Removal and installation timing chain covers (BMW 7 Series E38)

Left cover

1. Remove the left cylinder head cover (see section Petrol engines M60/1 and M60/2).

2. Remove the fan drive coupling with the impeller (see chapter Engine cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems). If necessary, disconnect the additional air supply pipes.

3. Disconnect the EVAP valve from the left upper timing chain cover.



4. Remove the positive battery cable from the timing belt cover and move it to the side.



5. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the timing chain cover.

6. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Pay attention to the position of the centering bushings, use new gaskets. When fastening the timing chain cover, first tighten the horizontal bolts by hand, then tighten the vertical bolts with the required force in two approaches, and only then tighten them completely.

Right cover

1. Remove the right cylinder head cover (see section Petrol engines M60/1 and M60/2).

2. Remove the chain tensioner plunger and, if necessary, the additional air supply tubes.



3. Remove the CKP sensor and remove the upper oil dipstick guide mounting bolt (see illustration).



4. Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the timing chain cover.

5. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Pay attention to the position of the centering bushings, use new gaskets and sealing rings. When fastening the timing chain cover, first tighten the horizontal bolts by hand, then tighten the vertical bolts to the required force in two steps, and only then tighten them completely.

Bottom cover

1. Remove the engine (see section Removal and installation the engine).



2. Remove both cylinder heads (see section Removal and installation the cylinder head, adjusting the timing phases).

3. Remove the water pump together with the thermostat housing (see chapter Engine cooling, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems).

4. Remove the upper section of the engine oil pan (see section Removal and installation the upper section of the oil pan).

5. Remove the vibration damper hub.



6. Unscrew the bolts and remove the timing chain cover.

7. Clean the sealing surfaces of the cylinder block from dirt and oil.

8. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Pay attention to the position of the centering bushings, use new gaskets. When fastening the timing chain cover, first tighten the bolts by hand, and then tighten them to the required force in a staggered pattern. Finally, cut off the protruding ends of the metal gaskets and replace the front crankshaft oil seal (see section Replacing crankshaft seals).

Information obtained from this online resource «BMWMAN»