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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 530i, and 2001 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

(If necessary inlet or exhaust side)

The inlet or exhaust camshaft can be replaced in the vehicle.

IMPORTANT: Incorrect assembly/removal without special tools exposes the camshaft to the risk of preliminary damage or breakage. The valves may also be bent by contact with the piston crown. Comply without fail with the job instructions, recommended special tools and work sequence.

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

Remove VANOS adjustment unit, refer to 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: 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: Locking 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: Removing Inlet Side Chain Wheel Nuts & Washers

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Unfasten screws.

Fig 6: Removing Exhaust Side Chain Wheel Screws

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

Fig 7: Removing Exhaust And Inlet Chain Wheels

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

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

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NOTE: Timing chain remains positioned over exhaust camshaft.

Fig 12: Position Timing Chain Over Exhaust Camshaft

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

Remove thrust washer.

Fig 13: Releasing Screw-In Pin On Inlet Side

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Remove sensor gear.

Fig 14: Removing Sensor Gear

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IMPORTANT: DO NOT release these screws.

Fig 15: DO NOT Remove Screws At Front Of Camshafts

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Unscrew studs.

Fig 16: Remove Studs

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

Fig 17: Release Flywheel Locking 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

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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: Removing Inlet Camshaft Bearing Cap No. 1

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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

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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 Bearing Strip With Bucket Tappet

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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 Coding Marks

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

Install bearing strips.

Fig 26: Identifying Centering Dowels For Bearing Strips

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