11 36 046 Removing and installing/replacing inlet and exhaust adjustment units (N12)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Special tools required:

00 9 120
11 9 340
11 9 540
11 9 590

IMPORTANT: Always release both central bolts to adjust the timing.
The timing is not determined at firing TDC of cylinder no. 1.
Modified procedure for timing adjustment.
All pistons are in the 90° position.
Check locking of adjustment units.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove cylinder head cover.
Check timing.

Rotate crankshaft at central bolt.

Slide in special tool 11 9 590 in direction of arrow and block crankshaft.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 590)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove slide rail (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Slide Rail And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
To open central bolt, mount special tool 11 9 540 on camshaft.
If the setting gauges cannot be positioned, grip the camshaft with an open-end wrench to release the central bolt.
Refer to ADJUSTING TIMING .

Fig 3: Identifying Inlet Camshaft Securing Bolts And Special Tool (11 9 540)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release chain tensioner (1) (have a cleaning cloth ready).

Tightening torque 11 31 4AZ

Fig 4: Identifying Chain Tensioner

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bearing pin (1) on guide rail.

Tightening torque 11 11 7AZ

Installation:

Replace sealing ring.

Fig 5: Identifying Bearing Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release central bolts of inlet adjustment unit (1) and exhaust adjustment unit (2).

Detach inlet adjustment unit from inlet camshaft.

Detach exhaust adjustment unit from exhaust camshaft.

Fig 6: Identifying Central Bolts Of Inlet And Exhaust Adjustment Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT:

Danger of mixing up adjustment units.
Mixing up the adjustment units will result in engine damage.

The inlet and exhaust adjustment units are different.

VANOS is marked with IN for the inlet camshaft.

VANOS is marked with EX for the exhaust camshaft.

Fig 7: Identifying Camshaft Identification Mark

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place adjustment units of exhaust camshaft marked EX on timing chain.

Position adjustment unit on exhaust camshaft and secure with central bolt (3).

The installation position of the adjustment units can be freely selected.

Fig 8: Identifying Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place adjustment units of inlet camshaft marked IN on timing chain.

Position adjustment unit on inlet camshaft and secure with central bolt (1).

The installation position of the adjustment units can be freely selected.

Fig 9: Identifying Central Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Install slide rail (2).

Insert screws (1).

Fig 10: Identifying Slide Rail And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw special tool 11 9 340 into cylinder head.

Pretension timing chain with special tool to 0.4 Nm.

Fig 11: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure central bolt (1) with special tool 00 9 120.

Tightening torque 11 36 1AZ

Fig 12: Identifying Central Bolt And Special Tool (00 9 120) (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Secure central bolt (1) with special tool 00 9 120.

Tightening torque 11 36 1AZ

Fig 13: Identifying Central Bolt And Special Tool (00 9 120) (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fit chain tensioner.

Check timing.

Assemble engine.