Necessary preliminary tasks

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Remove OIL SUMP

IMPORTANT: All crankshaft crank pins are classified.

Possible classifications per connecting rod at top and bottom:

r: Red

b: Blue

Fig 1: Direction Of Fitting Color In Connecting Rod And Connecting Rod Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Only one color may be fitted per big end bearing cap and connecting rod.

In direction of arrow from (1 to 2) crank pin (1 to 6).

Example:

Possible classification: rbbrrb

Cylinder 1: Classification Red/Red

Cylinder 2: Classification Blue/Blue

Cylinder 3: Classification Blue/Blue

Cylinder 4: Classification Red/Red

Cylinder 5: Classification Red/Red

Cylinder 6: Classification Blue/Blue

Release connecting rod bolts (1).

Remove connecting rod bearing cap (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Bearing Caps And Connecting Rod Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to cylinder wall and to crankshaft.

Gently release connecting rod from crankshaft.

Remove connecting rod bearing shells (1 and 2).

Install new connecting rod bearing shells.

Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Shell Colors

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Pay attention to guide lugs during installation.

IMPORTANT: All crankshaft crank pins are classified.

In each case insert only one color of connecting rod bearing shell (1 and 2) for each connecting rod.

Check connecting rod bearing clearance.

Piston in BDC position.

To determine the connecting rod bearing play, make sure that the bearing points are clean and free from oil and grease.

Fit special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage type PG 1) to oil-free crankshaft.

Fit connecting rod bearing cap so that pairing letters match up.

Fig 4: Locating Bearing Cap Pairing Letters

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not distort connecting rods or crankshaft.

Use the old connecting rod bolts to check connecting rod clearance.

Tighten down connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 5: Adjusting Torsion Angle Of Connecting Rod Using Special Tool 00 9 120

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unscrew connecting rod bearing cap. Read off connecting rod BEARING PLAY at width of flattened plastic thread on measurement scale.

Remove Plastigage
Coat crankshaft and connecting rod bearing shells with oil
Install new connecting rod bolts and tighten down with special tool 00 9 120 .

Fig 6: Checking Connecting-Rod Bearing Play

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Assemble engine.