How to time a 540tu engine

[JimLev]

First video on Youtube...not ready for prime time yet. I should have used a script and a monitor to see what I was recording.
Think I forgot to show the final torqueing of bank 1 exhaust sprocket and repeated one section twice.
I had recorded this in 1920x1080HD but really had to trim it down, edit the crap out of it, and convert it to MP2 so I could upload it, quality is still pretty good.
No more P0011 and P0021 posts please.

Make sure you have the bank 1 cams set correctly, this is shown at the 20 sec mark in the first video.
Here is that pic. The #1 cylinder lobes are tipped toward each other and are close to pointing to the nuts on the cam caps.

I can also supply rebuilt vanos using BesianSystem o-rings.

Cam%20Lobes.JPG

Part 1


Part 2


Edit:
Should have also said to have all the plugs loose or out, much easier to turn the engine over by hand.
Added pic and more text.

[Redshift]

Now our famous Jim stars in his own movies. Great stuff. Looks like you had YT stabilize the video?

[JimLev]

Pass the popcorn, both parts take ~12 min.
I did see some message pop up about stabilizing it. How did you know they did that?

[Redshift]

I can tell based on how some of it is pixellated (nothing to worry about though). Great vids, just finished both. Makes it look easy but I still think I'ma invite you over for a nice few meals and beers and get your personal help someday!

[JimLev]

Sure, no problem. Was planning on looking you NC guys up next time I'm in Cary.

[philly98540]

Just watched them both. Looks a lot less scary after watching it.

Nice job editing. You may have a future as the next U-tube E39 sensation. Maybe some good tunes in the background.

No gloves, nice shirt, your car is clean!! I'm addicted using the nitrile gloves anymore on my dirty engine.

One question: Do the trigger wheels tend to rotate a slight amount when you tighten the outer nut? I did not see them move at all while you were doing it, but I could see that potential and maybe that is why some get the codes afterwards? I see the tool holds them, but its kinda a wonky set up and cant see how they can really hold the wheels perfectly still. I guess that why you do the re-check at the end. Makes sense.

Nice job removing the mystery a lot of guys must have. Maybe this will keep some more on the road.

[Mless5]

Thanks Jim, fabulous videos! This needs to be a Sticky for sure!

[ImTheDevil]

In for updates and commentary and for the chance to watch when my kids are in bed. I don't have to do this yet but when I do, I don't doubt this will help tremendously. Thank you Jim.

[auaq]

Subscribed for more bluuuuuuuuess in your videos .....

[Mannyf540]

Next time, Jim will do the timing in a g string put on backwards.

It takes balls to do timing.

[Ed CT]

Excellent video, Jim. Clarity is great, in both the vid & content.
No need to pin the ring gear to hold the crank?

[ZeroR2]

So smooth and relaxing. Makes timing our cars looks so easy and fun.

[JimLev]

One question: Do the trigger wheels tend to rotate a slight amount when you tighten the outer nut? I did not see them move at all while you were doing it, but I could see that potential and maybe that is why some get the codes afterwards? I see the tool holds them, but its kinda a wonky set up and cant see how they can really hold the wheels perfectly still. I guess that why you do the re-check at the end. Makes sense.

Nice job removing the mystery a lot of guys must have. Maybe this will keep some more on the road.

Philly, when the trigger wheel nuts are torqued the fixture was bolted tight to the head with its alignment pin in the hole on the trigger wheel. It's solid, can't rotate at all.
Double checking the position and getting the top surface of the upper covers even with the top of the head is what counts.
Its really not that difficult, watching how it's done is sometimes better than reading about how it's done.

Manny, don't think that will ever happen.
Ed, yes the flywheel is always pinned except when the crank is rotated.
auag, blueeeeeeeeee it is.
Thanks to the rest of you guys too.

[mcgnms]

Jim,
You should make more videos. Ultra clear voice, great organization, and great overall video clarity.

[Cereal]

Well done. Brings back memories lol. Nice trick with the zip tie around tensioner when you remove the block. Nice way to make sure no jumping.

[geargrinder]

Awesome Jim - also cant watch at moment w sound - but kudos for the accomplishment! Gettin psyched up for when we hit my job...

[vinyldude]

Great videos!

[evomel]

Very nicely Done Jim ������������

[AquilaBMW]

Boo-Yaaa !!!!!! Awesome Video Jim. I need to save that on my phone and carry it around with me.

[Aryana]

Great videos Jim. Doesn't get better than that.

Anyone else thinking about getting a 540i with broken guides and going to town? Would have to spring for the timing tools, but this seems easy peezy.

[AquilaBMW]

Great videos Jim. Doesn't get better than that.

Anyone else thinking about getting a 540i with broken guides and going to town? Would have to spring for the timing tools, but this seems easy peezy.

I can provide timing tools

[Aryana]

Sweet! I'd start looking for nice 540's local to me with broken timing guides, but I'm pretty sure someone I know would beat me to em!

[AquilaBMW]

Sweet! I'd start looking for nice 540's local to me with broken timing guides, but I'm pretty sure someone I know would beat me to em!

You're okay for a few months. Got no space....

[Aryana]

Ah, that's the key! Wait until the toy store is full.

[AK_5eries]

Excellent video Jim.

How different is the procedure for non TU?