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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW Z4, 2004 BMW Z4, and 2003 BMW Z4. 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 . See 11 36 010 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Double VANOS Adjustment Unit (M52TU / M54 / M56) .

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

Unfasten cylinder for chain tensioning piston.

Fig 1: Removing 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

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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

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Unfasten screws.

Fig 6: Removing 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: Identifying 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: Removing Chain Wheel

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NOTE: Timing chain remains positioned over exhaust camshaft.

Fig 12: Identifying Timing Chain

G03297222

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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

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Unscrew studs.

Fig 16: Removing Studs

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

Fig 17: Removing Special Tool

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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 And Holding Under Tension

G03297228

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Installing Bearing Cap Of Inlet Camshaft

G03297229

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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 To Cylinder Head

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Turn the eccentric shaft to tension the bearing caps.

Unfasten nuts on bearing cover.

Fig 21: Turning Eccentric Shaft To Tension Bearing Caps

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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 And Place

G03297232

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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: Removing Bucket Tappets

G03297233

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

Fig 24: Checking Bearing Points On Bucket Tappets

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

Fig 25: Identifying Bearing Strips Mark For Exhaust Side

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

Install bearing strips.

Fig 26: Installing Bearing Strips

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