E53 (X5)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5, 2002 BMW X5, 2001 BMW X5, and 2000 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Pull special tool 11 5 180 back until flywheel is no longer secured in position.

Fig 1: Pulling Special Tool 11 5 180 For Securing Flywheel

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Lift timing chain and hold under tension.

NOTE: Note markings!

Crank engine against direction of rotation at central bolt into 45° before TDC position.

Fig 2: Identifying Central Bolt

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NOTE: Grip inlet camshaft 1 to 4 with open-end wrench when removing special tool 11 2 441.

Fig 3: Griping Inlet Camshaft 1 To 4 With Open-End Wrench

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Remove special tools 11 2 444 / 11 2 443 / 11 2 441 / 11 2 445.

Fig 4: Removing Special Tools

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CAUTION: Do not damage the cylinder head.
If necessary, machine open-end wrench accordingly.

Fig 5: Locating Open-End Wrench

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Rotate exhaust camshaft at hexagon head until exhaust cam on cylinder 2 is facing upwards.

Rotate inlet camshaft at hexagon head until inlet cam on cylinder 1 is facing upwards.

NOTE: The camshafts are now in the removal position.

Fig 6: Identifying Cam Upward Position

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Release bearing caps of exhaust and inlet camshafts on cylinder bank 1 to 4 in 1/2 turn increments uniformly from outside to inside.

CAUTION: Do not mix up the camshaft bearing covers of cylinders 1 to 4 and 5 to 8.

Remove bearing covers on cylinder bank 1 to 4 and place to one side in order.

Lift out camshafts.

Fig 7: Releasing Bearing Caps Of Exhaust And Inlet Camshafts On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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Crank engine from 45° before TDC position in direction of rotation up to TDC position.

Hold crankshaft in TDC position with special tool 11 5 180.

CAUTION: Remove special tool 11 5 180 before starting engine.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool 11 5 180

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Install distributor on right camshaft adjustment unit.

Install right camshaft adjustment unit.

Install timing case covers at top left and top right.

Install chain tensioning piston.

Install both cylinder head covers.

Assemble engine.