11 31 005 Checking camshaft timing (M52TU / M54 / M56)

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 250
• 11 2 300
• 11 3 240
• 11 3 450
• 11 4 220

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove fan impeller with fan clutch. See 11 52 020 Removing and installing/replacing fan clutch (S52 / S54 / M52 / M52TU / M54 / M56) 
• E60:  Remove fan cowl with electric fan
• Remove cylinder head cover. See 11 12 000 Removing and installing, sealing cylinder head cover (M52TU / M54 / M56) 
• Remove all spark plugs. See 12 12 011 REPLACING ALL SPARK PLUGS

Detach cover for inlet camshaft.

Fig 1: Detaching Cover For Inlet Camshaft

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Remove cylinder for chain tensioning piston.

Fig 2: Removing Cylinder For Chain Tensioning Piston

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Install special tool 11 4 220.

Fit adjusting screw to bow cover.

Fig 3: Installing Special Tool

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Preload tensioning rail with special tool 11 4 220 by rotating adjusting screw with special tool 00 9 250 or standard torque wrench to 0.7 Nm.

Fig 4: Rotating Adjusting Screw

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Unscrew oil pressure pipe.

Fig 5: Unscrewing Oil Pressure Pipe

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Mount special tool 11 3 450 with banjo bolt of oil pressure line.

Fig 6: Mounting Special Tool

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Fig 7: Spraying Oil

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Connect compressed air (2 to 8 bar).

Fig 8: Connecting Compressed Air

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With compressed air supply connected, crank engine at least two revolutions in direction of rotation until cam tips on inlet and exhaust camshafts on 1st cylinder face each other.

Fig 9: Identifying Chain

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Pull dust guard out of the special tool bore.

Fig 10: Pulling Dust Guard Out Of Special Tool Bore

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Secure crankshaft with special tool 11 2 300 in TDC firing position of 1st cylinder.

Fig 11: Securing Crankshaft With Special Tool

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Automatic transmissions only: 

Illustration does not show automatic transmission.

If special tool 11 2 300 is secured in the correct bore (1), the engine can no longer be cranked at the central bolt.

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tool Bore & Large Bore

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Unscrew studs.

Fig 13: Unscrewing Studs

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Place special tool 11 3 240 on camshafts.

Fig 14: Placing Special Tool 11 3 240 On Camshafts

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The timing must be reset if the special tool 11 3 240 protrudes to the exhaust side.

If necessary, adjust camshaft timing.

Fig 15: Checking Timing

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Detach compressed air connection.

Remove special tool 11 3 450.

Fig 16: Detaching Compressed Air Connection

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Fit oil pressure line with new seals.

Tightening torque. Refer to ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES (E46) .

Fig 17: Fitting Oil Pressure Line With New Seals

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Remove special tool 11 3 240.

Fig 18: Removing Special Tool

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Remove special tool 11 2 300.

Install dust guard from inspection bore.

Fig 19: Installing Dust Guard From Inspection Bore

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Unfasten and remove special tool 11 4 220.

Fig 20: Unfastening & Removing Special Tool

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Install cylinder for chain tensioning piston.

Assemble engine.

Fig 21: Installing Cylinder For Chain Tensioning Piston

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