Exhaust Bearing Ledge

GeorgesAA · 10-07-2018, 10:35 AM

Hi All,
Hoping to get some advice on an issue I'm working through. I had a SEL a few months back that related to a jammed exhaust vanos mechanism. I tried all the usual troubleshooting, swapped the Vanos Solenoid, oil cap , Vanos filters and type of oil. Still had the SEL and some reduced power , felt sluggish.

Decided it was likely the cam bearing ledges, but after taking them apart I noticed the grooves and are deep as I would have expected based on what I read online. Only one groove has a lip that I can just about feel with my nail. Any thoughts on the tolerance?

Secons issue is I need to put everything back together and I'm trying to convince myself if I need this 6 piece upper and lower cam housing alignment tool. Difficult to find and most DIY don't refer to it. I have the cam and vanos alignment jig.

Finally , I was going to ask if there are any other parts worth changing since I got the engine and intake manifold out. I'm thinking perhaps the hydraulic lifters

JuniorB · 10-08-2018, 10:21 AM

The alignment is very important, seeing the ledges are the actual bearings were the cam rides on. There was someone in the same position, trying to put it together with out the tool, not sure how it ended up. As far as replacing any thing else, vanos solinoids and an oil change is all this job requires.

10-07-2018, 10:35 AM	#1
GeorgesAA Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Exhaust Bearing Ledge Hi All, Hoping to get some advice on an issue I'm working through. I had a SEL a few months back that related to a jammed exhaust vanos mechanism. I tried all the usual troubleshooting, swapped the Vanos Solenoid, oil cap , Vanos filters and type of oil. Still had the SEL and some reduced power , felt sluggish. Decided it was likely the cam bearing ledges, but after taking them apart I noticed the grooves and are deep as I would have expected based on what I read online. Only one groove has a lip that I can just about feel with my nail. Any thoughts on the tolerance? Secons issue is I need to put everything back together and I'm trying to convince myself if I need this 6 piece upper and lower cam housing alignment tool. Difficult to find and most DIY don't refer to it. I have the cam and vanos alignment jig. Finally , I was going to ask if there are any other parts worth changing since I got the engine and intake manifold out. I'm thinking perhaps the hydraulic lifters Attached Images
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10-08-2018, 10:21 AM	#2
JuniorB Major 186 Rep 1,017 Posts Drives: 07 e60 525 N54 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	The alignment is very important, seeing the ledges are the actual bearings were the cam rides on. There was someone in the same position, trying to put it together with out the tool, not sure how it ended up. As far as replacing any thing else, vanos solinoids and an oil change is all this job requires.
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