Timing chain replacement: BMW E36, E39, E38, E65 M52TU (M52B20TU, M52B25TU, M52B28TU, M54B22, …)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 2.0I, |, 2.2I, 2.8I, 3.0I, 323TI, COMPACT, 520I, 523I, 525I, 528I, 530I, 728I, IL, 730I, LI

• Opens: coolant
• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool
• Renewed: gaskets

Don't miss

• If the timing chain is to be re-used, mark the running direction before removal
• Refit the exhaust camshaft gearwheel; do not tighten
• Remove the power steering pump but do not disconnect the lines

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Always use new gaskets
2. If the timing chain is to be re-used, mark the running direction before removal
3. Do not fully tighten
4. Note: Avoid bending, torsion or traction
5. Remove the ignition coil cover

6. Disconnect the cylinder head breather hose
7. Remove the cylinder head cover
8. Remove the spark plugs
9. Remove the camshaft cover
10. Remove the oil line
11. Fit the special tool
12. Remove the access plug
13. Lower the engine slightly
14. All vehicles:
15. Remove the studs
16. Fit the special tool
17. Type 2: one-piece assembly
18. Note: Leave the tool in position
19. Remove the plugs
20. Collect the escaping fluid in a container
21. Remove the sealing caps
22. Note: Left-hand thread
23. Disconnect the connectors
24. Remove the lifting eye
25. Remove the VANOS unit
26. Fit the special tool
27. Remove the camshaft sensor gear
28. Remove the plate
29. Remove the washer
30. Remove the bolts shown
31. Remove the secondary timing chain and gearwheels with the friction washer and the splined cap
32. Remove the splined cap with the splined sleeve
33. Remove the bolts shown
34. Remove the secondary chain tensioner
35. Remove the guide pins
36. Remove the exhaust camshaft gearwheel
37. During the removal of the camshaft gearwheel, the timing chain should remain in position
38. Drain the coolant
39. Disconnect the thermostat hoses
40. Remove the thermostat housing
41. Remove the ancillary drive belts
42. Loosen the bolts
43. Remove the coolant pump pulley
44. Withdraw the splined cap until it stops
45. Type 2: one-piece assembly
46. Fit the special tools
47. Remove the crankshaft pulley centre bolt
48. Remove the vibration damper
49. If the vibration damper cannot be removed by hand, use the special tool
50. Remove the gasket(s)
51. Check the dowel pin(s) for damage
52. Use the special tools
53. Disconnect the oil lines from the automatic transmission and the oil sump
54. Remove the power steering pump but do not disconnect the lines
55. Disconnect the oil level indicator connection
56. Loosen the engine mount top bolt(s)
57. Remove the engine mount lower bolt(s)
58. Fit the special tool
59. The timing is correct if:
60. The special tool is level with the cylinder head
61. or:
62. Protrudes up to 1 mm on the inlet side
63. Reset the timing if the special tool protrudes on the exhaust side
64. Remove the special tool
65. Detach the brackets from the left and right control arms of the engine subframe
66. Remove the threaded connection
67. Remove the oil sump
68. Use the special tool
69. Remove the timing cover bolts
70. Remove the timing cover
71. Remove the timing chain
72. Note: Left-hand thread

Installation and checks

73. Renew the crankshaft oil seal
74. Refit the threaded connection
75. Refit the power steering pump
76. Attach the steering column to the steering rack
77. Use new bolt(s)
78. Check that the position is correct as shown
79. Automatic transmission:
80. Reconnect the oil lines to the automatic transmission and the oil sump
81. Fit the vibration damper
82. Refit the coolant pump pulley
83. Refit the exhaust camshaft gearwheel; do not tighten
84. Check that the position is correct as shown
85. Tighten the nuts by hand
86. Refit the bolts shown
87. Pre-tighten the bolt(s)
88. Refit the friction washer
89. Refit the plate
90. Refit the camshaft sensor gear
91. Check for correct fitting
92. Pre-tighten the bolt(s)
93. Pre-tighten the nut(s)
94. Tighten the nuts
95. Remove the crankshaft locking tool
96. Remove the special tools
97. Refit the VANOS unit
98. Refit the bolts shown
99. Refit the seal cap(s)
100. Refit the access plugs
101. Refit the oil line
102. Remove the special tools
103. Refit the chain tensioner piston
104. Remove the crankshaft locking tool
105. Refit the access plug
106. Refit the camshaft cover
107. Refit the spark plugs
108. Refit the cylinder head cover
109. Reconnect the cylinder head breather hose
110. Refit and connect the ignition coils
111. Refit the harness
112. Refit the ignition coil cover
113. Refit the engine upper cover(s)
114. Refit the fan and the viscous coupling
115. Use the special tools
116. Refit the air filter housing
117. Reconnect the mass airflow meter
118. Refill the engine oil
119. Refill the cooling system
120. Reconnect the battery
121. Check for any fault codes

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