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How to Replace timing chain on BMW 335i E90 91 92 93 2006-2010

Special tools

  • Camshaft alignment tool 1 – BMW No.11 4 281.
  • Camshaft alignment tool 2 – BMW No.11 4 283.
  • Flywheel/drive plate timing pin – BMW No.11 0 300.
  • Camshaft position (CMP) sensor disc setting tool – BMW No.11 8 520.
  • 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 335i E90 91 92 93 2006-2010
How to Replace timing chain on BMW 335i E90 91 92 93 2006-2010

Valve timing procedures

  • Removal/installation of timing chain requires:
      • Sump removal.
  • Engine at TDC on No.1 cylinder.
  • Remove blanking plug from cylinder block.
  • Insert flywheel/drive plate timing pin [1] .

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

  • Ensure camshaft lobes for No.6 cylinder at rear of engine are positioned as shown [2] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment tools can be fitted [3] & [4] .
  • If not, adjust camshafts as follows:
        • Slacken central bolt on each camshaft adjuster [5] .
        • Hold camshafts with spanner on hexagon [6] .
        • Rotate camshaft until camshaft alignment tools can be fitted [4] .
        • Camshaft rotation possible using spanner on hexagon [6] .
        • Ensure camshaft lobes for No.6 cylinder at rear of engine are positioned as shown [2] .
        • Install CMP sensor disc setting tool and fit to cylinder head [7] .
        • Ensure dowel pins of CMP sensor disc setting tool [8] aligned with sensor disc locating holes [9] .
        • Remove timing chain tensioner [10] .

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

      • Install timing chain pre-tensioning tool [11] .
      • Screw in adjusting screw until in contact with tensioner rail.
      • Pre-load timing chain with pre-tensioning tool to 0,6 Nm [11] .
      • Tighten central bolt on each camshaft adjuster [5] . Tightening torque: 20 Nm + 180°.
      • Hold camshafts with spanner on hexagon [6] .

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

  • Remove:
      • Flywheel timing pin [1] .
      • CMP sensor disc setting tool [7] .
      • Camshaft alignment tools [3] & [4] .
      • Timing chain pre-tensioning tool [11] .
  • Install timing chain tensioner [10] . Tightening torque: 55 Nm.
  • Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise.
  • Ensure flywheel timing pin and camshaft alignment tools can be refitted [1] , [3] & [4] .

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

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