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 EXHAUST SYSTEM
Drain COOLANT
Drain off ENGINE OIL
Remove both EXHAUST MANIFOLDS
Remove INTAKE PLENUM
Detach coolant hoses from cylinder head
Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS

IMPORTANT: Fit new cylinder head screws.
Do not wash off bolt coating.
There must be no fluids or contaminants in any of the threaded holes for the cylinder head bolt connections.
Risk of corrosion and cracking!
Apply a light coat of oil to washer contact areas and threads of new cylinder head bolts.

Release screws (1).

Unclip timing chain module (2) at junction (3) and remove towards top.

Set down timing chain.

IMPORTANT: If the timing chain is stowed in the gearcase, the crankshaft must no longer be rotated.
This would cause the timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket wheel to jam or jump.

Installation:

The timing chain is lifted out with a hook only during assembly.

Fig 1: Identifying Timing Chain Module With Mounting Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts (2) for eccentric shaft sensor (1).

Remove eccentric shaft sensor (1) towards front.

Fig 2: Removing Eccentric Shaft Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Screw (1) is not magnetic and must be secured against falling down.

Release screw (1).

Remove magnet wheel (2) towards front.

Fig 3: Removing Magnet Wheel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Magnet wheel (1) is highly magnetic and must be protected against metal filings/borings.

After removing, place magnet wheel (1) in a plastic bag (2) with a seal.

Fig 4: Identifying Magnet Wheel In Plastic Bag

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pre-tension eccentric shaft (1) upwards in direction of arrow.

Remove stop screw between 1st and 2nd cylinders.

Tightening torque 11 37 5AZ .

Fig 5: Moving Eccentric Shaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Bolt (2) can only be released when the timing chain module is pressed forward slightly.

IMPORTANT: Secure bolt (2) with a gripper against falling down.

Release screw (2).

Tightening torque 11 12 3AZ .

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 11 12 4AZ .

Installation:

Replace aluminum screws.

Fig 6: Identifying Timing Chain Module Screws And Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Observe different bolt heads.

Release cylinder head bolts (1) M10 with special tool 11 8 580 .

Release cylinder head bolts (2) M9 with special tool 11 4 420 .

NOTE: Picture shows intake and exhaust camshafts removed.

Fig 7: Releasing Cylinder Head Bolt Using Special Tool (11 8 580)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Observe different M9 bolt lengths (1 and 3).

Undo cylinder head bolts (1 and 3) M9 using special tool 11 4 420 .

Tightening torque 11 12 2AZ .

Release cylinder head bolts (2) M10 with special tool 11 8 580 from outside inwards.

Tightening torque 11 12 1AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Cylinder Head Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: All cylinder head bolts (1, 2 and 3) must be replaced.
Joining torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail.
Risk of damage!

Secure special tool 11 0 320 with existing cylinder head cover bolts (1).

Tightening torque 11 12 5AZ .

IMPORTANT: Removing and install cylinder head with a second person helping.
Weight of cylinder head with add-on parts is approx. 40 kg.
Do not rest cylinder head on sealing surface. Risk of damage to valves!

Fig 9: Securing Special Tool (11 0 320) With Cylinder Head Bolts