1988 BMW 3 SERIES Timing marks

1 General information
This Part of Chapter 2 is devoted to in-
vehicle engine repair procedures. All
information concerning engine removal and
refitting and engine block and cylinder head
overhaul can be found in Chapter 2B.
The following repair procedures are based
on the assumption that the engine is still fitted
in the vehicle. If the engine has been removed
from the vehicle and mounted on a stand,
many of the steps outlined in this Part of
Chapter 2 will not apply.
The Specifications included in this Part of
Chapter 2 apply only to the procedures
contained in this Part. Chapter 2B contains
the Specifications necessary for cylinder head
and engine block rebuilding.
The single overhead camshaft four- and
six-cylinder engines covered in this manual
are very similar in design. Where there are
differences, they will be pointed out.
The means by which the overhead
camshaft is driven varies according to engine
type; M10 and M30 engines use a timing
chain, while M20 and M40 engines have a
timing belt.
2 Repair operations possible
with the engine in the vehicle
Many major repair operations can be
accomplished without removing the engine
from the vehicle.
Clean the engine compartment and the
exterior of the engine with some type of
degreaser before any work is done. It will
make the job easier, and help keep dirt out of
the internal areas of the engine.
Depending on the components involved, it
may be helpful to remove the bonnet to
improve access to the engine as repairs are
performed (see Chapter 11 if necessary).
Cover the wings to prevent damage to the
paint. Special pads are available, but an old
bedspread or blanket will also work.
If vacuum, exhaust, oil or coolant leaks
develop, indicating a need for gasket or seal
renewal, the repairs can generally be made
with the engine in the vehicle. The intake and
exhaust manifold gaskets, sump gasket,
crankshaft oil seals and cylinder head gasket
are all accessible with the engine in place.
Exterior components, such as the intake
and exhaust manifolds, the sump, the oil
pump, the water pump, the starter motor, the
alternator, the distributor and the fuel system
components, can be removed for repair with
the engine in place.
The cylinder head can be removed without
removing the engine, so this procedure is
covered in this Part of Chapter 2. Camshaft,
rocker arm and valve component servicing ismost easily accomplished with the cylinder
head removed; these procedures are covered
in Part B of this Chapter. Note, however, that
the camshaft on the M40 engine may be
removed with the engine in the vehicle since it
is retained by bearing caps.
In extreme cases caused by a lack of
necessary equipment, repair or renewal of
piston rings, pistons, connecting rods and
big-end bearings is possible with the engine in
the vehicle. However, this practice is not
recommended, because of the cleaning and
preparation work that must be done to the
components involved.
3 Top Dead Centre (TDC) for
No 1 piston- locating
2
Note 1:The following procedure is based on
the assumption that the distributor (if
applicable) is correctly fitted. If you are trying
to locate TDC to refit the distributor correctly,
piston position must be determined by feeling
for compression at the No 1 spark plug hole,
then aligning the ignition timing marks or
inserting the timing tool in the flywheel, as
applicable.
Note 2:The No 1 cylinder is the one closest to
the radiator.
1Top Dead Centre (TDC) is the highest point
in the cylinder that each piston reaches as it
travels up and down when the crankshaft
turns. Each piston reaches TDC on the
compression stroke and again on the exhaust
stroke, but TDC generally refers to piston
position on the compression stroke.
2Positioning the piston at TDC is an essential
part of many procedures, such as timing belt
or chain removal and distributor removal.
3Before beginning this procedure, be sure to
place the transmission in Neutral, and apply
the handbrake or chock the rear wheels. Also,
disable the ignition system by detaching the
coil wire from the centre terminal of the
distributor cap, and earthing it on the engine
block with a jumper wire. Remove the spark
plugs (see Chapter 1).
4In order to bring any piston to TDC, the
crankshaft must be turned using one of the
methods outlined below. When looking at the
front of the engine, normal crankshaft rotation
is clockwise.
(a) The preferred method is to turn the
crankshaft with a socket and ratchet
attached to the bolt threaded into the
front of the crankshaft.
(b) A remote starter switch, which may save
some time, can also be used. Follow the
instructions included with the switch.
Once the piston is close to TDC, use a
socket and ratchet as described in the
previous paragraph.
(c) If an assistant is available to turn the
ignition switch to the Start position in
short bursts, you can get the piston close
to TDC without a remote starter switch.Make sure your assistant is out of the
vehicle, away from the ignition switch,
then use a socket and ratchet as
described in (a) to complete the
procedure.
5Note the position of the terminal for the
No 1 spark plug lead on the distributor cap. If
the terminal isn’t marked, follow the plug lead
from the No 1 cylinder spark plug to the cap
(No 1 cylinder is nearest the radiator).
6Use a felt-tip pen or chalk to make a mark
directly below the No 1 terminal on the
distributor body or timing cover.
7Detach the distributor cap, and set it aside
(see Chapter 1 if necessary).
8Turn the crankshaft (see paragraph 4
above) until the timing marks (located at the
front of the engine) are aligned (see
illustration). The M40 engine does not have
any timing marks at the front of the engine,
but instead has a timing hole in the flywheel
which must be aligned with a hole in the rear
flange of the cylinder block. On this engine,
turn the crankshaft until the distributor rotor is
approaching the No 1 TDC position, then
continue to turn the crankshaft until a suitable
close-fitting drill can be inserted through the
hole in the cylinder block and into the
flywheel.
9Look at the distributor rotor - it should be
pointing directly at the mark you made on the
distributor body or timing cover.
10If the rotor is 180 degrees out, the No 1
piston is at TDC on the exhaust stroke.
11To get the piston to TDC on the
compression stroke, turn the crankshaft one
complete turn (360°) clockwise. The rotor
should now be pointing at the mark on the
distributor or timing cover. When the rotor is
pointing at the No 1 spark plug lead terminal
in the distributor cap and the ignition timing
marks are aligned, the No 1 piston is at TDC
on the compression stroke. Note:If it’s
impossible to align the ignition timing marks
when the rotor is pointing at the mark, the
timing belt or chain may have jumped the
teeth on the sprockets, or may have been
fitted incorrectly.
In-car engine repair procedures 2A•3
3.8 Align the notch in the pulley with the
notch on the timing plate, then check to
see if the distributor rotor is pointing to the
No 1 cylinder (if not, the camshaft is 180
degrees out - the crankshaft will have to
be rotated 360 degrees)
2A

8 Timing chain and
sprockets- removal,
inspection and refitting
5
Note:This procedure applies to M10 and M30
engines.
Caution: Once the engine is set
at TDC, do not rotate the
camshaft or crankshaft until the
timing chain is reinstalled. If the
crankshaft or camshaft is rotated with the
timing chain removed, the valves could hit
the pistons, causing expensive internal
engine damage.
Removal
1Position the No 1 cylinder at Top Dead
Centre (TDC) on the compression stroke (see
Section 3).
2Remove the valve cover (see Section 4).
Double-check that the No 1 cylinder is at TDC
on the compression stroke by making sure the
No 1 cylinder rocker arms are loose (not
compressing their valve springs).
3Remove the upper timing chain cover (see
Section 7). Note the location of the camshaft
timing marks, which should now be aligned.
On four-cylinder (M10) engines, there’s
usually a stamped line on the camshaft flange
that aligns with a cast mark on the top of the
cylinder head; also, the camshaft sprocket
dowel pin hole will be at its lowest point. On
six-cylinder (M30) engines, a line drawn
through two of the camshaft sprocket bolts
opposite each other would be exactly vertical,
while a line drawn through the other two bolts
would be horizontal. Additionally, the locating
pin should be in the lower left corner (between
the 7 and 8 o’clock positions). Be sure you’ve
identified the correct camshaft TDC position
before dismantling, because correct valve
timing depends on you aligning them exactly
on reassembly. Note:As the engine is
mounted in the engine compartment at anangle, all references to horizontal and vertical
whilst timing the camshafts are in relation to
the crankshaft, and not the ground.
4Hold the crankshaft stationary with a socket
and ratchet on the vibration damper centre bolt,
then loosen (but don’t unscrew completely) the
four bolts attaching the camshaft sprocket to
the camshaft. Be very careful not to rotate the
camshaft or crankshaft. Note:Some earlier
models may have locking tabs for the camshaft
sprocket bolts. Bend the tabs down before
loosening the bolts. The tabs are no longer
available from the manufacturer, and do not
have to be used on refitting.
5Remove the lower timing chain cover (see
Section 7).
6Unscrew and remove the four camshaft
sprocket bolts, then disengage the chain from
the crankshaft sprocket and carefully remove
the chain and camshaft sprocket from the
engine. It may be necessary to gently prise
the camshaft sprocket loose from the
camshaft with a screwdriver.
Inspection
Timing sprockets
7Examine the teeth on both the crankshaft
sprocket and the camshaft sprocket for wear.
Each tooth forms an inverted V. If worn, the
side of each tooth under tension will be
slightly concave in shape when compared
with the other side of the tooth (i.e. one side of
the inverted V will be concave when
compared with the other, giving the teeth a
hooked appearance). If the teeth appear to be
worn, the sprockets must be renewed. Note:
The crankshaft sprocket is a press fit on the
crankshaft, and can be removed with a jaw-
type puller after the Woodruff key and oil
pump are removed (see Section 14). However,
BMW recommends the new sprocket be
pressed onto the crankshaft after being
heated to 80°C (175°F) on the M10 engine, or
to 200°C(390°F) on the M30 engine. For this
reason, if the crankshaft sprocket requires
renewal, we recommend removing the
crankshaft (see Part B of this Chapter) and
taking it to an engineering works to have the
old sprocket pressed off and a new one
pressed on.
Timing chain
8The chain should be renewed if the
sprockets are worn or if the chain is loose
(indicated by excessive noise in operation).
It’s a good idea to renew the chain anyway if
the engine is stripped down for overhaul. The
rollers on a very badly worn chain may be
slightly grooved. To avoid future problems, if
there’s any doubt at all about the chain’s
condition, renew it.
Chain rail and tensioner
9Inspect the chain guide rail and tensioner
rail for deep grooves caused by chain contact.
Renew them if they are excessively worn. The
rails can be renewed after removing the
circlips with a pointed tool or needle-nose
pliers (see illustration).10Shake the tensioner plunger, and listen for
a rattling sound from the check ball. If you
can’t hear the ball rattling, renew the plunger.
11To further check the tensioner plunger,
blow through it first from the closed end, then
from the slotted (guide) end. No air should
flow through the plunger when you blow
through the closed end, and air should flow
through it freely when you blow through the
slotted end. If the tensioner fails either test,
renew it.
Refitting
12Refit the tensioner rail and chain guide
rail, if removed.
13Temporarily refit the lower timing chain
cover and vibration damper, so you can check
the crankshaft timing marks. Once you’ve
verified the TDC marks are aligned, remove
the damper and cover.
14Loop the timing chain over the crankshaft
sprocket, then loop it over the camshaft
sprocket and, guiding the chain between the
chain guide and tensioner rail, refit the
camshaft sprocket on the camshaft. Make
sure the camshaft timing marks are aligned.
15The remainder of refitting is the reverse of
removal. Be sure to tighten the fasteners to
the correct torques (see this Chapter’s Speci-
fications).
9 Timing belt covers-
removal and refitting
2
Note:This procedure applies to M20 and M40
engines.
Caution: If the radio in your
vehicle is equipped with an anti-
theft system, make sure you
have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
Note: If, after connecting the battery, the
wrong language appears on the instrument
panel display, refer to page 0-7 for the
language resetting procedure.
1Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2Remove the fan clutch and fan shroud (see
Chapter 3).
3On the M20 engine, remove the radiator
(see Chapter 3).
4Remove the fan drivebelt pulley.
2A•8 In-car engine repair procedures
9.6a Unbolt the distributor cap
(M40 engine) . . .
8.9 To remove the tensioner or chain guide
rail, remove the circlips with a pointed tool
or needle-nose pliers - the circlips tend to
fly off when they’re released, so make sure
you catch them or they’ll get lost (or,
worse, wind up in the engine!)

applied. Tighten the retaining nut to the
specified torque to hold the tensioner in its
correct position. Note:It is important that the
timing belt is tensioned correctly. If the belt is
over-tightened, it will howl, and there is the
possibility of it being damaged. If the belt is
too slack, it may jump on the sprockets.
24Check to make sure the camshaft and
crankshaft timing marks are still aligned(see
illustrations 10.5a and 10.5b).
25Turn the crankshaft clockwise through
two complete revolutions. (Remove the
camshaft positioning tool from the M40
engine first.)
Caution: This is necessary to
stretch the new belt. If not done,
the belt tensioner will be too
loose, and damage could result.
26On the M20 engine, loosen the tensioner
roller bolts, then tighten them to the torque
listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
27On the M40 engine, loosen the tensioner
roller retaining nut, and re-adjust the tension
of the timing belt as described in paragraph
23. On completion, tighten the tensioner roller
retaining nut, then fully tighten the camshaft
sprocket bolt if previously loosened (see
illustration).
28Verify that the timing marks are still
perfectly aligned. If not, remove and refit the
timing belt.
29The remainder of refitting is the reverse of
removal.
11 Front oil seals- renewal
5
Note:Oil seals are fitted with their sealing lips
facing inwards (towards the engine).
M10 and M30 (timing chain)
engines
Camshaft front seal (M30 engines
only)
1Remove the upper timing chain cover only
(see Section 7).2Support the cover on two blocks of wood,
and drive out the seal from behind with a
hammer and screwdriver. Be very careful not
to damage the seal bore in the process.
3Coat the outside diameter and lip of the
new seal with multi-purpose grease, and drive
the seal into the cover with a hammer and a
socket slightly smaller in diameter than the
outside diameter of the seal.
4The remainder of refitting is the reverse of
removal.
Crankshaft front seal (M10 and
M30 engines)
5Remove the crankshaft pulley and vibration
damper (see Section 7).
6Carefully prise the old seal out of the cover
with a large screwdriver. Be very careful not to
damage the seal bore or the crankshaft with
the tool. Wrap the tip of the screwdriver with a
piece of tape to prevent damage.
7Clean the bore in the cover, and coat the
outer edge of the new seal with engine oil or
multi-purpose grease. Also lubricate the lips
of the seal with multi-purpose grease. Using a
socket with an outside diameter slightly
smaller than the outside diameter of the seal,
carefully drive the new seal into place with a
hammer (see illustration). If a socket isn’t
available, a short section of large-diameter
pipe will work. Check the seal after refitting to
be sure the spring around the inside of the
seal lip didn’t pop out of place.
8The remainder of refitting is the reverse of
removal.
M20 and M40 (timing belt)
engines
Camshaft front seal (M20 and
M40 engines)
9Remove the timing belt and camshaft
sprocket (see Section 10).
10On the M20 engine only, remove the two
screws, and separate the camshaft seal
housing from the cylinder head by pulling it as
you rotate it back and forth.
11On the M20 engine only, support the
housing on two blocks of wood, and drive the
seal out of the housing from behind using ahammer and screwdriver. Be very careful not
to damage the seal housing.
12On the M40 engine, prise the seal out
from the cylinder head using a screwdriver,
being careful not to damage the camshaft
surface or the seal bore.
13Coat the lip and outside diameter of the
new seal with multi-purpose grease.
14On the M40 engine, wrap some adhesive
tape around the end of the camshaft to
protect the new seal from the location groove
as it is being fitted (see illustration).
15Carefully locate the new seal in position,
and press it in by hand initially so that it enters
the bore. Drive the new seal into the housing
or cylinder head (as applicable) using a
hammer and a socket with a diameter slightly
smaller than the outside diameter of the seal.
On the M40 engine, remove the adhesive tape
from the end of the camshaft.
16On the M20 engine, renew the O-ring on
the back of the seal housing, and work the lip
of the seal over the end of the camshaft. Refit
the screws and tighten them securely.
17The remainder of refitting is the reverse of
removal.
Crankshaft and intermediate shaft
front seals (M20 engines)
18Remove the timing belt and crankshaft
and intermediate shaft pulleys as applicable
(see Section 10). Note:We recommend the
timing belt be renewed any time it is removed.
19Remove the bolts and nuts securing the
front cover to the engine block. Be sure to
remove the three bolts from underneath that
connect the front of the sump to the bottom of
the front cover (see illustration 7.14).
20Run a sharp, thin knife between the sump
gasket and the front cover, cutting the cover
free from the gasket. Be very careful not to
damage the gasket, and keep it clean so you
can re-use it.
21Break the front cover-to-block gasket seal
by tapping the cover with a rubber mallet or
block of wood and hammer. Do not prise
between the cover and the engine block, as
damage to the gasket sealing surfaces will
result.
2A•12 In-car engine repair procedures
11.14 Fitting a new camshaft oil seal on
the M40 engine (note the adhesive tape
around the end of the camshaft to protect
the seal)11.7 The crankshaft front oil seal is
pressed into the front of the lower timing
chain cover (cover removed from the
engine for clarity)10.27 Tightening the camshaft sprocket
retaining bolt on the M40 engine

carbon deposits or cylinder wear have
produced ridges, they must be completely
removed with a special tool called a ridge
reamer (see illustration). Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions provided with the
tool. Failure to remove the ridges before
attempting to remove the piston/connecting
rod assemblies may result in piston ring
breakage.
2After the cylinder ridges have been
removed, turn the engine upside-down so the
crankshaft is facing up.
3Before the connecting rods are removed,
check the side play with feeler gauges. Slide
them between the first connecting rod and
crankshaft web until no play is apparent (see
illustration). The side play is equal to the
thickness of the feeler gauge(s). If the side
play exceeds the service limit, new
connecting rods will be required. If new rods
(or a new crankshaft) are fitted, ensure that
some side play is retained (if not, the rods will
have to be machined to restore it - consult a
machine shop for advice if necessary). Repeat
the procedure for the remaining connecting
rods.
4Check the connecting rods and caps for
identification marks. If they aren’t plainly
marked, use a small centre-punch to make
the appropriate number of indentations (see
illustration)on each rod and cap (1, 2, 3, etc.,
depending on the cylinder they’re associated
with).
5Loosen each of the connecting rod cap
nuts/bolts a half-turn at a time until they can
be removed by hand. Remove the No 1
connecting rod cap and bearing shell. Don’t
drop the bearing shell out of the cap.
6Where applicable, slip a short length of
plastic or rubber hose over each connecting
rod cap stud to protect the crankshaft journal
and cylinder wall as the piston is removed
(see illustration).
7Remove the bearing shell, and push the
connecting rod/piston assembly out through
the top of the engine. Use a wooden hammer
handle to push on the upper bearing surface
in the connecting rod. If resistance is felt,
double-check to make sure that all of the
ridge was removed from the cylinder.8Repeat the procedure for the remaining
cylinders.
9After removal, reassemble the connecting
rod caps and bearing shells in their respective
connecting rods, and refit the cap nuts/bolts
finger-tight. Leaving the old bearing shells in
place until reassembly will help prevent the
connecting big-end bearing surfaces from
being accidentally nicked or gouged.
10Don’t separate the pistons from the
connecting rods (see Section 18).
13 Crankshaft- removal
5
Note: The crankshaft can be removed only
after the engine has been removed from the
vehicle. It’s assumed that the flywheel or
driveplate, vibration damper, timing chain or
belt, sump, oil pump and piston/connecting
rod assemblies have already been removed.
The rear main oil seal housing must be
unbolted and separated from the block before
proceeding with crankshaft removal.
1Before the crankshaft is removed, check
the endfloat. Mount a dial indicator with the
stem in line with the crankshaft and touching
the nose of the crankshaft, or one of its webs
(see illustration).
2Push the crankshaft all the way to the rear,and zero the dial indicator. Next, prise the
crankshaft to the front as far as possible, and
check the reading on the dial indicator. The
distance that it moves is the endfloat. If it’s
greater than the maximum endfloat listed in
this Chapter’s Specifications, check the
crankshaft thrust surfaces for wear. If no wear
is evident, new main bearings should correct
the endfloat.
3If a dial indicator isn’t available, feeler
gauges can be used. Identify the main bearing
with the thrust flanges either side of it - this is
referred to as the “thrust” main bearing (see
Section 24, paragraph 6). Gently prise or push
the crankshaft all the way to the front of the
engine. Slip feeler gauges between the
crankshaft and the front face of the thrust
main bearing to determine the clearance.
4Check the main bearing caps to see if
they’re marked to indicate their locations.
They should be numbered consecutively from
the front of the engine to the rear. If they
aren’t, mark them with number-stamping dies
or a centre-punch (see illustration). Main
bearing caps generally have a cast-in arrow,
which points to the front of the engine.
Loosen the main bearing cap bolts a quarter-
turn at a time each, working from the outer
ends towards the centre, until they can be
removed by hand. Note if any stud bolts are
used, and make sure they’re returned to their
original locations when the crankshaft is
refitted.
General engine overhaul procedures 2B•13
12.4 Mark the big-end bearing caps in
order from the front of the engine to the
rear (one mark for the front cap, two for
the second one and so on)12.3 Check the connecting rod side play
with a feeler gauge as shown12.1 A ridge reamer is required to remove
the ridge from the top of each cylinder - do
this before removing the pistons!
13.1 Checking crankshaft endfloat with a
dial indicator
12.6 To prevent damage to the crankshaft
journals and cylinder walls, slip sections of
rubber or plastic hose over the rod bolts
before removing the pistons
2B

5Gently tap the caps with a soft-faced
hammer, then separate them from the engine
block. If necessary, use the bolts as levers to
remove the caps. Try not to drop the bearing
shells if they come out with the caps.
6Carefully lift the crankshaft out of the
engine. It may be a good idea to have an
assistant available, since the crankshaft is
quite heavy (see illustration). With the
bearing shells in place in the engine block and
main bearing caps, return the caps to their
respective locations on the engine block, and
tighten the bolts finger-tight.
14 Intermediate shaft-
removal and inspection
5
Note:The intermediate shaft is used on the
M20 engine only. The shaft rotates in the
engine block parallel to the crankshaft. It is
driven by the timing belt, and its only purpose
is to drive the oil pump.
1Remove the timing belt (see Chapter 2A).
2With the belt removed, unbolt the gear from
the intermediate shaft and unbolt the front
cover.
3Remove the oil pump driveshaft (see
Chapter 2A).
4The shaft is held in the cylinder block by a
retaining plate with two bolts. Remove the
bolts, and pull the shaft forwards and out of
the block.
5Look for any signs of abnormal wear on the
bearing surfaces or the gear at the back end
of the shaft, which drives the oil pump shaft. If
the bearing surfaces in the engine block show
wear, they’ll have to be attended to by a
machine shop.
15 Engine block- cleaning
2
Caution: The core plugs may be
difficult or impossible to retrieve
if they’re driven into the block
coolant passages.
1Remove the core plugs from the engine
block. To do this, knock one side of each plug
into the block with a hammer and punch,
grasp the other side by its edge with large
pliers, and pull it out.
2Using a gasket scraper, remove all traces of
gasket material from the engine block. Be very
careful not to nick or gouge the gasket sealing
surfaces.
3Remove the main bearing caps, and
separate the bearing shells from the caps and
the engine block. Tag the bearings, indicating
which cylinder they were removed from and
whether they were in the cap or the block,
then set them aside.
4Remove all of the threaded oil gallery plugs
from the block. The plugs are usually very
tight - they may have to be drilled out and theholes retapped. Use new plugs when the
engine is reassembled.
5If the engine is extremely dirty, it should be
taken to a machine shop to be steam-
cleaned.
6After the block is returned, clean all oil
holes and oil galleries one more time. Brushes
specifically designed for this purpose are
available at most motor factors. Flush the
passages with warm water until the water runs
clear, dry the block thoroughly, and wipe all
machined surfaces with a light, rust-
preventive oil. If you have access to
compressed air, use it to speed the drying
process and to blow out all the oil holes and
galleries.
Warning: Wear eye protection
when using compressed air!
7If the block isn’t extremely dirty or sludged
up, you can do an adequate cleaning job with
hot soapy water and a stiff brush. Take plenty
of time, and do a thorough job. Regardless of
the cleaning method used, be sure to clean all
oil holes and galleries very thoroughly, dry the
block completely, and coat all machined
surfaces with light oil.
8The threaded holes in the block must be
clean to ensure accurate torque readingsduring reassembly. Run the proper-size tap
into each of the holes to remove rust,
corrosion, thread sealant or sludge, and to
restore damaged threads (see illustration). If
possible, use compressed air to clear the
holes of debris produced by this operation. Be
sure also that the holes are dry- any oil or
other fluid present could cause the block to
be cracked by hydraulic pressure when the
bolts are tightened. Now is a good time to
clean the threads on all bolts. Note that BMW
recommend that the cylinder head bolts and
main bearing bolts are renewed as a matter of
course.
9Refit the main bearing caps, and tighten the
bolts finger-tight.
10After coating the sealing surfaces of the
new core plugs with a suitable sealant, refit
them in the engine block (see illustration).
Make sure they’re driven in straight and
seated properly, or leakage could result.
Special tools are available for this purpose,
but a large socket, with an outside diameter
that will just slip into the core plug, a 1/2-inch
drive extension, and a hammer, will work just
as well.
11Apply non-hardening sealant to the new
oil gallery plugs, and thread them into the
holes in the block. Make sure they’re
tightened securely.
12If the engine isn’t going to be
reassembled right away, cover it with a large
plastic bag to keep it clean.
2B•14 General engine overhaul procedures
15.10 A large socket on an extension can
be used to drive the new core plugs into
the block
15.8 All bolt holes in the block -
particularly the main bearing cap and head
bolt holes - should be cleaned and
restored with a tap (be sure to remove
debris from the holes after this is done)
13.6 Remove the crankshaft by lifting
straight up. Be very careful when removing
the crankshaft - it is very heavy13.4 Use a centre-punch or number-
stamping dies to mark the main bearing
caps to ensure refitting in their original
locations on the block (make the punch
marks near one of the bolt heads)

7 Ignition timing (TCI system)-
check and adjustment
4
Warning: Keep hands, equipment
and wires well clear of the
viscous cooling fan during
adjustment of the ignition timing.
Note:This Section describes the procedure
for checking and adjusting the ignition timing
on engines fitted with the TCI system. On
engines fitted with the Motronic engine
management system, the ignition timing is
controlled by the electronic control unit, and
no adjustment is possible. The timing can be
checked using the following procedure, but no
ignition timing values were available at the
time of writing. If the timing is thought to be
incorrect, refer to a BMW dealer.
1Some special tools are required for this
procedure (see illustration). The engine must
be at normal operating temperature, and the
air conditioning (where fitted) must be
switched off. Make sure the idle speed is
correct.
2Apply the handbrake, and chock the wheels
to prevent movement of the vehicle. The
transmission must be in neutral (manual) or
Park (automatic).
3The timing marks are located on the engine
flywheel (viewed through the timing checkhole in the bellhousing) and/or on the vibration
damper on the front of the engine.
4Where applicable, disconnect the vacuum
hose from the distributor vacuum advance
unit.
5Connect a tachometer and timing light
according to the equipment manufacturer’s
instructions (an inductive pick-up timing light
is preferred). Generally, the power leads for
the timing light are attached to the battery
terminals, and the pick-up lead is attached to
the No 1 spark plug HT lead. The No 1 spark
plug is the one at the front of the engine.
Caution: If an inductive pick-up
timing light isn’t available, don’t
puncture the spark plug HT lead
to attach the timing light pick-up
lead. Instead, use an adapter between the
spark plug and HT lead. If the insulation on
the HT lead is damaged, the secondary
voltage will jump to earth at the damaged
point, and the engine will misfire.
Note:On some models, a TDC transmitter is
fitted for checking the ignition system.
However, a special BMW tester must be
connected to the diagnostic socket to use it,
so unless the special tester is available, a
conventional timing light should be used. The
ignition timing mark may be on the vibration
damper, but if not, normally the TDC mark will
be. If the timing light is of the adjustable delay
type, then the ignition timing may be
determined by zeroing the adjustment, then
turning the adjustment until the TDC marks are
aligned, and then reading off the amount of
advance from the timing light. If a standard
timing light is being used, make a mark on the
vibration damper in accordance with the
specified advance, using the following formula
to calculate the distance from the TDC mark
to the timing mark:
Distance = 2Pr x advance
360
where P = 3.142
r = radius of vibration damper
advance = specified advance
BTDC in degrees
6With the ignition off, loosen the distributor
clamp nut just enough to allow the distributor
to pivot without any slipping.7Make sure the timing light wires are routed
away from the drivebelts and fan, then start
the engine.
8Raise the engine rpm to the specified
speed, and then point the flashing timing light
at the timing marks - be very careful of moving
engine components.
9The mark on the flywheel or vibration
damper will appear stationary. If it’s aligned
with the specified point on the bellhousing or
engine front cover, the ignition timing is
correct (see illustrations).
10If the marks aren’t aligned, adjustment is
required. Turn the distributor very slowly until
the marks are aligned, taking care not to
touch the HT leads.
11Tighten the nut on the distributor clamp,
and recheck the timing.
12Switch off the engine, and remove the
timing light and tachometer. Reconnect the
vacuum hose where applicable.
8 Distributor-
removal and refitting
4
TCI system
Removal
1After carefully marking them for position,
remove the coil HT lead and spark plug HT
leads from the distributor cap (see Chapter 1).
2Remove No 1 spark plug (the one nearest
you when you are standing in front of the
engine).
3Manually rotate the engine to Top Dead
Centre (TDC) on the compression stroke for
No 1 piston (see Chapter 2A)
4Carefully mark the vacuum hoses, if more
than one is present on your distributor.
5Disconnect the vacuum hose(s).
6Disconnect the primary circuit wires from
the distributor.
7Mark the relationship of the rotor tip to the
distributor housing (see illustration). Also
mark the relationship of the distributor
housing to the engine.
5•4 Engine electrical systems
7.1 Tools for checking and adjusting the
ignition timing
1Vacuum plugs- Vacuum hoses will, in
most cases, have to be disconnected and
plugged. Moulded plugs in various shapes
and sizes can be used for this, if wished
2Inductive pick-up timing light- Flashes a
bright, concentrated beam of light when
No 1 spark plug fires. Connect the leads
according to the instructions supplied with
the light
3Distributor spanner - On some models,
the hold-down bolt for the distributor is
difficult to reach and turn with conventional
spanners or sockets. A special spanner like
this must be used
7.9a Flywheel “OT” timing mark 7.9b Flywheel “OZ” timing mark

8Remove the hold-down nut or bolt and
clamp.
9Remove the distributor. Note:Do not rotate
the engine with the distributor out.
Refitting
10Before refitting the distributor, make
certain No 1 piston is still at TDC on the
compression stroke.
11Insert the distributor into the engine, with
the adjusting clamp centred over the hold-
down hole. Make allowance for the gear to
turn as the distributor is inserted.
12Refit the hold-down nut or bolt. The marks
previously made on the distributor housing,
and on the rotor and engine, should line up
before the nut or bolt is tightened.
13Refit the distributor cap.
14Connect the wiring for the distributor.
15Reconnect the spark plug HT leads.
16Reconnect the vacuum hoses as
previously marked.
17Check the ignition timing (see Section 7).
Motronic system
Removal
18Remove the cover from the distributor
(see illustration)and remove the distributor
cap (see Chapter 1).
19Using a small Allen key, remove the three
screws from the rotor (see illustration).
20Remove the rotor.
Refitting
21Refitting is the reverse of removal.
9 Ignition coil -
check and renewal
2
Caution: Do not earth the coil, as
the coil and/or impulse generator
could be damaged.
Note:On models equipped with the Motronic
system, a faulty ECU can cause the ignition
coil to become damaged. Be sure to test the
ignition coil if the engine will not start and an
ECU fault is suspected.
1Mark the wires and terminals for position,
then remove the primary circuit wires and the
HT lead from the coil.2Remove the coil assembly from its
mounting, then clean the outer casing and
check it for cracks and other damage.
3Inspect the coil primary terminals and the
coil tower terminal for corrosion. Clean them
with a wire brush if any corrosion is found.
4Check the coil primary resistance by
attaching an ohmmeter to the primary
terminals (see illustrations). Compare the
measured resistance to the Specifications
listed in this Chapter.
5Check the coil secondary resistance by
connecting one of the ohmmeter leads to one
of the primary terminals, and the other
ohmmeter lead to the coil high-tension
terminal (see illustrations). On TCI systems,
Engine electrical systems 5•5
8.19 Remove the rotor screws (arrowed)
with an Allen key, and pull the rotor off the
shaft8.18 Remove the three bolts (arrowed)
from the distributor cap8.7 Mark the relationship of the rotor to
the distributor housing (arrowed)
9.5b Using an ohmmeter, measure the
secondary resistance of the coil (later
Motronic system)9.5a Using an ohmmeter, measure the
secondary resistance of the coil (TCI
system)
9.4b Some Motronic systems use a
different type of coil. First, remove the coil
cover and . . .9.4a Using an ohmmeter, measure the
resistance between the primary terminals
of the ignition coil (TCI system shown)
9.4c . . . using an ohmmeter, measure the
resistance between the primary terminals
of the coil
5