11 36 615 Removing and installing/replacing right camshaft adjustment unit (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.

00 9 250
11 2 300
11 2 441
11 2 442
11 2 443
11 2 444
11 2 445
11 2 446
11 3 310
11 4 230
11 4 231
11 4 232
11 5 180
11 6 440
11 6 450
11 6 451
11 6 452
11 7 380

Remove intake filter housing with air-mass flow sensor.sEE 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING SUCTION-FILTER HOUSING (M60, M62)

Remove fan impeller with fan clutch and fan cowl. See 17 40 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING COMPLETE SUPPLEMENTARY FAN (WITH FAN COWL)

Remove both cylinder head covers.

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

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Removal:

Removal of the right camshaft adjustment unit is described separately from installation. Assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Remove oil lines on left and right of cylinder head.

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

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Turn engine in direction of rotation as far as TDC firing position of first cylinder.

Fig 3: Turning Engine In Direction Of Rotation

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E31/E38/E39

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

Fig 4: Identifying Crankshaft In TDC Position With Special Tool 11 2 300

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E53 (X5)

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

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

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

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

Fig 7: Removing Sensor Gear (2) On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

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

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

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

Fig 9: Removing Sensor Gear (2) On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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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 10: Gripping Camshaft At Hexagon Head

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

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

Fig 11: Slackening Screw Connection (1) Of Exhaust Camshaft On Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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

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

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

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Align camshafts.

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

Fig 15: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 445 / 11 2 441 To Camshafts, Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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

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Align camshafts.

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

Fig 17: Attaching Special Tool 11 2 446 / 11 2 442 To Camshafts, Cylinder Bank 5 To 8

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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 18: 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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Compress chain tensioner on cylinder bank 1 to 4 and lock with special tool 11 3 310.

Fig 19: Compressing Chain Tensioner On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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CAUTION: Left-hand threads.

Remove screws (1 and 2) on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fig 20: Removing Screws (1 And 2) On Cylinder Bank 1 To 4

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Pull exhaust sprocket wheel (1) and camshaft adjustment unit (2) forwards until they are no longer secured on camshafts.

Fig 21: Pulling Exhaust Sprocket Wheel And Camshaft Adjustment Unit

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Feed out timing chain (1) forwards over sprocket wheel of camshaft adjustment unit (2).

Feed out exhaust sprocket wheel with secondary chain and camshaft adjustment unit (2).

Fig 22: Feeding Out Exhaust Sprocket Wheel With Secondary Chain And Camshaft Adjustment Unit

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