11 21 531 Replacing all crankshaft main bearing shells (N63) without hybrid drive

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Risk of injury from sharp edge of housing.

IMPORTANT: If a crankcase or a crankshaft is replaced, old and new identifications can be used.

A mixed installation is permissible.

Example:

An old crankcase with an old crankcase designation and a new crankshaft with a new crankshaft designation.

An old crankshaft with an older crankshaft designation and a new crankcase with a new crankcase designation.

Or a new crankcase with a new crankshaft with new identifications.

Necessary preliminary work

Remove CRANKSHAFT

NOTE: The main bearing caps 1 to 5 are marked with numbers.

Fig 1: Identifying Main Bearing Caps Marking Sequence

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Observe crankshaft construction stage:

S: Series

B: Repair stage 1

C: Repair stage 2

The letters denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 (main bearing cap).

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Color assignment in crankcase 1 to 5.

Y= yellow

G= green

V= violet

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft Bearing Shell Classification

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The letters denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 in the crankcase and is located on the transmission side in the Vee. The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Color assignment on crankshaft 1 to 5

Y= yellow

G= green

Fig 3: Identifying Color Assignment On Crankshaft

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V= violet

IMPORTANT: New bearing shell classification.

The letters denote the bearing shell classification for the relevant bearing position from 1 to 5 (main bearing cap).

The first letter on the left applies to the first bearing position at the front on the timing chain drive.

Color assignment on crankshaft 1 to 5

Fig 4: Identifying Color Assignment On Crankshaft

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IMPORTANT: Changed bearing classification:

Bearing position 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Code letter	Color code
New (A to H) Old Y	Yellow Yellow
New (I to R) Old G	Green Green
New (S is Z) Old V	Violet

	Tolerance classes	Bearing shell covers		Tolerance classes	Bearing shell covers
Crankcase	A B C D E G H	Yellow Yellow	Crankshaft	A B C D E G H	Yellow Yellow
Crankcase	I C M N P q R	Green Green	Crankshaft	I C M N P q R	Green Green
Crankcase	S T U W X Z	Violet	Crankshaft	S T U W X Z	Violet

Installation note:

Install main bearing shells (1) with lubrication groove in crankcase.

Install main bearing shells (2) without lubrication groove in the main bearing caps.

Fig 5: Identifying Main Bearing Shells (With Lubrication Groove And Without Lubrication Groove)

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NOTE: Main bearing cap number 3 can be identified by the surfaces (1) for the thrust washers of the thrust bearing.

Fig 6: Identifying Main Bearing Cap Surfaces

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Turn back thread support bushing into main bearing cap.

Fig 7: Turning Back Thread Support Bushing Into Main Bearing Cap

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Checking main bearing clearance

To check crankshaft bearing play, use the existing main bearing bolts.

IMPORTANT: Risk of cracking!

No oil is permitted in the blind holes.

Do not twist crankshaft.

Place special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage model PG 1) onto the oil-free crankshaft (see arrow).

Fig 8: Locating Main Bearing Clearance

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Tighten down all collar bolts (M11) of main bearing caps in sequence 1 to 5 to jointing torque.

Tightening torque 11 11 1AZ .

Fig 9: Main Bearing Cap Bolts (M11) Tightening/Loosening Sequence

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Tighten down all collar bolts (M11) of main bearing caps with special tool 00 9 120 with angle of rotation.

Fig 10: Tightening Collar Bolts (M11) Of Main Bearing Caps Using Special Tool (00 9 120)

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Remove main bearing cap.

Read off main bearing clearance at width of flattened plastic thread with assistance of measurement scale.

MAIN BEARING CLEARANCE .

Remove plastic thread
Apply a coat of oil to new bearing shells and crankshaft

Fig 11: Identifying Bearing Shells And Crankshaft Oil Application Area

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NOTE: Always replace main bearing bolts in main bearing caps with new bolts.
Do not wash off bolt coating.

IMPORTANT: Risk of cracking!

No oil is permitted in the blind holes.

Install crankshaft . See Crankshaft and Bearings Ground Sizes Of Conrod Bearing Journals , Crankshaft And Bearings Grinding Stages, Crankshaft Guide Bearings , Crankshaft and Bearings Bearing Journal 2-5 or Crankshaft and Bearings Bearing Journal 1 .

Carefully strike back and front of crankshaft with a plastic hammer to center guide bearing (do not damage crankshaft).

Secure special tool 11 6 252 with magnetic foot on crankcase.

Position special tool 11 6 251 .

Tightening specifications for main bearing:

Check SIDE CLEARANCE .

Check guide bearing shell, crankshaft and crankcase if necessary.

Fig 12: Check Side Clearance Of Guide Bearing Shell, Crankshaft And Crankcase

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Assemble engine.