11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (M62 VANOS from 9/98): Removal

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.

Removal of timing chain is described separately from installation. Assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

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

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

NOTE: In firing TDC position, the inlet camshaft 1 to 4 rotates in the teeth of the camshaft adjustment unit.

CAUTION: This twisting is caused by the position of the cams and is not an indication for incorrect timing.

Fig 1: Identifying Inlet Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove oil lines on left and right of cylinder head.

Fig 2: Removing Oil Lines On Left And Right Of Cylinder Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove vibration damper.

Slacken central screw of hub for vibration damper. This task is described in the section "Removing and installing hub for vibration damper"

Rotate engine at slackened central bolt in direction of rotation until the first cylinder is in TDC firing position.

Fig 3: Rotating Engine At Slackened Central Bolt In Direction Of Rotation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: When the first cylinder is in TDC firing position, the camshaft markings face upwards.

Fig 4: Identifying Camshaft Markings Face

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E38/E39

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

Fig 5: Identifying Crankshaft In TDC Position With Special Tool 11 2 300

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E53 (X5)

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

Fig 6: Identifying Crankshaft In TDC Position With Special Tool 11 5 180

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove chain tensioning piston.

Remove both timing case covers at top.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Release nut (1) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 7: Releasing Nut (1) On Sensor Gear Screw Connection On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove sensor gear (2) on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 8: Removing Sensor Gear (2) On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Release nut (1) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 9: Releasing Nut (1) On Sensor Gear Screw Connection On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove sensor gear (2) on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fig 10: Removing Sensor Gear (2) On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Fig 11: Gripping Camshaft At Hexagon Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Slacken screw connection (1) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 12: Slackening Screw Connection (1) Of Exhaust Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (1) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 13: Slackening Screw Connection (1) Of Exhaust Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (2) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 14: Slackening Screw Connection (2) Of Inlet Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

When releasing camshaft screw connection: grip camshaft at hexagon head.

Slacken screw connection (2) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. a half turn.

Fig 15: Slackening Screw Connection (2) Of Inlet Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align camshafts.

Attach special tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 to camshafts, cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 16: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 To Camshafts, Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attach special tool 11 2 443 to special tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 and secure with special tool 11 2 444 via spark plug thread.

Fig 17: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 443 To Special Tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 And Secure With Special Tool 11 2 444

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align camshafts.

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

Fig 18: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 To Camshafts, Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove slackened central bolt and remove hub for vibration damper.

E31/E38/E39

CAUTION: Do not turn engine any more.

Remove special tool 11 2 300.

Fig 20: Removing Special Tool 11 2 300

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

E53 (X5)

CAUTION: Do not turn engine any more.

Remove special tool 11 5 180.

Fig 21: Removing Special Tool 11 5 180

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove upper oil sump section.

Remove water pump with thermostat housing. 11 53 000 Removing and installing / replacing coolant thermostat (M62)

Remove lower timing case cover.

Release retaining screw on tensioning rail.

Open plastic strap (1).

Remove tensioning rail with oil guide.

Fig 22: Opening Plastic Strap (1)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Engines in E53 (X5) have an external oil separator. Screw (1) is not fitted.

Release screw (1) for oil separator.

Release retaining screw (2) for guide rail.

Fig 23: Releasing Screw For Oil Separator And Retaining Screw For Guide Rail

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using a small screwdriver, carefully push back retaining lug on guide rail and detach guide rail.

Fig 24: Pushing Back Retaining Lug On Guide Rail And Detaching Guide Rail Using A Small Screwdriver

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Feed timing chain (1) out of camshaft adjustment unit and remove.

Fig 25: Feeding Timing Chain Out Of Camshaft Adjustment Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Engines in E53 (X5) have an external oil separator. Grub screw (1) is not fitted.

If necessary, remove reversing rail.

Unfasten grub screw (1).

Release retaining screws (2 and 3) on reversing rail and remove reversing rail.

Fig 26: Unfastening Grub Screw (1)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.