Replacing All Connecting Rod Bearings

Piston removed, refer to 11 25 530 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING ALL PISTONS (M52/S52/M52TU/M54/M56) .

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: Identifying Bearing Shell

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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: Installing Plastigage To Crankshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Fig 3: Tighten Down Conrod Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Tightening torque, refer to 11 24 1AZ in ENGINE MECHANICAL - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 530I (E39) .

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

Conrod bearing clearance. Refer to 11 21 Crankshaft and Bearings M54 in ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 4: Checking Conrod Bearing Clearance

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Tightening torque, refer to 11 24 1AZ in ENGINE MECHANICAL - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 530I (E39) .