Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBMW2011X3 28IREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCEENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMSENGINE - REPAIRCAMSHAFT11 31 505 ADJUSTING TIMING OF CAMSHAFT(S) (N52T)

2011 BMW X3 28i

11 31 505 Adjusting timing of camshaft(s) (N52T)

2011 BMW X3 28iSECTION 11 31 505 Adjusting timing of camshaft(s) (N52T)

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER

Remove fastener (1) in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Install fastener (1) with bore hole facing outwards.

Fig 1: Removing Fastener

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rotate crankshaft at central bolt into TDC position.

Slide special tool 11 0 300 in direction of arrow into dowel hole and secure crankshaft.

IMPORTANT: On vehicles with automatic transmission, there is a large bore hole for the TDC position shortly before the dowel bore. This bore hole can be confused with the dowel bore.

If the flywheel is secured in the correct dowel hole with special tool 11 0 300 , the engine can no longer be moved at the central bolt.

Fig 2: Securing Flywheel Using Special Tool (11 0 300)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With 1st cylinder in firing TDC position, cams of intake camshaft (1) at 1st cylinder point upwards at an angle.

Fig 3: Identifying Cams Of Intake Camshaft

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The part numbers or read-code (2) on the intake and exhaust camshafts (1) point upward.

Fig 4: Identifying Intake And Exhaust Camshafts Part Numbers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

With 1st cylinder in firing TDC position, cams of exhaust camshaft (3) at 6th cylinder point downwards at an angle.

Cam follower (1) is not actuated.

NOTE: When the engine is installed, the position of the exhaust camshaft (3) for the timing can only be checked with a mirror.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.