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How to Replace timing chain on BMW 325i E90 91 92 2005-2007

Special tools

  • Camshaft alignment tool 1 – BMW No.11 4 281.
  • Camshaft alignment tool 2 – BMW No.11 4 282.
  • Camshaft alignment tool 3 – BMW No.11 4 283.
  • Flywheel timing pin – BMW No.11 0 300.
  • Sensor gear alignment tool – BMW No.11 4 290.
  • 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.
How to Replace timing chain on BMW 325i E90 91 92 2005-2007
How to Replace timing chain on BMW 325i E90 91 92 2005-2007

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.
  • Ensure part number on each camshaft is facing upwards [1] .
  • Remove blanking plug from cylinder block.
  • Insert flywheel timing pin [2] . Tool No.11 0 300.

NOTE: Engine should not turn if flywheel timing pin fitted correctly.

  • Ensure camshaft alignment tools can be fitted [3] , [4] & [5] . Tool Nos.11 4 281/11 4 282/11 4 283.
  • If not, adjust camshafts as follows:
        • Slacken central bolt on each camshaft adjuster [6] .
        • Remove tensioner assembly [7] .

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

      • Ensure sensor gear locating holes at 9 o’clock position [8] .
      • Install sensor gear alignment tool and secure to cylinder head [9] . Tool No.11 4 290.
      • Install timing chain pre-tensioning tool [10] . Tool No.11 9 340.
      • Screw in adjusting screw until in contact with guide rail.
      • Pre-load timing chain with tensioning tool to 0,6 Nm [10] .
      • Tighten central bolt on each camshaft adjuster [6] . Tightening torque: 20 Nm + 180°.

    NOTE: Central bolt of camshaft adjusters MUST only be used once.

  • Remove flywheel timing pin [2] .
  • Remove sensor gear alignment tool [9] .
  • Remove camshaft alignment tools [3] , [4] & [5] .
  • Remove timing chain pre-tensioning tool [10] .
  • Install tensioner assembly [7] . Tightening torque: 50 Nm.
  • Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise.
  • Ensure flywheel timing pin and camshaft alignment tools can be refitted [3] , [4] , [5] & [9] .

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

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