N57 Timing Chain Replacement

NorcyUK · 10-11-2023, 03:52 PM

Hi,

Has anyone tackled this job themselves? Is it a similar process to an N47? According to Autodata you need to remove the cylinder head, but this doesn’t seem to be the case with the N47. Unless this is only required if the chain has snapped causing damage?

Tambohamilton · 10-11-2023, 05:41 PM

Always assumed its the same as on the N47, but don't know. Certainly no need to remove the head on the N47. I've even seen it done without removing the engine from the car. Probably worth installing ista to get the service manuals on your computer

Rich_D · 10-12-2023, 07:00 AM

No need to remove the head for a routine chain replacement?

I know it can be done in the car, but there's not much room with the chain being at the back of the engine and would be easier with the engine out.

Tambohamilton · 10-12-2023, 03:12 PM

100% easier with the engine out.

Are you sure autodata doesn't say to remove the cylinder head *cover*? Because that's the first prerequisite in the service manual. No mention of removing the cylinder head, and I don't see why it'd be necessary unless you have bent valves to sort out.

jacbo · 10-12-2023, 03:44 PM

there's a few videos on youtube detailing this on n57. no need to remove head at all. It doesn't actually look that bad of a job and seen some do it with engine in the car still

Andystobbs · 10-13-2023, 01:50 PM

Certainly helps to have the engine supported from above to remove the sump. Which means removing the subframe hence the engine mounts dissappear.

10-11-2023, 03:52 PM	#1
NorcyUK Enlisted Member 1 Rep 28 Posts Drives: BMW 325d M Sport E91 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	N57 Timing Chain Replacement Hi, Has anyone tackled this job themselves? Is it a similar process to an N47? According to Autodata you need to remove the cylinder head, but this doesn’t seem to be the case with the N47. Unless this is only required if the chain has snapped causing damage?
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10-11-2023, 05:41 PM	#2
Tambohamilton Brigadier General 3167 Rep 4,043 Posts Drives: E91 330d Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Herefordshire iTrader: (0)	Always assumed its the same as on the N47, but don't know. Certainly no need to remove the head on the N47. I've even seen it done without removing the engine from the car. Probably worth installing ista to get the service manuals on your computer
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10-12-2023, 07:00 AM	#3
Rich_D Captain 100 Rep 676 Posts Drives: E90 330d M Sport LCI Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lancs, UK iTrader: (0)	No need to remove the head for a routine chain replacement? I know it can be done in the car, but there's not much room with the chain being at the back of the engine and would be easier with the engine out. __________________ BMW E90 330d M Sport LCI in Sapphire Black
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10-12-2023, 03:12 PM	#4
Tambohamilton Brigadier General 3167 Rep 4,043 Posts Drives: E91 330d Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Herefordshire iTrader: (0)	100% easier with the engine out. Are you sure autodata doesn't say to remove the cylinder head cover? Because that's the first prerequisite in the service manual. No mention of removing the cylinder head, and I don't see why it'd be necessary unless you have bent valves to sort out.
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10-12-2023, 03:44 PM	#5
jacbo Second Lieutenant 79 Rep 270 Posts Drives: E90 330d LCI Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	there's a few videos on youtube detailing this on n57. no need to remove head at all. It doesn't actually look that bad of a job and seen some do it with engine in the car still
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10-13-2023, 01:50 PM	#6
Andystobbs Captain 196 Rep 720 Posts Drives: E91 Lci, Vectra B V6 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Chester, South Wirral iTrader: (0)	Certainly helps to have the engine supported from above to remove the sump. Which means removing the subframe hence the engine mounts dissappear.
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