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How to Replace timing chain on BMW 320D E90 2007-2010

Special tools

  • Camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 8 760.
  • Crankshaft holding tool – BMW No.11 4 320.
  • Crankshaft pulley turning tool – BMW No.11 6 480.
  • Flywheel/drive plate timing pin – BMW No.11 5 320.
  • High-pressure fuel pump sprocket removal tool – BMW No.11 8 740.
  • Tensioner locking pin – BMW No.11 3 340.

General precautions

  • Disconnect battery earth lead.
  • Remove glow 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

How to Replace timing chain on BMW 320D E90 2007-2010
How to Replace timing chain on BMW 320D E90 2007-2010

Removal

  • Removal/installation of timing chain requires:
      • Engine removal.
      • Cylinder head removal.
      • Oil pump chain removal.
      • Sump removal.

NOTE: Timing chains located at rear of engine.

  • Engine at TDC on No.1 cylinder.
  • Ensure camshaft lobes positioned as shown [1] .
  • Insert flywheel/drive plate timing pin [2] .
  • Ensure timing marks on rear of camshaft gears aligned [3] .
  • Install camshaft alignment tool [4] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Remove secondary timing chain tensioner [5] .

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

  • Slacken camshaft sprocket bolts [6] .
  • Remove camshaft sprocket.
  • Remove camshaft carrier assembly.
  • Remove cylinder head.
  • Remove secondary timing chain tensioner rail and chain.
  • Install crankshaft holding tool [7] . Secure tool with bolt [8] .
  • Slacken high-pressure fuel pump sprocket bolt [9] .
  • Remove high-pressure fuel pump sprocket. Use high-pressure fuel pump sprocket removal tool.
  • Compress primary timing chain tensioner and lock with pin [10] .
  • Remove primary timing chain tensioner [11] .
  • Remove primary timing chain guide and tensioner rail.
  • Remove crankshaft holding tool [7] .
  • Remove high-pressure fuel pump sprocket complete with primary timing chain.

Installation

  • Fit primary timing chain to crankshaft sprocket.
  • Install crankshaft holding tool [7] . Secure tool with bolt [8] .
  • Crankshaft position set at 45° ATDC No.1 cylinder.
  • Ensure groove on high-pressure fuel pump shaft aligned with lug on timing case [12] .
  • Install high-pressure fuel pump sprocket.
  • Ensure timing mark on high-pressure fuel pump sprocket aligned with lug on timing case [13] .
  • Tighten high-pressure fuel pump sprocket bolt [9] . Tightening torque: 65 Nm.
  • Install primary timing chain guide and tensioner rail.
  • Install primary timing chain tensioner [11] .
  • Remove tensioner locking pin [10] .
  • Install secondary timing chain tensioner rail.
  • Install secondary timing chain.
  • Remove crankshaft holding tool [7] .
  • Install oil pump chain.
  • Fit timing chain cover and flywheel.
  • Turn crankshaft anti-clockwise 45°.
  • Insert flywheel/drive plate timing pin [2] .
  • Install cylinder head.
  • Ensure timing marks on rear of camshaft gears aligned [3] .
  • Install camshaft carrier assembly.
  • Install camshaft alignment tool [4] .
  • Install camshaft sprocket.
  • Temporarily tighten camshaft sprocket bolts [6] . Tightening torque: 10 Nm.
  • Slacken camshaft sprocket bolts 90° [6] .
  • Install secondary timing chain tensioner [5] . Tightening torque: 70 Nm.
  • Tighten camshaft sprocket bolts [6] . Tightening torque: 15 Nm.
  • Remove special tools [2] & [4] .
  • Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise.
  • Insert flywheel/drive plate timing pin [2] .
  • Ensure timing marks on camshaft gears aligned [3] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head [4] .
  • Remove special tools [2] & [4] .
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