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.

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

Fig 1: Securing Crankshaft In TDC Position With Special Tool 11 5 180

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Remove chain tensioning piston.

Remove both timing case covers at top.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Release nut (1) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 2: Releasing Nut On Sensor Gear Screw Connection On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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Remove sensor gear (2) on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 3: Removing Sensor Gear On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Release nut (1) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 4: Releasing Nut On Sensor Gear Screw Connection On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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Remove sensor gear (2) on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 5: Removing Sensor Gear On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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

When releasing camshaft screw connection grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Fig 6: Releasing Camshaft Screw Connection

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Slacken screw connection (1) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 7: Slackening Screw Connection Of Exhaust Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (1) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 8: Slackening Screw Connection Of Exhaust Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (2) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 9: Slackening Screw Connection Of Inlet Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (2) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 10: Slackening Screw Connection Of Inlet Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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Align camshafts.

Attach special tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 to camshafts, cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 11: Connecting Special Tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 To Camshafts

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Attach special tool 11 2 443 to special tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 and secure with special tool 11 2 444 via spark plug thread.

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tools Securing With Special Tool 11 2 444

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Align camshafts.

Attach special tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 to camshafts, cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 13: Connecting Special Tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 To Camshafts On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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Attach special tool 11 2 443 to special tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 and secure with special tool 11 2 444 via spark plug thread.

Fig 14: Identifying Special Tools Securing With Special Tool 11 2 444

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Compress chain tensioner on cylinder bank 1 to 4 and lock with special tool 11 3 310.

Fig 15: Identifying Compress Chain Tensioner Locking With Special Tool 11 3 310

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Remove screws (1 and 2) on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 16: Removing Screws On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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Pull exhaust sprocket wheel (1) and camshaft adjustment unit (2) forwards until they are no longer secured on camshafts.

Fig 17: Pulling Exhaust Sprocket Wheel And Camshaft Adjustment Unit Forwards

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Feed out timing chain (1) forwards over sprocket wheel of camshaft adjustment unit (2).

Feed out exhaust sprocket wheel with secondary chain and camshaft adjustment unit (2).

Fig 18: Feeding Out Timing Chain Forwards Over Sprocket Wheel Of Camshaft Adjustment Unit

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Remove special tool 11 5 180.

Assemble engine.

Fig 1: Removing Special Tool 11 5 180

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