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

Removal of camshafts is described separately from installation.

Remove chain tensioning piston.

Remove timing case covers at top left and top right.

Remove left camshaft adjustment unit.

Remove distributor on left camshaft adjustment unit.

E38/E39 

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

Fig 1: Removing Special Tool 11 2 300 (E38/E39)

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E53 (X5) 

Pull special tool 11 5 180 back until flywheel is no longer secured in position.

Fig 2: Removing Special Tool 11 2 300 E53 (X5)

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Lift timing chain and hold under tension.

Crank engine against direction of rotation at central bolt into 45° before TDC position.

Fig 3: Cranking Engine Against Direction Of Rotation

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Remove special tools 11 2 444 / 11 2 443 / 11 2 442 / 11 2 446.

Fig 4: Removing Special Tools 11 2 444 / 11 2 443 / 11 2 442 / 11 2 446

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Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool

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

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

Fig 6: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft At Hexagon Head

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Release bearing caps of exhaust and inlet camshafts on cylinder bank 5 to 8 in 1/2 turn increments uniformly from outside to inside.

Remove bearing covers on cylinder bank 5 to 8 and place to one side in order.

Lift out camshafts.

Fig 7: Releasing Bearing Caps Of Exhaust And Inlet Camshafts On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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