11 31 505 Adjusting camshaft timing (N18)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2015 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2014 MINI Cooper Paceman, and 2013 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

IMPORTANT: Modified procedure for timing setting.
The timing is not determined at firing TDC of cylinder no. 1.
All pistons are in the 90° position.
Check locking of adjusters.
To open the central bolt on the camshaft, do not counter at the hexagon head on the camshaft.
Undo the central bolts using the special tool only.
Risk of damage!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Check TIMING .

IMPORTANT: Danger of mixing up dowel hole.
Balance hole and dowel hole can be mixed up.
All pistons must be in the 90° position.
If necessary, determine by means of spark plug bore.

Fig 1: Locking Flywheel With Special Tool (11 9 590)

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Rotate crankshaft at central bolt.

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

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! at chain drive and special tool.

Both setting gauges 11 7 440 must be screwed to the cylinder head to open the central bolts (1 and 2).

Fig 2: Identifying Central Bolts On Camshafts

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If the setting gauges 11 7 440 cannot be fitted free of tension, then the special tool 11 9 340 must be released from the chain drive.

Loosen the spindle screw on special tool 11 9 340 until all tension in the entire chain drive has been released.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340)

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The designations for the intake camshaft (IN) and exhaust camshaft (EX) point upwards.

Both camshafts (inlet and exhaust) have three machined surfaces to enable special tool 11 7 440 to be mounted.

The fourth surface is not machined and has a half-moon form.

Fig 4: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Camshafts

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Position of exhaust camshaft (A) points at an angle to the right and up.

Fig 5: Identifying Exhaust Camshaft Position

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Position of intake camshaft (E) points at an angle to the left and up.

Fig 6: Identifying Intake Camshaft Position

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Turn exhaust camshaft at hexagon head in position.

Position special tool 11 7 440 on mounting flats of exhaust camshaft.

Fig 7: Positioning Special Tool (11 7 440) On Exhaust Camshaft Mounting Flats

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Turn intake camshaft at hexagon head in position.

Position both special tools 11 7 440 on the camshafts.

Fig 8: Positioning Special Tools (11 7 440) On Camshafts

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Special tool 11 7 440 must lie on the cylinder head with no gap between the tool and the head.

Fig 9: Positioning Special Tool (11 7 440) On Cylinder Head

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Secure special tool 11 7 440 with bolts (1) to cylinder head.

Fig 10: Securing Special Tool (11 7 440) To Cylinder Head With Bolts

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Release central bolts (1 and 2).

Tightening torque: 11 36 1AZ .

Fig 11: Identifying Central Bolts On Camshafts

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Screw special tool 11 9 340 back in.

Pre-tension timing chain with special tool 00 9 460 to 0.6 Nm .

Fig 12: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 340)

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Installation note:

Slightly tension the intake camshaft at the hexagon head in direction of rotation with approx. 10-15 Nm.

Secure central bolt (1) with special tool 00 9 120 or an electronic torque wrench.

Tightening torque: 11 36 1AZ .

Fig 13: Securing Central Bolt With Special Tool (00 9 120)

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Installation note:

Slightly tension the exhaust camshaft at the hexagon head in direction of rotation with approx. 10-15 Nm.

Secure central bolt (1) with special tool 00 9 120 or an electronic torque wrench.

Tightening torque: 11 36 1AZ .

Fig 14: Securing Central Bolt With Special Tool (00 9 120)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove all special tools.

Assemble engine.