11 21 531 Replacing all crankshaft main bearing shells (N57 Diesel)

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 590 .

Installation note: 

The assignment of the bearing shells in the crankcase (classification) may no longer apply after the crankshaft has been replaced.

Install yellow  bearing shells in crankcase.

Bearing classification from 1 to 3 possible.

1. Bearing color - yellow
2. Bearing color - green
3. Bearing color - white

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove CRANKSHAFT .

Bearing classification in bearing cap: 

The number combination from left to right is from 1 to 7.

The designation (K) stands for "Kupplungsseite" (German = clutch end).

Possible combination of bearing colors.

1. 2 = green
2. 1 = yellow
3. 1 = yellow
4. 2 = green
5. 2 = green
6. 2 = green
7. 2 = green

Fig 1: Identifying Bearing Classification In Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Bearing classification in crankcase: 

The letter K= "Kupplungsseite" (German = clutch end).

The number combination from left to right is from bearing seat 7 to 1.

Possible combination of bearing colors.

1. 2 = green
2. 2 = green
3. 2 = green
4. 2 = green
5. 2 = green
6. 2 = green
7. 2 = green

Fig 2: Identifying Bearing Classification In Crankcase

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place main bearing shell (1) with no lubricating groove in the bearing cap (see arrows).

Installation note: 

Note guide lug on main bearing shell (1).

Observe combination of bearing colors according to the table.

Fig 3: Placing Main Bearing Shell With Lubricating Groove In Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place main bearing shell (1) with lubricating groove in crankcase (see arrows).

Observe combination of bearing colors according to the table.

Fig 4: Placing Main Bearing Shell With Lubricating Groove In Crankcase

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: 

Thrust bearing (1) on the crankshaft is installed at bearing position 4.

Observe combination of bearing colors according to the table.

Observe grinding stage of main bearing journals.

Fig 5: Identifying Thrust Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position special tool 00 2 590 on main bearing to be measured and bolt to main bearing cap.

Tightening torque: 11 11 1AZ .

Remove main bearing cap. Read off bearing clearance at width of crushed plastic thread (Plastigage) with aid of measuring scale.

If necessary, install new bearing shells or bearing shells with different color coding to correct radial clearance.

Fig 6: Measuring Radial Clearance Using Flattened Plastigage And Measuring Scale

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.