Removal and installation rocker arms and rocker shafts (BMW 5 Series E34)

Particularly strong valve knocks can be caused by loose rocker arm sliders.

Caution: If the valve train components are to be reinstalled, they must be installed in their original positions by stacking them in the order they were installed when removed.

Removal

Note: Description is given only for M20 engine.

Remove the cylinder head and install it on 2 wooden spacers.



Unscrew and pull out grease tube 1.

Unscrew the toothed pulley.

Set the valve clearances to the maximum value.

Remove plugs 2 from the front and rear rocker arm axles.

Remove plate 3 securing the rocker arm shafts in the front part of the cylinder head.

Remove the rocker arm spring clips.

Remove the exhaust rocker shaft. The cams of cylinder 6 of the camshaft should be facing away from the rocker arms. Move the rocker arms of cylinder 1 inward and turn the camshaft towards the intake valves until all the rocker arms are unloaded. Then pull out the rocker shaft.

Remove the intake rocker shaft. Turn the camshaft toward the exhaust valves and move the rocker arms until they are unloaded. Then pull out the rocker shaft.

Remove the rocker arms.

Installation

Check the rocker arms: Replace the rocker arms that are worn or have loose "arrow" sliders.

When replacing the rocker arms, move the pin 5, eccentric 6, washer 7 and nut 8 to the new rocker arm. In this case, the thickened part of the eccentric should be facing down, and the hole outward. Turn the pin so that the sawn side faces the rocker arm. Then screw on the nut.

Note: the pin and nut have fine thread M6x0.75. Check the rocker shafts, replace worn rocker shafts.

Install the rocker arm shafts so that the large oil holes face the valve guides and the small oil holes and retainer plate cutouts face inward.

Put on the rocker arms.

Place the spring clips on the rocker arms so that the flat surface of the clip fits into the groove of the shaft.

Insert the locking plate into the grooves of the rocker arm shafts.

Insert plugs.

Tighten the toothed pulley with the cover and the adapter with a tightening torque of 70 Nm.

Screw on the oil line.

Install the cylinder head.

Adjust valve clearances.