11 31 011 Replacing left camshafts (M62 VANOS from 9/98): Installation

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Installation of camshafts is described separately from removal.

Insert exhaust and inlet camshafts on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Rotate exhaust camshaft until exhaust cam on cylinder 6 is facing upwards.

Rotate inlet camshaft until inlet cam on cylinder 8 is facing upwards.

Fig 1: Identifying Exhaust And Inlet Camshafts On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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CAUTION: Do not mix up the camshaft bearing covers of cylinders 1 to 4 and 5 to 8.

Fit bearing caps.

Exhaust camshaft bearing caps are marked A1 to A5 from inlet side.

Inlet camshaft bearing caps are marked E1 to E5 from inlet side.

Fig 2: Identifying Exhaust And Inlet Camshaft Bearing Caps

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Tighten down bearing caps of camshafts on cylinder bank 5 to 8 in 1/2 turn increments uniformly from inside to outside.

Tightening torque, refer to 11 31 1AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 540i .

Fig 3: Tightening Down Bearing Caps Of Camshafts On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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Rotate camshafts until camshaft designation points upwards.

Fig 4: Rotating Camshafts Until Camshaft Designation Points Upwards

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Attach special tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 to camshafts, cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 5: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 To Camshafts

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CAUTION: Do not damage the cylinder head.
If necessary, machine open-end wrench accordingly.

Align inlet and exhaust camshafts with open-end wrench in such a way that special tools 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 rest without a gap on cylinder head.

Fig 6: Aligning Inlet And Exhaust Camshafts With Open-End Wrench

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Attach special tool 11 2 443 to special tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 and secure with special tool 11 2 444 via spark plug thread.

Fig 7: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 443 To Special Tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 And Secure With Special Tool 11 2 444

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E38/E39

Crank engine from 45° before TDC position in direction of rotation up to TDC position.

Hold crankshaft in TDC position with special tool 11 2 300.

Fig 8: Holding Crankshaft In TDC Position With Special Tool 11 2 300

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E53 (X5)

Crank engine from 45° before TDC position in direction of rotation up to TDC position.

Hold crankshaft in TDC position with special tool 11 5 180.

CAUTION: Remove special tool 11 5 180 before starting engine.

Fig 9: Holding Crankshaft In TDC Position With Special Tool 11 5 180

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install distributor on left camshaft adjustment unit.

Install left camshaft adjustment unit.

Install timing case covers at top left and top right.

Install chain tensioning piston.

Install both cylinder head covers.

Assemble engine.