BMW Engine Timing Tool Kit N40 N45 with Balance Shaft Tools, Crankshaft Holder & Torque Wrench

This professional engine timing tool kit is designed for BMW petrol engines N40 and N45. It includes nearly all special tools required for engine overhaul, timing chain replacement, and precise valve timing adjustment.

The kit is suitable for professional workshops and advanced technicians performing complex engine service operations.

Functionality

The set includes tools for:

• Camshaft timing and alignment
• Balance shaft adjustment and locking
• Crankshaft locking and counter-holding
• Timing chain pre-tensioning
• Accurate application of 0.6 Nm pre-load torque using the included torque wrench

All three versions of balance shaft locking tools are included, eliminating the need to identify the correct variant beforehand and preventing delays during engine repair.

When loosening the crankshaft central bolt, the oil pump / balance shaft sprocket can rotate freely on the crankshaft, requiring mandatory re-adjustment of the balance shafts.

Build Quality

All tools are manufactured from high-grade steel using CNC machining processes.
Unlike lower-quality cast tools, this ensures precise fitment, durability, and reliable professional results.

Compatibility

Engine Codes:
N40, N45

Package Contents

✔ 101259 Locking pins for chain tensioner – as 113340, 83300490973
✔ 106650 Torque wrench 0.4–2 Nm, 1/4" drive
✔ 116738 Flywheel locking pin – as 119190, 115120
✔ 118790A Timing chain pre-tensioning tool – as 119340
✔ 120406 Balance shaft locking tool (version 3) – as 118700, 83300496102
✔ 121112 Balance shaft locking tool (version 2) – as 115140, 83300494885
✔ 121113 Balance shaft locking tool (version 1) – as 119330, 83300493970
✔ 121114 Crankshaft counter holder (3-hole) – as 119280
✔ 121115 Support bolt for crankshaft counter holder – as 114362
✔ 121116 Camshaft locking tool – as 117250, 83300494307
✔ 121117 Camshaft sensor wheel alignment tool – as 117260, 83300494306
✔ 51003 Storage case

Key Features

✔ Complete professional solution for BMW N40 / N45 engines
✔ Includes all balance shaft tool variants (no identification needed)
✔ Supplied with precision torque wrench for correct pre-load
✔ CNC-machined tools for maximum accuracy and durability
✔ Designed for intensive workshop use

OEM numbers are provided for reference purposes only. This product is not an original tool.

Procedure

(Always follow manufacturer specifications)

• Remove the cylinder head cover
• Remove the oil pan (not required for E87 and E90)
• Set the engine and crankshaft to Top Dead Center (TDC) using a crankshaft locking pin
  → The camshaft flats must be vertical
  → The cam lobes must point upward
• Loosen the central crankshaft bolt by 90° using a counter-hold tool
  → Remove the crankshaft locking pin beforehand
  → Reinsert the locking pin and remove the central bolt
• Loosen (do not remove) the camshaft adjuster bolts
  → Note installation position beforehand
  → Counter-hold at the camshaft hex profile
• Install the camshaft locking tools
• Remove the timing chain tensioner
• Loosen and remove the camshaft adjusters and their central bolts
• The guide rail bearing bolts are covered by sealing plugs (internal hex)
  → Remove:
  • 2 bearing bolts
  • 2 mounting bolts of the upper chain guide
    → For access, remove the camshaft solenoid valves
• Remove the timing chain assembly upward

⚠️ Before installation:
Ensure correct orientation of the crankshaft sprocket
→ The toothing must face the crankshaft

• Install the timing chain assembly
  → First install the lower bearing bolt, then the upper bearing bolt
  → Reinstall the sealing plugs
• Install the crankshaft hub and lightly tighten the central bolt
• Adjust the balance shafts manually using the appropriate special tools
• Pre-tighten the crankshaft central bolt with locking pin installed → 60 Nm
• Install:
  • Camshaft solenoid valves
  • Upper chain guide bolt, then lower bolt
• Install camshaft sprockets and lightly tighten bolts

⚠️ Note:

• Intake and exhaust adjusters differ
• Trigger wheels are identical
• Rotational position on the shaft is freely adjustable

• Install the chain pre-tensioning tool and lightly preload against the guide rail
• Rotate the camshaft trigger wheels until the special tool can be installed without play and bolted to the cylinder head
• Loosen the camshaft adjusters by ½ turn and preload the chain using a torque driver → 0.6 Nm
• Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolts
• Remove the trigger wheel alignment tool and replace the pre-tensioning tool with the OEM chain tensioner
• Tighten the crankshaft central bolt to final torque using a counter-hold tool
  → Remove the crankshaft locking pin beforehand

⚠️ It is recommended to replace the crankshaft oil seal
→ This can only be done after installing the crankshaft hub

• Rotate the engine manually
• Check valve timing
• Complete reassembly

Important Notes

• The camshaft adjusters must be in installation position
• With crankshaft locked at TDC and chain tensioned:
  • Attempt to rotate:
    • Intake camshaft → in direction of rotation
    • Exhaust camshaft → against direction of rotation

→ If the adjuster does not lock or cannot be locked → replace the camshaft adjuster

• The TDC locking bore for the crankshaft is located on the intake side below the starter

⚠️ On engines with automatic transmission:

• There is a larger bore in the flexplate before the actual TDC bore
• Verify correct bore by rotating the crankshaft

⚠️ Use the crankshaft locking pin only for pre-tightening (60 Nm)

• Do NOT use it as a counter-hold for 300 Nm final torque
• Use a proper counter-hold tool at the crankshaft hub

Torque Specifications (N40 / N45 / N45T)

• Pulley / vibration damper to hub: 34 Nm
• Crankshaft hub central bolt: 300 Nm
• Camshaft adjuster (intake/exhaust):
  → 20 Nm + 90° + 90°
  → N45T: 20 Nm + 180°
• OEM chain tensioner: 65 Nm
• Chain guide sealing plugs:
  → Lower: 45 Nm
  → Upper: 25 Nm
• Oil pan bolts: 30 Nm
• Valve cover:
  → M8: 15 Nm
  → M6: 10 Nm