11 31 025 Removing and installing or replacing inlet camshaft (N54)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X6, 2009 BMW X6, and 2008 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 9 120
11 4 350
11 8 550
11 8 551
11 8 552
11 8 553
11 9 000

See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

See ENGINE - SPECIAL TOOLS (N54, N63) .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
It is absolutely essential to follow an exact procedure for removing and installing the exhaust camshaft.
The upper and lower bearing banks must be tensioned with a total of six special tools 11 8 553.
Special tool 11 8 550 can be used for inlet and exhaust sides.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove cylinder head cover .
Remove inlet adjustment unit of inlet camshaft

Release bearing cap screw connections from outside inwards.

Lift out lower and upper bearing banks (1) with camshaft.

NOTE: Illustration shows N52.

Fig 1: Removing Bearing Cap Screw

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Remove upper bearing shell.

Remove inlet camshaft (1) marked with (E).

Fig 2: Identifying Inlet Camshaft

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IMPORTANT: Both camshafts have different markings.
Mixing up the two camshafts will result in engine damage.
A Exhaust camshaft
E Inlet camshaft

Fig 3: Identifying Camshaft Markings

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Check plain compression rings (1) for damage and replace if necessary.

Plain compression rings (1) are engaged at joint.

Press plain compression rings (1) apart upwards and downwards and removed towards front.

IMPORTANT: Plain compression rings (1) can easily break.

Fig 4: Checking Plain Compression Rings

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IMPORTANT: Removal on engine:
Engine at cylinder no. 1 firing TDC position.
Removed cylinder head:
When using special tool 11 9 000, it will be necessary to remove the aluminum profile insert.

Installing camshaft bearing bank:

Pre-install special tool 11 8 551 on cylinder nos. 2 and 3.

Insert special tool 11 8 552 in screw connection of cylinder head cover.

Special tool 11 8 551 is marked with letters E and A.

E = Inlet side

A = Exhaust side

Press down roller cam follower on cylinder no. 3 with spindle nut (2) of special tool 11 8 551.

Fig 5: Identifying Spindle Nut

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Installation:

Before installing inlet camshaft, make sure roller cam follower is correctly seated on HVCA element and valve.

Fig 6: Identifying Roller Cam Follower

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Installation:

Pre-install bearing strip of inlet camshaft.

Lubricate all bearing points in lower bearing strip with engine oil.

Installation:

Lay inlet camshaft (1) in bearing strip.

Fig 7: Lay Inlet Camshaft (1) In Bearing Strip

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Rotate inlet camshaft (1) at cylinder no. 1 into position (2).

Fig 8: Rotate Inlet Camshaft (1) At Cylinder No. 1 Into Position

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Installation:

Lower and upper bearing banks must be aligned to each other at ground surfaces (1 and 2).

Bring thrust piece and legs of special tool 11 8 553 into contact at milled surfaces.

Fig 9: Identifying Lower And Upper Bearing Banks Aligned To Each Other At Ground Surfaces

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NOTE: Schematic depiction of special tool 11 8 553 at lower bearing bank (1) and upper bearing bank (2).

IMPORTANT: Tighten screw (3) on thrust piece to 2 Nm.

Fig 10: Schematic Depiction Of Special Tool 11 8 553 At Lower Bearing Bank And Upper Bearing Bank

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Position special tool 11 8 553 over screw connection of bearing banks.

Make sure that legs come into exact contact on ground surfaces, lower bearing bank (1) and upper bearing bank (2).

Fig 11: Ensure Legs Come Into Exact Contact On Ground Surfaces

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Initially tighten screw of special tool 11 8 553 to ground surfaces of lower bearing bank (1) and upper bearing bank (2).

IMPORTANT: Tighten screws on thrust piece to 2 Nm.

Fig 12: Initially Tighten Screw Of Special Tool 11 8 553 To Ground Surfaces Of Lower Bearing Bank (1) And Upper Bearing Bank

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IMPORTANT: Set special tool 11 4 350 to 2 Nm.
Pretension all special tools 11 8 553 with special tool 11 4 350 only.

Fig 13: Identifying Special Tool 11 4 350

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Install upper and lower bearing strips (1).

Pre-install all special tools 11 8 553.

IMPORTANT: Secure special tool 11 8 553 to max. 2 Nm.

Fig 14: Identifying Bearing Strips And Special Tool 11 8 553

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Install inlet camshaft with bearing banks (1) on cylinder head.

Fig 15: Identifying Bearing Banks On Cylinder Head

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Check position of intake camshaft (1) at cylinder no. 6.

Roller cam follower (2) is not actuated.

Fig 16: Identifying Intake Camshaft And Roller Cam Follower

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Tighten lower and upper bearing banks with special tool 00 9 120.

Tightening torque 11 31 1AZ, see 11 31 CAMSHAFT

IMPORTANT: Remove special tool 11 8 553 only when camshaft screw connection is completed .

Fig 17: Tightening Lower And Upper Bearing Banks With Special Tool 00 9 120

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Adjust valve timing.

Assemble engine.