Timing the engine - BMW N42/N46 Chain Rail Replacement [PART #6]

In this video series I diagnose and repair a broken chain rail guide and jumped chain on a BMW N42/N46 engine in an E46 3 Series car.

PART #6
0:00 Inserting the camshafts and VANOS locking tools
3:52 Inserting the TDC flywheel locking pin
10:12 Inserting pretensioning tool and torquing to 0.6Nm
12:36 Torquing the VANOS bolts
15:37 Installing the chain tensioner
17:19 Checking the timing
19:53 Torquing the pulley bolts

Engine had reduced power and rattling noises after acceleration. Fuel consumption was also increased.

INPA software showed these error codes:
- 2782 CDKPH - Nockenwellengeber Auslass, Lage der Phasenflanken oder Einbaulage außerhalb Toleranz (2782 Camshaft Sensor Exhaust)
- 27BB CDKANWS Nockenwellensteuerung Auslass-VANOS, Anschlagadaption außerhalb gültigem Bereich (27BB Exhaust Camshaft Control)

INPA analog value 4 also showed that outlet VANOS unit position was incorrect.

I then removed the valve cover and found that top part of the chain rail guide was broken and the chain jumped two teeth on the exhaust camshaft.

This was most probably because of a combination of weak (still original) chain tensioner and old brittle plastic chain rail guide.

I then proceeded with putting the exhaust camshaft back in to correct position so I could lock the camshafts with the locking tools and remove VANOS bolts. That enabled me to remove VANOS units, VANOS solenoids and finally the broken chain rail guide. I also found the plastic guide was broken in two places and managed to get all the broken pieces out of the engine.

Next I installed new chain guide rail and did the timing. I also replaced the brake booster vacuum pump seals in the process.

Then I put everything back together and confirm the repair with scanning the car wit INPA again.

PARTS (required):
- VANOS bolts: 11367500574
- Chain guide rail: 11317512520
- Chain slide rail: 11317505608

PARTS (optional):
- Chain tensioner: 11318685091
- Seal kit for vacuum pump: 11668626471
- VALVETRONIC sensor connector gasket flange: 11377502022
- Valve cover gasket: 11120032224

TOOLS:
- N42/N46 Timing tool kit: https://cutt.ly/yhVmCJF
- 3D printed 0.6Nm torque wrench for pretensioning: http://bimmerzen.com/files/stl/BMW_N4...

DISCLAIMER:
BimmerZen assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BimmerZen recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BimmerZen , no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BimmerZen.