11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (M62 VANOS from 9/98): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5 and 2002 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Removal of timing chain is described separately from installation. Assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Remove spark plugs.

Remove both cylinder head covers.

CAUTION: In firing TDC position, the inlet camshaft 1 to 4 rotates in the teeth of the camshaft adjustment unit. This twisting is caused by the position of the cams and is not an indication for incorrect timing.

Fig 1: Identifying Inlet Camshaft Rotation

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Remove oil lines on left and right of cylinder head.

Fig 2: Removing Oil Lines On Left And Right Of Cylinder Head

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Remove vibration damper,

refer to 11 23 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING VIBRATION DAMPER (M62) .

Rotate engine at slackened central bolt in direction of rotation until the first cylinder is in TDC firing position.

Fig 3: Rotating Cam To Prescribed Position

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NOTE: When the first cylinder is in TDC firing position, the camshaft markings face upwards.

Fig 4: Identifying Camshaft In TDC Position

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E53

Secure crankshaft in TDC position with special tool 11 5 180.

Fig 5: Securing Crankshaft In TDC Position

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

Remove both timing case covers at top. See 11 14 080 REMOVING AND INSTALLING TIMING CASE COVER, TOP LEFT (M62 VANOS FROM 9/98) and 11 14 085 REMOVING AND INSTALLING TIMING CASE COVER, TOP RIGHT (M62 VANOS FROM 9/98) .

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Release nut (1) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 6: Releasing Sensor Gear Screw Connection (Cylinder Bank 1 To 4)

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Remove sensor gear (2) on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 7: Removing Sensor Gear (Cylinder Bank 1 To 4)

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Release nut (1) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 8: Releasing Sensor Gear Screw Connection (Cylinder Bank 5 To 8)

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Remove sensor gear (2) on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 9: Removing Sensor Gear (Cylinder Bank 5 To 8)

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CAUTION: Do not damage the cylinder head.

If necessary, machine open-end wrench accordingly.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Fig 10: Grip Camshaft At Hexagon Head Using Open-End Wrench

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Slacken screw connection (1) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 11: Slackening Exhaust Camshaft Screw (Cylinder Bank 5 To 8)

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (1) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 12: Slackening Exhaust Camshaft Screw (Cylinder Bank 1 To 4)

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (2) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 13: Slackening Inlet Camshaft Screw (Cylinder Bank 5 To 8)

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (2) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 14: Slackening Inlet Camshaft Screw (Cylinder Bank 1 To 4)

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Align camshafts.

Attach special tool 11 2 445/11 2 441 to camshafts, cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 15: Connecting Special Tool 11 2 445/11 2 441 To Camshafts (Cylinder Bank 1 To 4)

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Attach special tool 11 2 443 to special tool 11 2 445/11 2 441 and secure with special tool 11 2 444 via spark plug thread.

Fig 16: Connecting Special Tool 11 2 443 To Special Tool 11 2 445/11 2 441

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Align camshafts.

Attach special tool 11 2 446/11 2 442 to camshafts, cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 17: Connecting Special Tool 11 2 446/11 2 442 To Camshafts (Cylinder Bank 5 To 8)

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Attach special tool 11 2 443 to special tool 11 2 446/11 2 442 and secure with special tool 11 2 444 via spark plug thread.

Fig 18: Connecting Special Tool 11 2 443 To Special Tool 11 2 445/11 2 441

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Remove slackened central bolt and remove hub for vibration damper.

E53

CAUTION: Do not turn engine any more.

Remove special tool 11 5 180.

Fig 19: Removing Special Tool 11 5 180

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Remove upper oil sump section.

Remove water pump with thermostat housing.

Remove lower timing case cover.

Release retaining screw on tensioning rail.

Open plastic strap (1).

Fig 20: Identifying Plastic Strap

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Remove tensioning rail with oil guide.

NOTE: Engines in E53 (X5) have an external oil separator. Screw (1) is not fitted.

Release screw (1) for oil separator.

Release retaining screw (2) for guide rail.

Fig 21: Releasing Retaining Screw For Guide Rail

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Using a small screwdriver, carefully push back retaining lug on guide rail and detach guide rail.

Fig 22: Detaching Guide Rail

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Feed timing chain (1) out of camshaft adjustment unit and remove.

Fig 23: Removing Timing Chain

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NOTE: Engines in E53 (X5) have an external oil separator. Grub screw (1) is not fitted.

If necessary, remove reversing rail.

Unfasten grub screw (1).

Release retaining screws (2 and 3) on reversing rail and remove reversing rail.

Fig 24: Removing Reversing Rail

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