11 24 571 Replacing all connecting rod bearings (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54 / M56)

Special tools required: 

• 00 2 590
• 00 9 120
• 11 2 110

(piston removed)

Install new conrod bearing shells.

Insert one blue (1) and one red (2) bearing shell (irrespective of the color coding on the conrod shaft).

Fig 1: Installing New Conrod Bearing Shells

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Install piston.

Check conrod bearing clearance.

Piston in BDC position.

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

Fit bearing caps so that pair numbers match up.

Fig 2: Checking Conrod Bearing Clearance

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Use the old conrod bolts to check conrod clearance.

Tighten down conrod bolts with special tool 00 9 120 or with special tool 11 2 110.

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

Fig 3: Tightening Down Conrod Bolts With Special Tool

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Remove bearing cap and read off bearing play at width of flattened plastic thread with assistance of measurement scale.

Conrod bearing clearance.

• Remove plastic thread.
• Coat crankshaft and bearing shells with oil.
• Install new conrod bolts and tighten down.

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

Fig 4: Removing Bearing Cap

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