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11 36 040 Removing And Installing / Replacing Right 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: 

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

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

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.

NOTE: Illustration shows 6 to 10.
Fig 1: Identifying Hexagon Socket Screws
G04741751Courtesy 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 hexagon socket screws without washers (1).

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

Fig 2: Identifying Hexagon Socket Screws
G04741712Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Secure special tool 11 5 320 to vibration damper in 1st cylinder firing TDC position.
Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool 11 5 320
G04741682Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bolts (1).

Release screws (2).

Remove VANOS adjustment unit towards front.

Fig 4: Identifying Bolts And Screws
G04741710Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
IMPORTANT: Do not  open Seeger circlip rings of VANOS gears.

Installation: 

Replace seal (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Seal
G04741754Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 
Fig 6: Identifying Lettering EIN On Inlet Camshaft
G04741706Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Clean sealing surface (2).

Fig 7: Checking Thrust Bearing Plates
G04741705Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert screws (2).

Insert hexagon socket screws (1) without washers.

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.

Tighten all hexagon socket screws without washers (1) to 10 Nm. 

Installation: 

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

Fig 8: Locating Hexagon Socket Screws
G04741709Courtesy 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.

Carry out venting procedure with diagnosis tester.

Perform VANOS test.