11 31 015 Replacing right camshaft (M62 VANOS from 9/98): Notes

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.

Special tools required:

NOTE: For illustration of Special Tools, refer to ENGINE - SPECIAL TOOLS - 5-SERIES (E39) article.

11 2 300
11 2 441
11 2 443
11 2 444
11 2 445
11 5 180

(if necessary inlet or exhaust side)

Cylinder bank 1 to 4

Unscrew and remove splash guard.

Remove both cylinder head covers. See 11 12 004 Removing and installing/sealing both cylinder head covers (M62)

Remove all spark plugs. See 12 12 011 REPLACING ALL SPARK PLUGS (M60, M62)

Removal

Removal of camshafts is described separately from installation.

Remove chain tensioning piston.

Remove timing case covers at top left and top right.

Remove right camshaft adjustment unit.

Remove distributor on right 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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E53 (X5)

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

Fig 2: Removing Special Tool 11 5 180

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lift timing chain and hold under tension.

NOTE: Note markings!

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

Fig 3: Cranking Engine Against Direction Of Rotation At Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Grip inlet camshaft 1 to 4 with open-end wrench when removing special tool 11 2 441.

Fig 4: Griping Inlet Camshaft 1 To 4 With Open-End Wrench

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove special tools 11 2 444 / 11 2 443 / 11 2 441 / 11 2 445.

Fig 5: Removing Special Tools 11 2 444 / 11 2 443 / 11 2 441 / 11 2 445

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 6: Identifying Open-End Wrench

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate exhaust camshaft at hexagon head until exhaust cam on cylinder 2 is facing upwards.

Rotate inlet camshaft at hexagon head until inlet cam on cylinder 1 is facing upwards.

NOTE: The camshafts are now in the removal position.

Fig 7: Rotating Exhaust And Inlet Camshaft At Hexagon Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bearing caps of exhaust and inlet camshafts on cylinder bank 1 to 4 in 1/2 turn increments uniformly from outside to inside.

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

Remove bearing covers on cylinder bank 1 to 4 and place to one side in order.

Lift out camshafts.

Fig 8: Identifying Bearing Caps Of Exhaust And Inlet Camshafts On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.