Necessary preliminary tasks

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2012 BMW 328i, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328i, and 2010 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove OIL SUMP

IMPORTANT: All crankshaft crank pins are classified.

Possible classifications per connecting rod at top and bottom:

r: Red

b: Blue

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).

Fig 1: Identifying Crankpin Marking

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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 Connecting Rod Bearing Caps And Bolts

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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.

Installation:

Pay attention to guide lugs during installation.

Fig 3: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Shells

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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

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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: Tightening Connecting Rod Bolts Using Special Tool (00 9 120)

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

Connecting rod bearing play. See TED-TED-TDMUC1124-N52K-01B1S2 CONNECTING RODS AND BEARINGS N52K/B30 or TED-TED-TDMUC1124-N52K-01B1S1 CONNECTING RODS AND BEARINGS N52K/B25

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 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 6: Measuring Bearing Play

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.