11 31 001 Replacing camshaft (M52TU / M54 / M56): Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 525i, 2002 BMW 525i, and 2001 BMW 525i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Removal of camshafts is described separately from installation. The assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Remove VANOS adjustment unit.

IMPORTANT: Cylinder for chain tensioning piston is under spring pressure.

Unfasten cylinder for chain tensioning piston.

Fig 1: Unfastening Cylinder For Chain Tensioning Piston

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Press down secondary chain tensioner at top and lock with special tool 11 3 292.

Fig 2: Pressing Down Secondary Chain Tensioner At Top & Lock With Special Tool 11 3 292

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Release nuts, remove sensor gear (1).

Fig 3: Removing Sensor Gear

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Remove plate spring (2).

Fig 4: Removing Plate Spring

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Release nuts on inlet side and remove corrugated washer (7).

Fig 5: Releasing Nuts On Inlet Side & Removing Corrugated Washer

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Unfasten screws.

Fig 6: Unfastening Screws

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Lift off exhaust and inlet chain wheels together with chain, friction washer (3) and toothed shaft (4).

NOTE: Toothed shaft (4) is and identical part for exhaust and inlet sides. Store used toothed shafts in order and reinstall on the same side only.

Fig 7: Lifting Off Exhaust & Inlet Chain Wheels Together With Chain, Friction Washer & Toothed Shaft

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Remove toothed shaft (5) with toothed sleeve (6).

Fig 8: Removing Toothed Shaft With Toothed Sleeve

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Unfasten screws. Remove secondary chain tensioner.

Fig 9: Removing Secondary Chain Tensioner

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Release screw-in pin.

Fig 10: Releasing Screw-In Pin

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Feed chain wheel (1) towards front out of timing chain (2).

Fig 11: Feeding Chain Wheel Towards Front Out Of Timing Chain

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NOTE: Timing chain remains positioned over exhaust camshaft.

Fig 12: Identifying Timing Chain Positioned Over Exhaust Camshaft

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If necessary, release screw-in pin on inlet side.

Remove thrust washer.

Fig 13: Removing Thrust Washer

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Remove sensor gear.

Fig 14: Removing Sensor Gear

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IMPORTANT: Do "not" release these screws.

Fig 15: Identifying Screws Not To Be Removed

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Unscrew studs.

Fig 16: Unscrewing Studs

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Pull special tool 11 2 300 back until flywheel is no longer secured in position.

Fig 17: Pulling Special Tool 11 2 300 Back Until Flywheel Is No Longer Secured In Position

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IMPORTANT: To prevent damaging valves when fitting the camshafts, no pistons should be in TDC position.

Lift timing chain and hold under tension.

Rotate engine against direction of engine rotation approx. 30° using the central bolt.

Fig 18: Lifting Timing Chain & Hold Under Tension

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IMPORTANT: Bearing cap 1 of inlet camshaft is centered with adapter sleeves.

To prevent inlet camshaft from tilting in bearing strip, release nuts and remove bearing cap 1.

Fig 19: Identifying Bearing Caps

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Fit special tool 11 3 260 to cylinder head and screw into spark plug threads in cylinders 1 and 4.

Fig 20: Fitting Special Tool 11 3 260 To Cylinder Head & Screwing Into Spark Plug Threads In Cylinders 1 & 4

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Turn the eccentric shaft to tension the bearing caps.

Unfasten nuts on bearing cover.

Fig 21: Unfastening Nuts On Bearing Cover

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Relieve tension on eccentric shaft and remove special tool 11 3 260.

Remove bearing covers and place to one side in orderly fashion. Remove camshaft.

Fig 22: Removing Bearing Covers

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NOTE: If the cylinder head is then to be removed, remove complete bearing strip with bucket tappets.

Locate bucket tappets in bearing strip with special tool 11 3 250.

Lift out complete bearing strip with bucket tappet.

NOTE: Only re-use used bucket tappets in the same tappet bore.

Fig 23: Locating Bucket Tappets In Bearing Strip With Special Tool 11 3 250

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Check bearing points on bucket tappets for signs of wear (scoring).

Fig 24: Identifying Bearing Points On Bucket Tappets For Signs Of Wear (Scoring)

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Bearing strips are marked "A" for exhaust side and "E" for inlet side.

Fig 25: Identifying Bearing Strips Marked "A" For Exhaust Side & "E" For Inlet Side

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Note centering dowels on retaining pins at bearing points 2 and 7.

Install bearing strips.

Fig 26: Installing Bearing Strips

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