How to Replace timing chain on BMW 520i E60 E61 2007-2010

Special tools

• Exhaust camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 291/3.
• Inlet camshaft alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 292.
• Inlet camshaft turning tool – BMW No.11 9 270.
• Flywheel/drive plate timing pin – BMW No.11 5 120.
• Sensor gear alignment tool – BMW No.11 9 350.
• 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.

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 rear of camshafts correctly aligned [2] .

NOTE: Curved profile at rear of camshaft points upwards [3] .

• Ensure camshaft adjusters set in the installation position as follows:
  • Install inlet camshaft turning tool at rear of camshaft.
  • Attempt to turn inlet camshaft slowly in opposite direction of rotation.
  • If camshaft turns, continue turning until locked in position.
  • Attempt to turn exhaust camshaft slowly in direction of rotation.
  • If camshaft turns, continue turning until locked in position.

NOTE: In the installation position camshafts cannot turn freely.

• Install inlet camshaft alignment tool [4] .
• Install exhaust camshaft alignment tool [5] .
• Timing correct when inlet camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head or is raised up to a maximum of 0,5 mm on inlet side. Timing correct when exhaust camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head or is raised up to a maximum of 1 mm on inlet side.
• If not, adjust camshafts as follows:
  • Slacken bolt on each camshaft adjuster and then re-tighten by hand [6] .
  • Install inlet camshaft alignment tool [4] .
  • Align inlet camshaft. Ensure inlet camshaft alignment tool abuts cylinder head.
  • Install exhaust camshaft alignment tool [5] .
  • Tighten exhaust camshaft alignment tool to cylinder head.
  • Tighten bolt on exhaust camshaft alignment tool until it rests on inlet camshaft alignment tool [7] .
  • Tighten inlet camshaft alignment tool to cylinder head [4] .
  • Remove tensioner [8] .
  • Install timing chain pre-tensioning tool [9] .
  • Screw in adjusting screw until in contact with tensioner rail.
  • Replace bolt on each camshaft adjuster and re-tighten by hand [6] .
  • Install sensor gear alignment tool and secure to cylinder head [10] .
  • Slacken bolt of each camshaft adjuster by half a turn [6] .
  • Pre-load timing chain with tensioning tool to 0,6 Nm [9] .
  • Tighten bolt of each camshaft adjuster [6] . Tightening torque: 20 Nm + 180°.
  • Remove flywheel/drive plate timing pin [1] .
  • Remove sensor gear alignment tool [10] .
  • Remove camshaft alignment tools [4] & [5] .
  • Remove timing chain pre-tensioning tool [9] .
  • Install tensioner assembly [8] . Tightening torque: 65 Nm.
  • Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise.
  • Ensure flywheel/drive plate timing pin and camshaft alignment tools can be refitted [1] , [4] , [5] & [10] .
  • Timing correct when camshaft alignment tools abut cylinder head [4] & [5] .

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