11 21 531 Replacing main crankshaft bearing shell (M62)

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.

(engine dismantled)

Clean components before installation.

Preliminary tasks are described in 11 21 500 REPLACING CRANKSHAFT (M62) .

CAUTION: Note grinding stage of crankshaft, refer to ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA - 540I (E39) .

Fig 1: Marking Grinding Stage Of Crankshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Install main bearing shells (1) in the motor block with lubrication groove.

Fig 2: Identifying Main Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: When crankshaft or main bearing shells are being replaced, the classification for the arrangement of the main bearing shells in the crankcase is no longer of significance. Install yellow main bearing shells in crankcase.

Fig 3: Locating Place Of Main Bearing Shells

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The crankshaft is marked with yellow, green or white paint according to the tolerance of the main journal.

Coat bearing shells with oil.

Install crankshaft.

Fig 4: Identifying Crankshaft Markings

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Place main bearing shells with same color code as that of crankshaft in main bearing caps.

Fig 5: Placing Main Bearing Shells With Same Color Code

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release hex head in main bearing cap.

Fig 6: Releasing Hex Head In Main Bearing Cap

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Install stop disk for collar bearing (in engine block).
Install stop disk for collar bearing (in main bearing cap).

Fig 7: Identifying Stop Disk For Collar Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Check installed direction. Lubricant groove must be facing crankshaft.

Insert stop disks for collar bearing on both sides between crankshaft and engine block at main bearing 5.

Fig 8: Inserting Stop Disks For Collar Bearing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Align thrust washers with contact face of main bearing caps.

Fig 9: Aligning Thrust Washers With Contact Face Of Main Bearing Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Main bearing caps (1 to 3) are marked with punch numbers.
The main bearing caps 4 and 5 are not marked.

NOTE: Main bearing cap no. 5 can be identified by the recesses for the stop disks of the thrust bearing.

Fig 10: Identifying Main Bearing Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert stop disks on both sides into grooves of main bearing cap no. 5.

Fig 11: Inserting Stop Disks

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking main bearing clearance:

Do not twist crankshaft.

Fit special tool 00 2 590 (Plastigage Type PG 1) to the oil-free crankshaft.

Fig 12: Ensuring Retaining Grooves Of Main Bearing Shells Are On One Side

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position main bearing caps (1 to 5) so that retaining grooves of main bearing shells are on one side.

Align main bearing cap flush with side of bearing seat.

Fig 13: Aligning Main Bearing Cap Flush With Side Of Bearing Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

To check crankshaft bearing clearance, use old main bearing screws.

No oil is permitted in the blind bores (danger of cracking).

Tighten all screws on main bearing cover with jointing torque.
Tighten down all bolts on main bearing cap with special tool 00 9 120 with torsion angle.

Tightening torque, see 11 11 2AZ in ENGINE - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 540i .

Fig 14: Tightening All Screws On Main Bearing Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove main bearing cover and read off main bearing clearance from thickness of crushed plastic thread with the help of the measuring scale.

Main bearing clearance,

refer to ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA - 540i (E39) .

Fig 15: Measuring Main Bearing Clearance

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove plastic thread.

Lubricate crankshaft and main bearing shells.

Position main bearing caps (1 to 5) so that retaining grooves of main bearing shells are on one side.

Align main bearing cap flush with side of bearing seat.

Fig 16: Aligning Main Bearing Cap Flush With Side Of Bearing Seat

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The main bearing cap screws must always be replaced by new ones.
Do not wash off bolt coating.
No oil is permitted in the blind bores (risk of cracking)!

Tightening specifications for main bearing:

Tighten all screws on main bearing cover with jointing torque.
Unfasten screws on main bearing cover 5.
Strike back and front of crankshaft with plastic hammer to center thrust bearing (do not damage crankshaft).
Tighten screws of main bearing cover 5 with jointing torque.
Tighten down all bolts on main bearing cap with special tool 00 9 120 with torsion angle.

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

Fig 17: Tightening All Screws