11 24 571 Replacing all connecting rod bearings (S63)

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 590 .
• 00 9 120 .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove all PISTONS .

Install new connecting rod bearing shells.

Install one blue bearing shell (1) and one red bearing shell (2) in each connecting rod.

Fig 1: Identifying Blue Bearing Shell And Red Bearing Shell

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

The bearing shells on the connecting rod are coded.

Connecting rod bearing cap (1): the red bearing shell is engaged and the fastening notches are on the left and right sides of the bearing shell (see arrows).

Connecting rod (2): the blue bearing shell is fitted and the fastening notches are one side of the bearing shell (see arrows).

Fig 2: Locating Fastening Notches On Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Use a commercially available vacuum cleaner (2) to vacuum clean cracked areas (1).

Fig 3: Cleaning Cracked Areas

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check connecting-rod bearing play  .

Piston in BDC position.

Fit special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage type PG 1) to oil-free crankshaft.

Fit bearing caps so that matching numbers match up.

Fig 4: Installing Special Tool (00 2 590) To Oil-Free Crankshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Use connecting rod bolts to check connecting-rod bearing play.

Connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Connecting Rod Bolts, Crankshaft, And Pairing Letters

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove bearing cap and read off radial clearance at width of crushed plastigage with assistance of measuring scale.

CONNECTING-ROD BEARING PLAY .

• Remove Plastigage.
• Lubricate crankshaft and bearing shells.
• Install new connecting rod bolts.
  Fig 6: Measuring Radial Clearance

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure connecting rod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 .

Tightening torque 11 24 1AZ .

Fig 7: Securing Connecting Rod Bolts Using Special Tool (00 9 120)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.