2002 E46 318i N42 Eccentric Shaft Removal

[Dane89]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum. I've been repairing my E46 318i with a N42 engine as there were multiple things that were wrong and the car was left alone for a long while due to time constraints. Just when I thought all was well I started to hear a loud ticking noise from the tapet cover that only developed while the engine hot (temp gauge in the centre). One dismantled tapet cover later and I discovered that one of the retainer springs under the eccentric shaft had broken. So thanks to a friend of mine I managed to get a replacement spring. I'm now at a loss as to how to remove the eccentric shaft to replace the spring as all the cam-followers from the cams on the eccentric shaft are spring loaded and are under a lot of tension. I don't want to break or damage anything as it would cost a lot to repair/replace the shaft and fittings. And I've done almost all other repairs without going to a mechanic and everything is just fine.

So does anyone know how to remove the shaft to replace the spring?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Dane

---

Here is a link to a diagram with the details. Basically I need to replace a single retainer spring.

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E...rowse/engine/valve_timing_gear_camshaft_inlet

 

[shaheenk]

Hey dude

I have just done this with nothing more then a bit of patience and a big packet of cable ties.

You need to do the following.

Line up the intake cam to TDC , this is easy to do as the top of the cam will be rounded and pointing up. You can then use a size 5 or 6 allen key to lock the motor in place, there is a little hole under the starter. Its tricky to find so have patience.

Cable tie the eccentric shaft and the inlet camshaft together, use about 4 to 5 cable ties spread across the entire length of BOTH camshafts. This will keep the springs from shooting out when you remove the unit.

Once you have this sorted you need to use smaller cable ties and tie the rockers to the eccentric shaft, this will prevent them from moving when you need to insert the new rocker.

Once you have all of this done you can remove the entire camshaft and eccentric shaft unit from the engine in 1 piece.

To fit your new rocker becomes a bit tricky.

You need to slowly undo the screw that holds the pair of rockers under tension, the easiest way I found was a bolt with a but on it into one of the holes, then using a water pump pilers grip the spring plate and back the screw out. this will releive tension on the spring.

Insert the new rockers and using the water pump pliers pull the tension back onto the rockers.

This process is easier with 2 people .

once you have your new rockers in you are going to have to have the camshaft timing redone as the front cam carriers have a sensor .

Hope this helps

 

[Dane89]

Hi Shaheen,

Thanks for the reply! I will definitely try this out this week when I have some time.

Will post a update soon. Once again thanks for the advice!

Hey dude

I have just done this with nothing more then a bit of patience and a big packet of cable ties.

You need to do the following.

Line up the intake cam to TDC , this is easy to do as the top of the cam will be rounded and pointing up. You can then use a size 5 or 6 allen key to lock the motor in place, there is a little hole under the starter. Its tricky to find so have patience.

Cable tie the eccentric shaft and the inlet camshaft together, use about 4 to 5 cable ties spread across the entire length of BOTH camshafts. This will keep the springs from shooting out when you remove the unit.

Once you have this sorted you need to use smaller cable ties and tie the rockers to the eccentric shaft, this will prevent them from moving when you need to insert the new rocker.

Once you have all of this done you can remove the entire camshaft and eccentric shaft unit from the engine in 1 piece.

To fit your new rocker becomes a bit tricky.

You need to slowly undo the screw that holds the pair of rockers under tension, the easiest way I found was a bolt with a but on it into one of the holes, then using a water pump pilers grip the spring plate and back the screw out. this will releive tension on the spring.

Insert the new rockers and using the water pump pliers pull the tension back onto the rockers.

This process is easier with 2 people .

once you have your new rockers in you are going to have to have the camshaft timing redone as the front cam carriers have a sensor .

Hope this helps