11 31 025 Removing and installing/replacing intake camshaft (N55)

2012 BMW X5 35iSECTION 11 31 025 Removing and installing/replacing intake camshaft (N55)

Special tools required: 

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

NOTE: All bearing caps are identified with numbers from 1 to 6.

The front bearing cap is a thrust bearing and does not have an identification.

Release screws on thrust bearing cover.

Release screws on all bearing caps 1 to 6.

Fig 1: Identifying Screws On Bearing Caps
G09952791Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Set all bearing caps down in special tool 11 4 481 in a neat and orderly fashion.

Remove intake camshaft (2) towards top.

Installation note: 

Clean all bearing positions and lubricate with oil.

Check plain rectangular compression rings (1) for damage.

Fig 2: Removing Intake Camshaft
G09952792Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Metal plain rectangular compression ring: 

IMPORTANT: Plain rectangular compression rings (1) can easily break.

Only replace plain rectangular compression rings (1) when they are broken.

The plain rectangular compression rings have catches at the joint.

Fig 3: Pressing Plain Rectangular Compression Rings
G09952793Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press plain rectangular compression rings (1) apart upwards and downwards and removed towards front.

Make sure plain rectangular compression rings (1) can move freely.

Installation note: 

When intake camshafts are inserted, no joint must point to a separating joint.

Plastic plain rectangular compression ring: 

Installation note: 

The plastic plain rectangular compression ring is maintenance free and does not have to be replaced.

Insert plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) into groove of intake camshaft (2) (see arrow).

Lightly oil plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) and rotate in direction of arrow until plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1) is positioned on the intake camshaft.

Fig 4: Inserting Plastic Rectangular Compression Ring
G09952794Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check plastic plain rectangular compression ring (1 and 2) for freedom of movement.

Fig 5: Identifying Plastic Plain Rectangular Compression Ring
G09952795Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
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.