How to Replace timing chain on BMW 550i E60 E61 2005-2010

Special tools

• Camshaft locking tool – BMW No.11 9 463.
• Crankshaft locking tool 1 – BMW No.11 9 451.
• Crankshaft locking tool 2 – BMW No.11 9 452.
• Crankshaft sprocket puller – BMW No.11 2 001/002/003/007.
• Exhaust camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 462.
• Inlet camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 461.
• Crankshaft pulley alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 190.

General precautions

• Disconnect battery earth lead.
• Remove spark plugs to ease turning engine.
• Turn engine in normal direction of rotation (unless otherwise stated).
• Observe tightening torques.
• If fitted: Mark position of crankshaft position (CKP) sensor before removal.
• Do NOT turn crankshaft via camshaft or other sprockets.
• Do NOT turn crankshaft or camshaft with timing chain removed.

Valve timing procedures

• Removal/installation of timing chain requires:
  • Engine removal.
  • Cylinder head(s) removal.
  • Flywheel removal.
  • Sump removal.

NOTE: Refer to Autodata Technical Data for tightening torques.

NOTE: Refer to Technical Data module for tightening torques.

• Engine at TDC on No.1 cylinder.
• Install crankshaft pulley alignment tool [1] . Tool No.11 9 190.
• Ensure camshaft lobes are positioned as shown:
  • N62: No.5 cylinder [2] .
  • N73: No.7 cylinder [2] .
• Ensure camshaft lobes for No.1 cylinder are positioned as shown [3] .
• If not, remove crankshaft pulley alignment tool and turn crankshaft pulley 360°.

NOTE: Ensure inlet camshafts locked in ‘fully advanced’ position and exhaust camshafts locked in ‘fully retarded’ position [4] .

• Camshaft rotation possible using spanner on hexagon [5] .
• Install alignment tool to LH inlet camshaft [6] . Tool No.11 9 461.
• Valve timing correct when alignment tool abuts cylinder head or is raised up to a maximum of 0,5 mm on exhaust side.
• Install alignment tool to LH exhaust camshaft [7] . Tool No.11 9 462.
• Valve timing correct when alignment tool abuts cylinder head or is raised up to a maximum of 0,5 mm on exhaust side.
• Repeat valve timing checking procedure for RH cylinder head.
• Align camshafts as follows:
  • Slacken bolt on each LH camshaft adjuster and then re-tighten by hand [8] .

  NOTE: Camshaft rotation can be prevented using spanner on hexagon.

  • Install inlet camshaft alignment tool [6] . Tool No.11 9 461.
  • Align LH inlet camshaft. Ensure inlet camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Lock LH inlet camshaft with camshaft locking tool [9] . Tool No.11 9 463.
  • Tighten LH inlet camshaft adjuster bolt to 80 Nm [8] .
  • Install exhaust camshaft alignment tool [7] . Tool No.11 9 462.
  • Align LH exhaust camshaft. Ensure exhaust camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Lock LH exhaust camshaft with camshaft locking tool [9] . Tool No.11 9 463.
  • Tighten LH exhaust camshaft adjuster bolt to 80 Nm [8] .
• Repeat adjustment procedure for RH cylinder head.
• Remove camshaft locking tool and camshaft alignment tools [6] , [7] & [9] .
• Remove crankshaft pulley alignment tool [1] . Tool No.11 9 190.
• Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise. Check valve timing.
• Bolt of camshaft adjusters MUST only be used once [8] .

NOTE: Crankshaft pulley central bolt MUST only be used once.

• Tighten crankshaft pulley central bolt to 100 Nm + 60° + 60° + 60° [10] .