentric shaft as shown in graphic.

Fig 13: Identifying Machined Curvature

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Lubricate bearing shells (1) with engine oil.

Install bearing shells (1).

Fig 14: Installing Bearing Shells

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Bearing shells (1) must snap audibly into place.

Check correct position of bearing shells (1).

Fig 15: Identifying Bearing Shells

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Install left inlet camshaft .

Assemble engine.