11 31 505 Adjusting Camshaft Timing (N51)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

For the following special tools, refer to MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS -- 128I .

00 9 120
00 9 250

For the following special tools, refer to ENGINE - SPECIAL TOOLS (N51) .

11 0 300
11 4 280
11 4 281
11 4 282
11 4 283
11 4 290
11 9 340

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove cylinder head cover. See 11 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR SEALING CYLINDER HEAD COVER (N51) .

Remove fastener (1) in direction of arrow.

Installation:

Install fastener (1) with bore facing outwards.

Fig 1: Removing Fastener

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Rotate crankshaft at central bolt into TDC position.

Slide in special tool 11 0 300 in direction of arrow and block crankshaft. See Fig 2.

IMPORTANT: On engines with automatic transmissions, there is shortly before the special tool bore for the TDC position a large bore which can be confused with the special tool bore.

Fig 2: Sliding Special Tool

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If the flywheel is secured in the correct bore with special tool 11 0 300, the engine can no longer be moved at the central bolt.

With 1st cylinder in firing TDC position, cams of inlet camshaft (1) point upwards at an angle.

Fig 3: Identifying Inlet Camshaft Point

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Part numbers (2) on twin surface of inlet and exhaust camshafts (1) point upwards.

Fig 4: Identifying Camshaft Points

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With 1st cylinder in firing TDC position, cams of exhaust camshaft (3) at 6th cylinder point downwards at an angle.

NOTE: If the timing is checked while the engine is installed, the position of the camshaft can only be checked with a mirror.

Fig 5: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft Position

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
To open central bolt, mount special tools 11 4 283, 11 4 281 and 11 4 282 on camshaft. See Fig 6.

Fig 6: Identifying Special Tools

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Release central bolts (1).

Release central bolts (1) with special tool 11 4 280 only.

Release chain tensioner (2) (have a cleaning cloth ready).

NOTE: Illustrations in CAD do not show special tools.

Fig 7: Identifying Central Bolt And Chain Tensioner

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Turn sensor gears (2) in direction of arrow until locating pins (1) on special tool 11 4 290 match up. See Fig 8.

Slide on special tool 11 4 290 in direction of arrow.

Fig 8: Identifying Sensor Gears And Pins

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Secure special tool 11 4 290 with bolts (1). See Fig 9.

Screw special tool 11 9 340 into cylinder head. See Fig 9.

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

Secure both central bolts of adjustment units to camshafts with special tool 00 9 120. See Fig 9.

Tightening torque. See 11 36 1AZ in 11 36 VARIABLE CAMSHAFT CONTROL .

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tools

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Assemble engine.