11 31 011 Replacing left camshafts (M62 VANOS from 9/98): Removal

Cylinder bank 5 to 8 (if necessary inlet or exhaust side).

Unscrew and remove splash guard.

Remove both cylinder head covers.

Remove all spark plugs.

Removal of camshafts is described separately from installation.

Remove chain tensioning piston. See 11 31 090 INSTALLING AND REMOVING/REPLACING PISTON FOR CHAIN TENSIONER (M62) .

Remove timing case covers at top left and top right.

Remove left camshaft adjustment unit.

Remove distributor on left camshaft adjustment unit.

E53 (X5) 

Pull special tool 11 5 180 back until flywheel is no longer secured in position.

Fig 1: Pulling Special Tool 11 5 180 For Securing Flywheel

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Lift timing chain and hold under tension.

Crank engine against direction of rotation at central bolt into 45° before TDC position.

Fig 2: Rotating Crankshaft To 45° BTDC

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Remove special tools 11 2 444/11 2 443/11 2 442/11 2 446.

Fig 3: Removing Special Tools

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If necessary, machine open-end wrench accordingly.

Fig 4: Gripping Camshaft At Hexagon Head

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Rotate exhaust camshaft at hexagon head until exhaust cam on cylinder 6 is facing upwards.

Rotate inlet camshaft at hexagon head until inlet cam on cylinder 8 is facing upwards.

Fig 5: Rotating Left Bank Camshafts To Removal Position

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Release bearing caps of exhaust and inlet camshafts on cylinder bank 5 to 8 in 1/2 turn increments uniformly from outside to inside.

Fig 6: Removing Bearing Caps Of Exhaust And Inlet Camshafts (Cylinder Bank 5 To 8)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove bearing covers on cylinder bank 5 to 8 and place to one side in order.

Lift out camshafts.