How to Replace timing chain on BMW 318i E46

Special tools

• Exhaust camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 291/3.
• Inlet camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 292.
• Flywheel timing pin – BMW No.11 9 190.
• Sensor gear alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 350.
• Timing chain pre-tensioning tool – BMW No.11 9 340.

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:
  • 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.
• Remove blanking plug from cylinder block.
• Insert flywheel timing pin [1] . Tool No.11 9 190.
• Ensure rear of camshafts correctly aligned [2] .

  NOTE: Curved profile at rear of camshaft points upwards [3] .

• Install inlet camshaft alignment tool [4] . Tool No.11 9 292.
• Install exhaust camshaft alignment tool [5] . Tool No.11 9 291.
• Timing correct when inlet camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head or is raised up to a maximum of 0,5 mm on inlet side. Timing correct when exhaust camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head or is raised up to a maximum of 1 mm on inlet side.
• If not, adjust camshafts as follows:
  • Slacken bolt on each camshaft adjuster and then re-tighten by hand [6] .
  • Install inlet camshaft alignment tool [4] . Tool No.11 9 292.
  • Align inlet camshaft. Ensure inlet camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Install exhaust camshaft alignment tool [5] . Tool No.11 9 291.
  • Tighten exhaust camshaft alignment tool to cylinder head.
  • Tighten bolt on exhaust camshaft alignment tool until it rests on inlet camshaft alignment tool [7] .
  • Tighten inlet camshaft alignment tool to cylinder head [4] .

  NOTE: Tensioner plunger is spring loaded.

  • Remove tensioner [8] .

  NOTE: If chain tensioner is to be reused it must be drained of oil. Compress plunger slowly twice.

  • Install timing chain pre-tensioning tool [9] . Tool No.11 9 340.
  • Tighten adjusting screw until in contact with guide rail. DO NOT overtighten screw.
  • Replace bolt on each camshaft adjuster and re-tighten by hand [6] .
  • Install sensor gear alignment tool and secure to cylinder head [10] . Tool No.11 9 350.
  • Slacken bolt of each camshaft adjuster by half a turn [6] .
  • Pre-load timing chain with tensioning tool to 0,6 Nm [9] . Tool No.11 9 340.

  NOTE: Bolt for camshaft adjusters MUST only be used once.

• Tighten bolt of each camshaft adjuster [6] .
• Tightening sequence:
  • First stage – 20 Nm.
  • Second stage – 90°.
  • Third stage – 90°.
• Remove flywheel timing pin [1] .
• Remove sensor gear alignment tool [10] .
• Remove camshaft alignment tools [4] & [5] .
• Remove timing chain pre-tensioning tool [9] .
• Install tensioner assembly [8] . Tightening torque: 65 Nm.
• Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise.
• Ensure flywheel timing pin and camshaft alignment tools can be refitted [1] , [4] , [5] & [10] .
• Timing correct when camshaft alignment tools abut cylinder head [4] & [5] .

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