11 36 010 Removing and installing or replacing double VANOS adjustment unit (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.

Removal of double VANOS adjustment unit is described separately from installation. Assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Detach plastic cover for inlet camshaft.

Fig 1: Detaching Plastic Cover For Inlet Camshaft

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Unscrew oil pressure pipe.

Fig 2: Removing Oil Pressure Pipe Banjo Bolt

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Mount special tool 11 3 450 with banjo bolt of oil pressure line.

Fig 3: Installing Special Tool With Banjo Bolt Of Oil Pressure Line

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IMPORTANT: Cover double VANOS adjustment unit.

When the compressed air supply is connected, several drops of oil are sprayed out of the bore.

Fig 4: Identifying VANOS Adjustment Unit

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Connect compressed air (2 to 8 bar).

Fig 5: Connecting Compressed Air

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NOTE: When the engine is switched off, it is possible that the camshafts are not in their initial positions. With the compressed air supply connected, rotate the engine to return the camshafts to their initial positions.

With compressed air supply connected, crank engine at least two revolutions in direction of rotation until cam tips on inlet and exhaust camshafts on 1st cylinder face each other.

Fig 6: Cranking Engine Twice Until Cam Tips Face Each Other

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Pull dust guard out of the special tool bore.

Fig 7: Removing Flywheel Dust Guard

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Secure crankshaft in firing TDC position with special tool 11 2 300.

Fig 8: Installing Flywheel Locking Tool

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IMPORTANT: Remove special tool 11 2 300 before switching on the engine.

Automatic Transmissions Only:

Illustration does not show automatic transmission.

IMPORTANT: On engines with automatic transmissions, there is shortly before the special tool bore (1) a large bore (2) which can be confused with the special tool bore.

If special tool 11 2 300 is secured in the correct bore (1), the engine can no longer be cranked at the central bolt.

Fig 9: Identifying Special Tool Bore On Flex Plate

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Unscrew studs.

Fig 10: Removing Studs From Cylinder Head

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Secure camshafts with special tool 11 3 240.

Fig 11: Securing Camshafts

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Detach compressed air connection.

NOTE: Special tool 11 3 450 still remains fitted.

Fig 12: Detaching Compressed Air Connection

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IMPORTANT: Oil escapes after screw plugs have been removed. Have cleaning cloths and container ready.
Make sure no oil runs onto belt drive. Remove any remnants of oil immediately with cleaning cloth.

Remove screw plugs, catch escaping oil on inlet and exhaust slides.

Fig 13: Removing Screw Plugs

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Remove sealing caps with special tool 11 6 170 or with commercially available short flat nose pliers.

Fig 14: Removing Sealing Caps With Special Tool

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IMPORTANT: Left-hand threads.

Release fitting screws on inlet and exhaust sides.

Fig 15: Removing Fitting Screws On Inlet And Exhaust Sides

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Detach plug connections from camshaft sensor and solenoid valves on exhaust and inlet sides.

Fig 16: Detaching Plug Connections From Camshaft Sensors

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Unscrew suspension eye.

Fig 17: Unscrewing Suspension Eye

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Release nuts and remove double VANOS adjustment unit.

Fig 18: Removing Double VANOS Adjustment Unit

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IMPORTANT: With double VANOS adjustment unit removed:
DO NOT crank engine.
The toothed shaft on the inlet side may move and slip out of the spline teeth, the inlet camshaft is thus no longer non-positively connected and the valves could rest on the piston.