11 31 005 Checking camshaft timing (B36A/B38A)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER
Remove SPARK PLUGS
Remove front right WHEEL ARCH PANEL

IMPORTANT:

Risk of damage to engine.

Adherence to notes on CHECKING AND ADJUSTING TIMING is mandatory!

If the crankshaft is disconnected properly, it is not possible to turn the engine forwards or backwards on the vibration damper!

Vehicles with manual transmission:

Dimension (x) = 56 mm.

Insert the special tool 2 288 380 up to dimension (X) into the dowel hole.

Fig 1: Inserting Special Tool (2 288 380) Into Dowel Hole

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Vehicles with manual transmission:

Special tool 2 288 380 correctly positioned.

The engine is located at the first cylinder at top dead center.

Fig 2: Special Tool (2 288 380) Correct Position

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Vehicles with manual transmission:

Special tool 2 288 380 incorrectly positioned.

The TDC setting of the first cylinder has not been achieved.

Fig 3: Special Tool (2 288 380) Incorrect Position

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Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Dimension (Y) = 66 mm.

Insert the special tool 2 288 380 up to dimension (Y) into the dowel hole.

Fig 4: Inserting Special Tool (2 288 380) Into Dowel Hole

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Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Special tool 2 288 380 correctly positioned.

The engine is located at the first cylinder at top dead center.

Fig 5: Special Tool (2 288 380) Correct Position

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Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Special tool 2 288 380 incorrectly positioned.

The TDC setting of the first cylinder has not been achieved.

Fig 6: Special Tool (2 288 380) Incorrect Position

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Crank engine with special tool 11 6 480 to TDC firing position of cylinder 1.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine in reverse direction.

Fig 7: Cranking Engine With Special Tool (11 6 480)

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Remove protective cap (1) on oil sump.

Fig 8: Locating Protective Cap On Oil Sump

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Crank engine at central bolt with special tool 11 6 480 .

IMPORTANT:

On vehicles with manual gearbox, an additional bore hole that can be confused with dowel hole is located in front of dowel hole.

It must be possible to push special tool 2 288 380 into oil sump up to throw.

Fig 9: Pushing Special Tool (2 288 380) Into Oil Sump

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Block crankshaft in cylinder 1 TDC firing position with special tool 2 288 380 .

The markings (1) on the intake and exhaust camshafts can be read from above.

Fig 10: Locating Markings On Intake And Exhaust Camshafts

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IMPORTANT:

The special tool can also be fitted if the camshafts are rotated by 180 degrees.

The middle one of the three flat sections (1) on the intake and exhaust camshafts must point upwards.

Fig 11: Locating Flat Sections On Intake And Exhaust Camshafts

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The cam on the exhaust camshaft (A) on the first cylinder points obliquely inwards to the right.

Fig 12: Exhaust Camshaft Cam Position At First Cylinder

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The cam on the intake camshaft (E) on the first cylinder points obliquely to the left.

Fig 13: Intake Camshaft Cam Position At First Cylinder

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NOTE: The special tool 2 358 122 consists of multiple parts.

Basic carrier
Basic carrier screws on cylinder head
Gauge to fix exhaust camshaft
Gauge to fix intake camshaft
Gauge screws on basic carrier

Fig 14: Special Tool (2 358 122) Components

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Secure basic carrier (1) by screws (2) on cylinder head.

Position gauge (3) with recess on mounting flats of exhaust camshaft.

Secure basic carrier (3) by screws (5) on basic carrier.

Position gauge (4) with recess on mounting flats of intake camshaft.

Fig 15: Positioning Gauge With Recess On Mounting Flats Of Intake Camshaft

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Secure gauge (4) by screws (5) on basic carrier.

If necessary, adjust VALVE TIMING .