Timing chain replacement: BMW E46 1.6 (N45B16)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 316I, CI, |, 316TI

• Opens: engine oil
• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool, locking pin

Don't miss

• Always renew the timing chain
• Never turn the engine in the direction opposite to that of normal operation
• Use the special tool to counterhold
• The special tool must be secured in bore No. 1

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Unless otherwise advised by the manufacturer, the following procedures are recommended:
2. Always renew the timing chain
3. Never turn the engine in the direction opposite to that of normal operation
4. Stage 1:
5. Remove the ignition coils

6. Remove the spark plugs
7. Remove the ancillary drive belt
8. Fit the centre bolt of the crankshaft gearwheel/vibration damper
9. Loosen the engine support lower nuts, left and right
10. Cylinder head cover
11. Use the special tool
12. Detach the brackets from the left and right control arms of the engine subframe
13. Support the subframe
14. Remove the subframe bolts
15. Lower the subframe
16. Remove the front splash guard
17. Drain the engine oil
18. Remove the dipstick tube
19. Disconnect the oil level indicator connection
20. Remove the lower clutch cover
21. Remove the air-conditioning drive belt idler pulley
22. Remove the oil sump
23. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
24. Check the position of the camshafts
25. Inlet:
26. Exhaust:
27. Use the special tool to counterhold
28. Loosen the centre bolt of the crankshaft gearwheel/vibration damper
29. Fit the flywheel locking tool
30. The special tool must be secured in bore No. 1
31. Loosen the camshaft gearwheel bolts
32. Use the special tools to lock the camshafts
33. Remove the chain tensioner piston
34. Compress the chain tensioner piston twice to drain the oil
35. Remove the exhaust camshaft timing adjuster
36. Remove the inlet camshaft timing adjuster
37. Remove the crankshaft gearwheel centre bolt
38. Remove the crankshaft hub
39. Disconnect the connector(s) from the solenoid valve
40. Use the special tool
41. Remove the access plug
42. Disconnect the connector
43. Remove the access plug
44. Remove the timing chain guide bolts from the cylinder head
45. Remove the locking pin

Installation and checks

46. Refit the crankshaft hub
47. Use new bolt(s)
48. Tighten the bolt
49. Reconnect the connector(s) from the solenoid valve
50. Refit the timing chain guide bolts to the cylinder head
51. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
52. Tighten the bolt
53. All vehicles:
54. Refit the inlet camshaft adjuster
55. Use new bolt(s)
56. Fit the timing chain onto the exhaust camshaft gearwheel
57. Pre-tighten the bolt(s)
58. Align the camshaft gearwheel marks as shown
59. Pre-tension the timing chain
60. Stage 1:
61. Stage 2:
62. Stage 3:
63. Use new bolt(s)
64. Remove the special tools
65. Check the timing
66. The timing is set when the special tool(s) fit correctly
67. Refit the cylinder head cover
68. Refit the spark plugs
69. Refit the ignition coil(s)
70. Refit the ignition coil cover
71. Refit the crankshaft front radial seal
72. Use the special tools
73. Remove the flywheel locking tool
74. Tighten the crankshaft pulley centre bolt
75. Use the special tool to counterhold
76. Stage 2:
77. Refit the oil sump
78. Refit the air-conditioning drive belt idler pulley
79. Refit the clutch cover
80. Reconnect the oil level indicator
81. Refit the dipstick tube
82. Refit the front splash guard
83. Refit the subframe
84. Fit the subframe bolts
85. Attach the brackets to the left and right control arms of the engine subframe
86. Attach the steering column to the steering rack
87. Use new bolt(s)
88. Refit the reinforcement plate
89. Refit the engine lower cover
90. Lower the engine slightly
91. Tighten the engine supports
92. Use new nut(s)
93. Remove the special tools
94. Fit the vibration damper
95. Refit the ancillary drive belt
96. Refit the air filter housing
97. Refit the mass airflow meter
98. Refill the engine oil
99. Reconnect the battery earth cable

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