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How to Replace timing chain on BMW 520D E60 E61 2005-2008

Special tools

  • Camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 6 321.
  • Camshaft locking tool – BMW No.11 6 322.
  • Crankshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 6 480.
  • Crankshaft locking tool – BMW No.11 8 010 (AT version GM-5).
  • Crankshaft locking tool 1 – BMW No.11 8 182 (AT version 6HP-19).
  • Crankshaft locking tool 2 – BMW No.11 8 183 (AT version 6HP-19).
  • Crankshaft locking tool 3 – BMW No.11 8 185 (MT version).
  • Flywheel timing pin 1 – BMW No.11 5 180.
  • Flywheel timing pin 2 – BMW No.11 6 080.
  • Timing chain tensioner locking pins – 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 520D E60 E61 2005-2008
How to Replace timing chain on BMW 520D E60 E61 2005-2008
  • Removal/installation of timing chain requires:
      • 6 cylinders: Engine removal.
      • Cylinder head removal.
      • Sump removal.

NOTE: Refer to Autodata Technical Data for tightening sequence and 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] .
  • Ensure camshaft lobes are positioned as shown [2] & [3] .
  • Install camshaft alignment/locking tool on inlet camshaft [4] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment/locking tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Install camshaft alignment/locking tool on exhaust camshaft [5] .
  • Ensure camshaft alignment/locking tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Ensure timing marks on rear of camshaft gears aligned with upper edge of cylinder head [6] .
  • If not, adjust camshafts as follows:
      • Hold inlet camshaft with spanner on hexagon [7] .
      • Slacken inlet camshaft sprocket bolts [8] .
      • Align inlet camshaft. Use camshaft alignment tool [4] .
      • Ensure camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head.
      • Lock inlet camshaft alignment tool in position with locking tool [9] .
  • Tighten camshaft sprocket bolts [8] :
      • Tightening torque: 4 cylinders – 15 Nm. 6 cylinders – 14 Nm.

    NOTE: Camshaft sprocket bolts MUST only be used once.

  • Camshaft rotation can be prevented using spanner at position shown [7] .
  • Remove flywheel timing pin.
  • Remove camshaft alignment/locking tool.
  • Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise. Check valve timing.
  • To lock upper timing chain tensioner:

    NOTE: Only upper timing chain tensioner can be reset with front timing chain cover in place.

      • Remove blanking plug [10] .
      • Turn inlet camshaft slowly clockwise to compress the upper timing chain tensioner.
      • Camshaft rotation possible using spanner on hexagon [7] .
      • Insert timing chain tensioner locking pin [11] .
  • To lock lower timing chain tensioner:
      • Remove timing chain cover.
      • Compress tensioner plunger. Fit timing chain tensioner locking pin [12] .
  • To unlock timing chain tensioners:
      • Remove locking pins [11] & [12] .
  • Fit new crankshaft pulley central bolt.
      • Tightening torque: M10 – 40 Nm + 120°. M18 – 100 Nm + 150°.

NOTE: Camshafts can be turned without valves contacting pistons when crankshaft is set at 45° BTDC on No.1 cylinder.

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