Removal

Removing timing chain (M62 VANOS from 9/98)

Special tools required
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 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

Removal

Removal of timing chain is described separately from installation. Assembly sequence for removal and installation is different.

Remove spark plugs.
Remove both cylinder head covers. Service and Repair

Note: In TDC firing 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.

Remove oil lines on left and right of cylinder head.

Remove vibration damper, refer to Harmonic Balancer. Service and Repair
Release central bolt of hub for vibration damper.

Rotate engine at slackened central bolt in direction of rotation until the first cylinder is in TDC firing position.

Note: When the first cylinder is in TDC firing position, the camshaft markings face upwards.

E38/E39

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

E53 (X5)

Secure crankshaft in TDC position with special tool 11 5 180

Remove piston for chain tensioner. Service and Repair
Remove both top timing case covers. Service and Repair

Caution: Left-hand threads.

Release nut ( 1 ) on sensor gear screw connection on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

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

Caution: Left-hand threads.

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

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

Caution: Do not damage the cylinder head.

If necessary, machine open-end wrench accordingly.
When unfastening screw connection on camshaft, grip camshaft at hex head.

Caution: Left-hand threads.

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

Caution: Left-hand threads.

When unfastening screw connection on camshaft, grip camshaft at hex head.
Slacken screw connection ( 1 ) of exhaust camshaft on cylinder bank 1 to 4 by approx. half a turn.

Caution: Left-hand threads.

When unfastening screw connection on camshaft, grip camshaft at hex head.
Slacken screw connection ( 2 ) of inlet camshaft on cylinder bank 5 to 8 by approx. half a turn.

Align camshafts.
Fit special tool 11 2 445/ 11 2 441 to camshafts on cylinder bank 1 to 4.

Fit 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.

Align camshafts.
Fit special tool 11 2 446/ 11 2 442 to camshafts on cylinder bank 5 to 8.

Fit 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.

Remove loosened central sbolt and remove hub for vibration damper

E31/E38/E39

Caution: Do not turn engine any more.
Remove special tool 11 2 300.

E53 (X5)

Caution: Do not turn engine any more.
Remove special tool 11 5 180.

Remove upper oil sump section. Service and Repair
Remove water pump with thermostat housing. Service and Repair
Remove bottom timing case cover. Service and Repair

Release retaining screw on tensioning rail.
Open plastic strap ( 1 ).
Remove tensioning rail with oil guide.

Note: Engines in E53 (X5) have an external oil separator. Screw ( 1 ) is not fitted.

Release screw ( 1 ) for oil separator.
Release retaining screw ( 2 ) for guide rail.

Using a small screwdriver, carefully push back retaining lug on guide rail and detach guide rail.

Feed timing chain ( 1 ) out of camshaft adjustment unit and remove.

Note: Engines in E53 (X5) have an external oil separator. Grub screw ( 1 ) is not fitted.

If necessary, remove reversing rail.
Unfasten grub screw ( 1 ).
Release retaining screws ( 2 and 3 ) on reversing rail and remove reversing rail.