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How to Replace timing chain on BMW 325i E46

Special tools

  • Flywheel timing pin – BMW No.11 2 300.
  • Camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 3 240/244.
  • Timing chain pre-tensioning tool – BMW No.11 4 220.
  • Tensioner locking tool – BMW No.11 3 292.
  • Crankshaft pulley/hub puller (one-piece pulley) – No.11 8 190/200/210.
  • Crankshaft pulley/hub puller (two-piece pulley) – No.11 2 150/410.
  • Camshaft timing setting tool – BMW No.11 6 150.
  • Camshaft sprockets alignment tool – BMW No.11 6 180.
  • VANOS unit checking tool – BMW No.11 3 450.

General precautions

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

Valve timing procedures

How to Replace timing chain on BMW 325i E46
How to Replace timing chain on BMW 325i E46

Removal

  • Removal/installation of timing chain requires:
      • Sump removal, if two-piece crankshaft pulley/damper is fitted.
  • Engine at TDC No.1 cylinder.
  • Ensure camshaft lobes are facing [1] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment tool can be fitted [2] .
  • If not, adjust camshafts as follows:

    NOTE: Tensioner plunger is spring loaded.

      • Remove tensioner [3] .
      • Pre-load timing chain with tool to 0,7 Nm [4] .
      • Unscrew VANOS unit oil pressure pipe.
      • Connect compressed air (2-8 bar) to VANOS unit. Use special tool.
      • Turn crankshaft two turns until camshaft lobes face each other [1] .
  • Insert flywheel timing pin [5] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment tool can be refitted [2] .
  • Remove VANOS unit [6] .NOTE: Screws behind sealing caps have LH threads [7] .
  • Remove timing chain pre-tensioning tool [4] .
  • Depress secondary tensioner and lock with tool [8] .
  • Remove intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets [9] & [10] complete with secondary chain.
  • Remove secondary tensioner [11] .
  • Remove camshaft sprocket and chain [12] .

Installation

  • Fit sprockets with chains as follows:
      • Fit exhaust camshaft sprocket with chain. Ensure arrow on sprocket aligned with upper edge of cylinder head [13] .
      • Fit chain pre-tensioning tool [4] .
      • Screw in adjusting screw until in contact with guide rail (DO NOT tighten screw). If necessary, realign camshaft sprocket [13] .
      • Fit secondary tensioner [11] .
      • Fit toothed sleeve [14] and toothed shaft with pin [15] to exhaust camshaft sprocket. Ensure tooth gaps aligned towards each other [16] .
      • Push in toothed shaft until threaded holes positioned in centre of slots [17] .
      • Align camshaft sprockets with secondary chain in position as shown [18] . Use special tool.
      • During installation of camshaft sprockets, ensure tooth gaps on intake side aligned towards each other [19] .
  • Fit toothed shaft with pin to intake camshaft sprocket. Push in toothed shaft until only 1 mm of spline is visible [20] .
  • Fit washers and nuts [21] . DO NOT tighten.
  • Fit plate spring with mark ‘F’ visible [22] and sensor gear [23] to exhaust camshaft.
  • Ensure arrow on sensor gear aligned with upper edge of cylinder head [23] . DO NOT tighten nuts.
  • Pull out toothed shaft on exhaust side as far as stop.
  • Fit and release secondary tensioner [8] .
  • Pre-load timing chain with tool to 0,7 Nm [4] .
  • Slightly pre-load plate spring by pressing on sensor gear [23] . Tighten nuts fingertight.
  • Set camshaft timing with tool as follows:NOTE: Remove gasket before fitting special tool No.11 6 150 [24] .
      • Tighten screws and nuts in two stages (in sequence shown) [24] :
      • First stage: 5 Nm.
      • Second stage: ‘A’ – 20 Nm. ‘B’, ‘C’ – 10 Nm.
  • Fit timing chain tensioner [3] .
  • Remove alignment tools and turn crankshaft two turns.
  • Ensure No.1 cylinder at TDC. Use special tools.
  • Remove camshaft timing setting tool [24] .
  • Fit VANOS unit [6] .NOTE: Screws behind sealing caps have LH threads [7] .
  • Replace sealing caps. Tighten sealing caps to 50 Nm.
  • Engine with one-piece crankshaft pulley/damper [25] .
  • Engine with two-piece crankshaft pulley/damper [26] .

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

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