11 21 500 Replacing crankshaft (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54 / M56)

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(engine removed)

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Removing cylinder head. See 11 12 100 Removing and installing/replacing cylinder head (M52TU / M54 / M56)
Removing lower timing case cover. See 11 14 110 Removing and installing lower timing case cover (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54)
Removing all pistons. See 11 25 530 Removing and installing or replacing all pistons (M52 / S52 / M52TU / M54 / M56)
Remove end cover at rear; this operation is described in the section Replacing crankshaft radial seal.

Checking axial clearance:

If permitted end float is exceeded, check crankshaft, guide bearing shells and engine block, replacing if necessary, end float.

Fig 1: Checking Axial Clearance

G03123245

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screw connection on reinforcement plates.

NOTE: The reinforcement plates are not fitted on engines with gray cast iron engine blocks or on engines with oil pumps integrated in oil scrapers.

Fig 2: Unfastening Screw Connection On Reinforcement Plates

G03123246

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unfasten screw connection on main bearing.

Remove main bearing caps (1 to 7).

Lever out crankshaft.

Fig 3: Removing Main Bearing Caps

G03123247

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, release incremental gear.

Installation:

Replace screws.

Install screws and tighten down in two passes.

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

IMPORTANT: Check grinding stage of crankshaft.

Fig 4: Checking Grinding Stage Of Crankshaft

G03123248

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace main crankshaft bearing shells.

Replace conrod bearing shells.

Replace grooved ball bearings in crankshaft.