Removing and installing/replacing intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters (B48 and B46 engine) (Cooper S and John Cooper Works)

Special tools required: 

• 2 358 122
• 0 496 855
• 2 450 487
• 11 6 480

Preliminary work needed: 

• Check TIMING .
• Remove CATALYTIC CONVERTER .

For further information, see the appropriate BMW parts catalogue.

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Overview illustration of the intake adjuster:

7 608 788 intake adjuster

8 617 692 intake adjuster

8 684 920 intake adjuster

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Overview illustration of the exhaust camshaft adjuster:

7 608 789 exhaust camshaft adjuster

8 617 693 exhaust camshaft adjuster

8 684 921 exhaust camshaft adjuster

Removal: 

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Remove chain tensioner (1).

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Version 1 

Use the reversible ratchet head (2) from special tool 0 496 855 with special tool 2 450 487 to release the central valve (1).

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Version 2 

To release the central valve (1), use special tool 0 496 855.

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Release VANOS central valve (1) of exhaust camshaft adjuster.

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Release VANOS central valve (1) of intake camshaft adjuster.

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Remove VANOS central valve (1) of intake side.

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Remove intake adjuster (1) from intake camshaft.

Slightly tilt intake adjuster (1) and remove downwards.

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Remove VANOS central valve (1) of exhaust side.

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Remove exhaust camshaft adjuster (1) from exhaust camshaft.

Slightly tilt exhaust camshaft adjuster (1) and remove downwards.

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Installation: 

Intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters are different.

VANOS is marked with EX  for the exhaust camshaft.

VANOS is marked with IN  for the intake camshaft.

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Feed intake adjuster (1) into timing chain (2) and position on intake camshaft (3).

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Abut VANOS central valve (1) of intake side.

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Feed exhaust camshaft adjuster (1) into timing chain (2) and position on exhaust camshaft (3).

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Abut VANOS central valve (1) of exhaust side.

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Install new chain tensioner.

Parts  : Chain tensioner

Tighten chain tensioner (1).

Tightening torque 11 31 1AZ .

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Tighten VANOS central valve of intake camshaft adjuster (1).

Tightening torque 11 36 1AZ .

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Tighten VANOS central valve of exhaust camshaft adjuster (1).

Tightening torque 11 36 1AZ .

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Remove all special tools.

Crank engine with special tool 11 6 480 twice in direction of engine rotation.

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Required reworking: 

• Check TIMING .
• Attach CATALYTIC CONVERTER .

When replacing the intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters, the I level must be possibly coded and programmed. 

• Connect diagnosis system and follow the diagnosis instructions. 
• Service functions
• Drive
• Engine electronics
• Reset VANOS adaptation values
• Code and program I level if necessary