11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (N20)

Special tools required: 

• 11 4 120 .
• 11 9 260 .
• 11 0 300 .
• 11 8 180 .
• 11 8 660 .
• 83 30 2 212 831
• 2 212 825 .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
• Remove all SPARK PLUGS .
• Remove VIBRATION DAMPER .
• Remove CRANKSHAFT SEAL at front
• Check TIMING .
• Remove oil sump. See OIL SUMP (RWD) or OIL SUMP (AWD) .

Push back the chain tensioner with the tensioning rail (1).

Secure chain tensioner using special tool 11 4 120 .

Fig 1: Securing Chain Tensioner

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Engine removed: 

Block crankshaft at flywheel with special tool 11 9 260 .

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 260)

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Vehicles with manual gearbox: 

Attach special tool 11 8 180 to manual gearbox with existing transmission bolts (1).

Block crankshaft in direction of arrow with special tool.

Fig 3: Attaching Special Tool 11 8 180 To Manual Transmission

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Vehicles with automatic transmission: 

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 8 660 .

Feed in special tool, slide screw forward and tighten.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (2 222 742)

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Release central bolt (1).

Tightening torque 11 21 1AZ .

Fig 5: Releasing Central Bolt

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Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Order number: 83 30 2 212 831

Fig 6: Securing Mounting Bridge On Cylinder Head And Securing Tracing Gauges To Mounting Bridge

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Remove CHAIN TENSIONER .

Screw in vibration absorber screws (1).

Pull out hub (2) on crankshaft forward in direction of arrow.

Fig 7: Moving Hub Forward

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Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque 11 31 8AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Screw Plug

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Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque 11 31 6AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Bearing Journal

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Release screw plugs (1 and 2).

Tightening torque 11 11 7AZ .

Fig 10: Identifying Screw Plugs

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Release bearing journal (1) on left and right of timing chain module for timing chain on crankcase.

Tightening torque 11 31 5AZ .

Fig 11: Identifying Right Bearing Journal

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Release bolts (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque 11 31 4AZ .

Remove chain module with timing chain and camshaft sprocket upwards.

Fig 12: Identifying Bolts

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Remove timing chain module (1) upward.

Fig 13: Removing Timing Chain Module

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Fig 14: Identifying Collar On Camshaft Sprocket

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Pull timing chain upwards until camshaft sprocket engages chain guide (1).

Install timing chain and camshaft sprocket in this position.

Installation note: 

Permanently hold timing chain under tension. Timing chain may jam on chain guide (1).

Fig 15: Identifying Chain Guide

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Loosen sealing cap using a screwdriver.

Fig 16: Loosening Sealing Cap

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Installation note: 

Turn engine at central bolt until special tool 2 212 825 can be positioned in counterbalance shaft.

Secure special tool 2 212 825 to oil pump housing with screw (1).

Fig 17: Securing Special Tool (2 212 825) To Oil Pump Housing

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Fit hub and central bolt (1).

Fig 18: Identifying Hub And Central Bolt

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Remove special tool 11 4 120 .

Fig 19: Securing Chain Tensioner

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Insert central bolt (1) with hub for crankshaft.

Tighten down central bolt (1).

Tightening torque 11 21 1AZ .

Install INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Fig 20: Inserting Central Bolt With Hub For Crankshaft

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Remove all special tools.

Crank engine twice.

Check TIMING .

Replace front CRANKSHAFT SEAL .

Assemble engine.