11 36 030 Removing And Installing / Replacing Left VANOS Adjustment Unit (S85)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M6, 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M6, 2009 BMW M5, and 2008 BMW M6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

11 5 100

IMPORTANT: If the hexagon socket screws with washers are released by mistake, it will be necessary to readjust the timing.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove intake air manifold .
Remove right cylinder head cover .
Remove fan cowl with electronic fan. See 17 11 035 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN (M5) or 17 11 035 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN COWL WITH ELECTRIC FAN (M6) .
Detach oil line from VANOS adjustment unit .
Remove coolant hose from radiator inlet on right.

IMPORTANT: 6 hexagon socket screws with washers must not be released.

If the 6 hexagon socket screws with washers are released by mistake, it will be necessary to readjust the timing.

Fig 1: Identifying Hexagon Socket Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Hexagon socket screws (1) may fall into the engine compartment after they have been released (risk of damage).

Release screws (1).

Crank engine at central bolt until 6 hexagon socket screws of the adjustment unit have been released.

Fig 2: Identifying Hexagon Socket Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove coolant pipe (3).

Release screws (1).

Unfasten screws (2).

Remove VANOS adjustment unit towards front.

Fig 3: Identifying Coolant Pipe And Screws

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IMPORTANT: Do not open Seeger circlip rings of VANOS gears.

Installation:

Replace seal (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Seal

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Installation:

VANOS adjustment units are marked to avoid being mixed up.

The lettering EIN (1) must point to the inlet camshaft.

Cylinder assignment (2), cyl. 1-5 or 6-10.

IMPORTANT: Risk of mixing up parts!

Fig 5: Identifying Lettering EIN On Inlet Camshaft

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Check thrust bearing plates (1) for ease of movement before installing.

Clean sealing surface (2).

Fig 6: Checking Thrust Bearing Plates

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Installation:

Replace seal.

Insert screws (2).

Insert hexagon socket screws (1) without washers and secure to 10 Nm.

Installation:

Mark all screws which are already tightened down with a colored dot.

Continue cranking engine at central bolt or with special tool 11 5 100 through 120° until further hexagon socket screws without washers can be inserted on the VANOS gear.

Fig 7: Locating Hexagon Socket Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Assemble engine.

There is air in the VANOS system once it is opened.

In the first few seconds after startup this results in a clearly discernible "rattling noise".

This rattling noise does "not" indicate incorrect assembly.

The rattling noise will disappear as soon as the oil pressure has built up and the system has vented.

Perform VANOS test.