BMW E46 Install Timing Components & Reset Timing DIY

[@MozartMeyer-rj2gy]

I bought a bmw e46 m54 330i, not in a good condition, water leaks etc. I thought I made a mistake. I even ask a mechanic, who claimed he knows bmw, he made even worse. Till I started to follow the 50 kid, with his DIY training and guidance, my car became very reliable, I even enjoy working on it now, thank you man.

[@thabontsane9891]

Never fixed a car in my life but i managed with take of he head and replace it with this channel, thank you 50s genius

[@50sKid]

That is awesome man, glad to hear that

[@dumbeezy5480]

lmao good shit bro

[@patrikvavrovic1633]

@@50sKid hey there, when i want to just reset/set-up vanos to default position, do i need to also lock cams and crank or it doesnt matter in which position they are. Thank you

[@50sKid]

@@patrikvavrovic1633 you only need to retime the engine if you removed the etorx bolts that sandwich the timing gears onto the camshafts. You can remove the vanos unit itself without affecting the timing.

[@patrikvavrovic1633]

@@50sKid yea, thanks, but i ment those 2 cylinders on camshafts... When i want to move them out and then use that big vanos set-up tool to get them into default position, do i need Also lock engine timing/have engine in top dead center? Or its no need. Thank you

[@adamjohnston5194]

I wish more people on KZbin where as skilled as this guy 10/10 really helped me out

[@ForidKhan123]

Jason, I always dreaded this part, but you really made this look piss easy. I’ve learnt so much from you, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart all the way from London!

[@adamjohnston5194]

This guy is a hell of a mechanic

[@carlosgalea1716]

You made it easy dude!! Did it with your video running while reinstalling and it was a piece of cake! 100% approved! One must keep in mind your not a full time mechanic and you help me!! A full time auto technician! Thanks! Very helpfull!!

[@danl4222]

After I had to time-cert my head, this vid helped me get it back in Sync. Cranking down that Cylinder head was a harrowing experience, but it went well. It was great advice to turn the crankshaft to about 300 degrees before putting the head back on (so you don't accidentally bend a valve).

[@eddieguyo2567]

This guys is a best mechanic teacher

[@besofacacia6103]

Thank you. I learned this basically from your video and now doing this like a hobby time after time in my garage. Still, this is not as easy as it might seem, but 1-2 times one must do his best not to make a mistake. After it can be done on ,,autopilot''. I will share more : Went the hard (or easy ?) way and did not fix flywheel and did not like numbers on diagnostic, was forced to do twice on one engine the second time I did it. Why I did it ? because I do diagnostics and every time I said timing was not ok, engine mechanics claimed they did it right so they made to learn.

[@omarahmouda9453]

Thank you 50s kid, i did my timing today from this video

[@rollydoucet8909]

We've started buying specialty tools for BMW cars, and they're expensive. It's amazing how many people call us to borrow some of these tools. Normally, our shop is not in the tool lending business, however we started renting them. We take a deposit that is equal to the purchase price of the tool, and upon return of the tool, return the deposit minus a rental fee. If we didn't do that, we'd never see the tools again.

[@SlixkDaMenace]

Im having trouble getting the main drive gear on the cam and ive notice you skip at 4:30 How did you get it on the correct ???

[@osd1032]

This was 2 years ago so this won't be helpful to you but for anyone else having this issue: it's most likely that if / when you took the timing cover off, your chain slipped behind the metal extrusion on the back of the timing cover when you reinstalled it, not giving you enough slack. You need to remove the timing cover and what I did was just keep the timing cover off until I put the drive gears back onto the cam and have the chain in position.

[@swisstonydunn]

I have a problem with my E46 - been told you're the man that could suggest an answer!! The problem is :- From cold start up in the morning, the car runs perfect until I turn the engine off and restart (i.e. after fuelling or nipping into a shop etc,), then the tickover is slightly erratic and when I dip the accelerator, the revs initially drop and sometimes will stall and will often stall when changing gear. The car only does this when it has been stopped for a short period of time. If it is stopped for an hour or so, the problem rarely arises and is never there when completely cold. I've checked for vacuum leaks but have as yet not located one.... And ideas from anyone?

[@KingLeftonRead]

Fuel pump goin out possibly

[@fatosprelvukaj]

My first time doing timing, everything went well.my car started up right away Your video was so helpful.thank you very much 💪💪💪💪

[@graysgarage2142]

I just completed a head gasket on a job I’m doing for a customer. Crunk it up today. Had 11 codes cleared them and now have 6 I think my timing is off so this video should help if not imma get you a plane ticket to come down here man !

[@716tg3]

50’skid -“ all we would need to do.. all YOU will need to do” Me- dang it ! ..Almost had him.. ✌🏽 your the 🐐 bro

[@hellrot8889]

This guy is BMW God

[@michaelmarcus509]

Awesome video currently deep in the engine bay of my m52tu your videos are gold man

[@devinsmith4151]

Torquing the chain tensioner is possible, you just need sockets with a lower profile. Chrome are good for it, if not, you can always use crowsfoot. 70nm. For the preload on the pretensioner screw jig, you do 0.7nm with a flexible torque screwdriver. Officially there is no torque setting recommended by the manufacturer for the chain guides. But there is a guide for generalisation by Metric thread size.

[@bmos02]

Really excellent summary of the timing process. Thanks!

[@joshbarnes8877]

I like how each time you used your ratchet the captions said applause. Because I imagine a crowd applauding me as I fix stuff too. 😅😆 great video! Definitely going to help me get this thing together next week.

[@racingjoe1]

Thanks for the detailed video. Soon I will pull my 3.0 and rebuild everything. I got the car cheap after it had overheated, I hope the block and head is in repairable condition.

[@jasonpooler6811]

Joe Montgomery yo idk much about bmws but does the 3.0 use a timing belt or chain

[@brycelenstrom3715]

@@jasonpooler6811chain

[@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci]

I had seen your tool reviews before with the Milwaukee and now knowing you are going to help me out with my car that's tight dude thanks for helping us ;)

[@coolluke4308]

Great video I’m in the process now of replacing my head gasket on a 1997 BMW Z32.8 L.

[@joelsnake8]

Thanks man, appreciate your work, It was really helpful throughout the whole proccess of rebuilding the engine from my car. When it finally starts up I'm gonna drink a beer in your honor

[@michaelmarcus509]

Already commented liked and subscribed but I can’t express how much this video helped me put her back together. Awesome for posting this

[@cadiv8]

at 5:02 the arrow from the camshaft gear does not aligned with the head. have the pin lock on transmission and piston 1 at the top ( I have the alignment kit) cams are locked too. Need Help!! what to do?

[@hamzeh509]

Did you find the problem I’m have ing the same issue

[@jsmit428]

I am doing a b30 swap and took the Timing cover off my 99k mile used engine to put the oil chain tensioner mod on. I found 2 broken timing chain guides. Seeing I have to replace the guides should I do the chain and a head gasket too? The engine is on a stand and it would not be that hard ?

[@kingjuve3231]

What would make my chain tight it’s not reaching the sprocket to the cam?

[@liambrindley9087]

19:02 it is indeed 30 Nm. is that a 32mm socket?

[@driving_in_YYC]

Thanks for the great vid! It's been helpful. Just a quick note --- not that it matters a ton --- I believe 10nM is about 88 in-lbs not 71. Thanks again!!

[@S3tekh]

Thank you man, for putting in the time for us, you are a m54 super hero hahaha

[@mule666]

Automatics do not have a flyweel ..do you need to blok something there as well ??

[@willsanders301]

Can I just remove my old exhaust timing wheel (13:30) and install a new one without special tools? Will I have to retime?

[@50sKid]

Ok you mean the cam sensor sprocket. You can replace that without the special tools. Just don't remove the torx bolts.

[@willsanders301]

Yes, I believe BMW refers to it as the impulse sending wheel (part number 11361438351). I damaged the part while replacing the VANOS. Your video and the BMW workshop manual show tightening the three nuts on the wheel in increments. Would it be okay to tighten the nuts all the way to spec right away? Also, does the vehicle need to be in neutral or something so I don't damage any parts while torquing down the nuts? And if I tighten the nuts and the wheel moves slightly will that mess up my timing?

[@50sKid]

You can torque right to spec. No doesn't need to be in neutral. The timing won't be messed with unless you unbolt the 3 torx bolts.

[@swinehen]

I just wanted to thank you for these videos they are very impressive.

[@Khaleque300]

Do you think you can do this job without the moulding plate in 15:29

[@50sKid]

no

[@jhonnycornejo5471]

What do i do if i didnt keep track of the sprockets when i laid them down? I didnt put them on the alignment tool and i wanted to know if there is a procedure for getting those to line up again

[@rubenrobles7275]

I had a question regarding this procedure, if its possible you could give me some answers or suggestions?

[@papacrunk5967]

I missed the part where you went over using the tensioner tool and not the tensioner itself. I installed everything with the tensioner installed kn primary chain rather than the tool. I just spun it over and everything seems fine cam and crank lock fit perfectly. What purpose does the tool serve over the tensioner and do I need to re-do the procedure with the special tool?

[@papacrunk5967]

@Arnold Rimmer lol very true. Just for anyone else's knowledge who may have already done the same thing I did, or does not have the special tensioner tool, I decided to reassemble that engine as was, and had zero issues. I do follow torque specs (provided by Mitchell or alldata not youtube videos even though this guys were accurate) so I would imagine if the tensioner was over tightened than I would have caused issues or possible damage to the primary chain/ guide. As a side note the videos on this channel seem to be decently reliable and much easier to follow than BMWs service manual for some of the procedures.

[@benfacer3223]

Top video! Really given me the confidence to rebuild my head myself! Thank you 50skid!!

[@dxz.ed.60]

So I’m currently installing the main sprocket that you installed first. It seems that I don’t have enough slack in my chain to be able to slip the sprocket in..any tips? Also the chain tensioner is not installed so I’ve ruled that out.

[@rockers2rockers616]

Hi, I was wondering if loçktite is needed to refit the sprocket? Great instructional video, thank you TK

[@terrypearce639]

Great detail camera work and excellent narrative!!!!

[@mrdoob44_16]

I know its an old video, when i dod this everything went exactly as you said and went off without a hitch. I am curious though because my exhaust cam is rotated and the cone for the exhaust is too far out, how do i suck it in before installation of the rest of that side?

[@bbrf033]

On the intake side the long part goes IN!, opposite of the exhaust shown at 9:11.

[@jasonrimington7715]

New to BMWs. Bought the 16yr old a used 2005 325i. Broke down on side of road, with no HP and loud noise coming from engine. Thought it was a timing issue and the chain had jumped a gear. Got into it and really did not find an issue. Took the double vanos off and was rotating the engine by hand to see if we had an issue and walked out the cup on the air intake side. Did I just screw up my timing? Can I put the timing cup back in or do I now have to take the whole timing apart and reset the timing?

[@lawsonstallings1955]

Excellent video! I am reassembling an M54 engine after doing a valve job. I can not get the cam timing right on this engine. I have watched 2 very good videos on this, (many times now), including this one, but I still have not been successful in getting it right. I'm at the point of trying to install the torx bolts but when I pull the cups out to where they need to be for the vanos plate I can not get the threaded holes to line up for their installation.Would you be willing to assist me on this? I'll be happy to pay your consultation fee.

[@GabrielMorales-il4sf]

Sorry about my ignorance for what the purpose of putting the front tool for the cones or the sprockets

[@50sKid]

To align them properly. Without it your timing will never be right. It is 100% required, as are all the other special tools I used.

[@PeterKwembeya]

It is well explained I thank you so much . At the same time I have a question: is it possible to set this timing without those setting components?

[@mule666]

You do not want to do that

[@disgruntledvet11b18]

What's the point of the locking pin in the engine if you're just going to move the cam shafts to get the locking bracket installed?

[@boudithehunter1320]

Thanks for this videos just small advice as a mechanic 13 years in bmw company , both venous head don’t know the correct name in English but u had some gape and you sed you don’t mind to push it out but what we believe both need to be out to the maximum end not inside at all than you don’t have to suffer relive them up just when instal at the beginning push it out all the way and it will line up exactly thanks again good expla

[@bernardkolic9680]

Sehr gut erklärt super. The main tensioner have 70Nm. Thanks for this Video.👍

[@pierredeshotels1955]

Amazing video!! Really Appreciate the effort you put into this series !!

[@manfredaspundzius9264]

When changing camshaft pulley i rotated it a bit in other way, can timing be off?

[@yyag78]

good video I followed neatly but now with engine running and I put on time crankshaft is on time and exhaust side camshaft is only inlet camshaft is not on time where is it wrong Help me

[@therealzooch]

I did the bolt holding the transmission return lines "just tight," and it came loose as my kid was driving it down the street one day, and I learned, those need to be a little tighter (because of the line pressure and lubrication?) Another round of ATF.

[@israelberrios5825]

Hello greetings, in the 9 minutes and 58 seconds, I do not understand the torque in inches well, can you help me? Thanks

[@Zade31]

Are there any way around getting this done without the locking tool on the front?

[@heavydutye4669]

Do you have to retime the engine if you only take the vanos gears and chain off?

[@Shah393]

Thank u ! Ur videos are really helpful. Thank u for ur time!

[@rolanddoucet9437]

Great video. Very informative. I'm getting ready to pull the engine from my 2005 320i. I bought the cam alignment tools but I don't want to get into the project without a manual. Where can I buy the manuals for this?

[@TheJere213]

How long should the timing chain last? I was considering buying an e46 with bit under 200000km mileage but my brother suspected it has been abused hard because the timing chain has been swapped.

[@bassboosted_rdz2269]

my dude you need more subsribers. youre the best

[@horsewilloughby1138]

Can this be done without intake manifold removal??? How to reach the locking pin?

[@jajazielayala914]

Super professional!!

[@ibrovehabovic6160]

Thank you very much for the excellent videos. After replacing the head gasket with help of your grea videos my 2004 BMW 325i turned on but with very strange noise. Any clue what is causing this noise.

[@Chris.activity]

Is it possible to insert the crankshaft locking tool without removing the intake? Or is it not entirely necessary as long as you set TDC with screwdriver method and make sure the crank pulley markings line up? I just replaced Vanos seals / Cleaned and tested solenoid pistons and am still battling a P0014 code, Exhaust cam over advanced, so thinking timing may actually be off. Thanks @50sKid

[@claudiasonnygoldies8412]

Hiii !! I was following your procedures and when I finished installing everything back on I pulled the crank pin and turn the crank. I was only able to turn it about 90degree CW. I couldn’t figure out why it won’t turn. I need serious help on how to retime everything,Now I can only turn the crank cw & ccw 10degree. I notice the timing chain guide is snapped after I had already replace it with new.

[@rpaulwmiles1368]

Love your videos! I'm timing my m54 right now and noticed that vanos template that pushes in the camshaft cups in my kit does not sit completely flush against my cylinder head. There is about 1/16 gap on the intake side of the head. Is this normal? Trying to determine if my tool is setup correctly or if I need to grind some material off of it to make it sit completely flush against the block.

[@rgzicki8610]

When adjusting the cam shafts into position, can the two dots be down as long as both cams have the dots in the same orientation? I was trying to move the cams to follow you but they stop after a quarter turn...

[@tuned8675]

Is the crankshaft locking pin necessary?

[@steveeee23]

I can’t find the crankshaft pulley mark I can’t find it

[@voodoo273]

Possible without the jigs?

[@landonshaw1265]

Hey, I started this project recently and I didn’t have the cams in the same position you had them in the video when I took them off, we did take them off on top dead center but on the wrong stroke. Can I install the cams in the position that you do without having an issue?

[@thomaskrejci5237]

Hey buddy, used your videos for my head swap this weekend....thanks for making them. Gonna put my 2 cents in on few of them to make things easier for others. no special timing alignment tools needed... :) Take closeup pictures of cams and marks after setting TDC. use straight edge and c clamps instead of rear am blocks level, and clamp :)

[@mohammedsheikh1974]

Thanks bru. My thoughts exactly

[@MakerTools]

THANKS, FIFTIES KID!!! (me too) for the great, excellent, all good presentation! (And I have a question..) is there a way to check timing of everything, cam to crank and cam to cam, without pulling everything apart and using the timing tool? Cause I'm throwing a p0340 code, runs like crap, long cranking to start, then if I disconnect intake cam sensor, it starts instantly and runs smooth. This is after a complete engine rebuild. It's never really run right since, except for fairly smooth idle when warm, for multiple reasons including water in gas tank (lol) which was why it smoked massive clouds at first. Other code are p0600 and 0601, cause many modules are missing. (Car has been dead since typhoon Yolanda in 2013, so it's a rebirth sortof.) So, is there any easy way to test for cam timing set wrong? Thanks again..)

[@Austin_s4]

Do u have to drain oil before taking off head

[@jesusherrera594]

I have a question when you installed the awkward position chain tensioner if I were to replace it would it mess up my timing reasont to replace seems like its leaking all over my ac compressor and making a mess

[@santonioford9415]

Do we HAVE to have the engine in TDC if we are only going to replace the chain tensioner?

[@50sKid]

No you will be fine as long as you don't crank it over.

[@tebohokhobotle9090]

Can you use the Vanos Unit instead of the JIG? I looked everywhere but i can't find it

[@mcormg11]

I've done the complete engine timing procedure as per your video and the car wont start. It sounds like it's out of time. when I get the cams timed is there a way to tell if the vanos is going to be "in time" when you install it? That's the only thing I wasn't sure of. I believe I took it off at TDC and didn't move the vanos. Did I miss something? Thanks, Gary

[@scottyfroula4818]

id prolly use a paint marker to when putting the second chain on, havent done it yet but thats thr plan

[@moeahmed2839]

For anyone looking for information on torque specs or instructions on how to check or repair camshaft timing check out e46: www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e46-328i-lim/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-31-camshaft/ e90/91/92/93: www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e92-328i-cou_200611/repair-manuals/11-engine/11-31-camshaft/

[@hamzeh509]

What does it mean if my flywheel pin hole is not in the TDC because when my crankshaft pulley is Aligned with the timing cover line and the pin is in it half an inch off the line

[@50sKid]

It means your timing is out

[@hamzeh509]

@@50sKid I am trying to time the engine but the lock pin hole is not aligned with the crank pulley

[@50sKid]

@@hamzeh509 Oh. Alright, here is what you do. For now, forget the alignment marks on the crank pulley and timing cover. Instead, get yourself a wooden dowel, remove the spark plug from #1 cylinder, and stick the dowel in there so that it rides on the top of the piston. Then rotate the crankshaft while watching the dowel and verify that, once you are able to slip the crank pin in correctly, the dowel comes up to its highest point. If that holds true, your alignment marks on the pulley do not matter and you are at TDC and you can properly time the engine at that point. As far as why your alignment marks don't line up -- not sure, maybe you're looking at them at too much of an angle, maybe someone put their own mark with a sharpie and that's what you're looking at -- I can't be sure without being there.

[@adamg3447]

Do I need to put in neutral in order to rotate the cranks after set timing?

[@50sKid]

Yes you need to be in neutral

[@TENKIDGAMESLLC]

Thx for this question, this is where I was stuck

[@TakesTalent]

Hey i have a question. Im working on a 2001 740i. So i went to lock my cams on bank 1 (passenger side) but couldn’t get the intake cam’s lobe to properly seat within the cam lock opening. The exhaust cam lock sat flush and bank 2 (driver side) intake and exhaust cam locks sat flush also. The only issue im having is with the intake cam sitting flush with the lock on bank 1. At this stage of the job, i have the chain installed and have a zip tie securing the tension. Would a bent valve cause this problem? If not, what else could possibly be causing such resistance at that cam? Could it possibly be the tension on the chain? Please help

[@dantheman1337]

So useful. Really thankful. be warned though, he makes it look easy!

[@MakerTools]

Btw...one other thing. I bought a similar tool set on eBay ..it was $100 not $200 like the one you have. Mine did not come with the crank pin or the cam square end locking gizmo. So those two elements to the tool were not available to the engine rebuilders. That means there may have been an element of guesswork on crank to cam; which would have to be a tooth off, so seems has to be right. But the alignment of cam to cam has an element of error; which could be incrementally off. So, p0340, might not be the sensor it self(!?) Maybe, since there is a change when it's disconnected, actually for the better. Weird stuff, right? (I must add, the guys assured me they didn't need to tool at all, he assembled it all using NO ALIGNMENT TOOL. this is the Philippines.) I then provided the tool, and asked him to redo it. He says he did. No change required. There's the whole story. Any easy way to check adjustment?

[@davidvenegasramirez6001]

Make sure when torquing the timing chain tensioner that you get correct! The holes on the tensioner must be in the correct position to allow oil to flow in perfectly, if not you risk wearing out the tensioner from no oil or dirty oil in there. And possibly damage to the timing system from tensioner failure.

[@papacrunk5967]

I missed the part where he said to install the tensioner tool and I install the tensioner itself. I just turned it over by hand and everything seems cool does that matter?

[@davidvenegasramirez6001]

Oh didn't see this, I would just check on it, make sure all is running smooth.

[@Frankmr2]

Hey man, I followed this video. Unfortunately it doesn’t turn on (it’s whining) now. I think I might’ve missed it by a tooth. What do you think?

[@ThePcantu81kk]

I am doing the timing on a 2001 BMW 325i and need some help I have tried over and over to set the cams and they do not line up I'm thinking somebody has moved the spline on the cams do you have a video on the torque setting and set up procedure for aligning the cam spline sprokets?

[@50sKid]

This IS the video for aligning the cam spline sprockets. You have to unloosen the 6 hex bolts and 3 e-torx bolts while you have the cam alignment tool, cam locking, and top dead center locking tools in place.

[@nimrod6207]

HELP!! My son and I recently tore into his 2004 E46 (325ci) to replace his valve stem seals. After we got it all put back together (timing reset and all that stuff) it cranks but doesn't start. The electrical box under the air intake buzzes if the key is in position 2, and for a few seconds after the key is turned back off. We did get a P1625 pedal position code, double checked all the connections, and the code hasn't reset since, but still the engine is turning but not firing up. Sounds a bit funny too. Any ideas what could be wrong, what we should try to double check first?

[@theguitfiddler6111]

Good video i learned if you can't find torque specs make sure it's Goodentight

[@leonardomateos5572]

TheGuitFiddler61 like the Germans haha

[@Nicesh007]

Hello @50sKid. I did my vanos and while the vanos was off i saw the exhaust cam rotating counter clockwise(i think because of the valves tension). Do you think my timing is now off? I redid my vanos seals and rattle twice and the car does not seem to have the same performance. she idles fine and no codes. If anyone has the answer to this question...Thank you.

[@aminmombini6882]

Hello sir. I'm one of your viewer ,my question is what does the "alignment plate or mounting plate " do? As i saw it just pushes cups alittle in, if it is the only function of this tool we can push the cups by hand, so it's not necessary using this tool. Pleace reply me if i'm wrong.

[@50sKid]

You will never get the alignment correct by hand. The cups need to be in a precise position to make the timing correct.

[@ComplianceBuilders]

You can not push the cones in the correct position then torque it all down then put the vanos back on and it line up correctly... after you torque the gears you can not move the cup independent. So yes you should do yourself a favor and get the tool.

[@dillonleuschen9844]

where did you get that camshaft locking tool?

[@michaeldaniel8736]

On your rachet did you use chrome or impact?

[@50sKid]

It doesn't matter because it's not an impact ratchet. But they are thin wall impact sockets.

[@jimkelty5296]

Love your video's my friend ! Keep up the great help you give.

[@borislavdimitrov7122]

Hi @50sKid, do you recon the timing chain/components need to be replaced on m54 at all? Mine's at 300k km and wondering if it needs replacement?

[@adamg3447]

Hi, I really enjoy your video, it helps me a lot. I wasn't able to do full crank turn after set the timing, it stops as if there something locking it, and TDC is aligned and I took locking pin out. I took time chain out and still can't make full turn crank, can you tell me why or what's in a way? thanks.

[@ComplianceBuilders]

can not remove timing chain on this engine and spin the crankshaft. This is an interference engine. Meaning if the valves are open and the piston come up it will contact the valves and bend them. This is why you can not make full revolution... You have contact....Do not do this...