How do I remove the camshafts?

[dude8383]

[aaron_silva]

Your best bet is to remove them with the special BMW tools.  The tool will thread into 2 of the spark plug holes and then a lever arm will hold down all of the cam caps.  This allows you to undo all of the caps without the springs putting undistributed loads on the shaft.  

If you cant get your hands on the BMW tool you can take a look at the write up on http://www.pelicanparts.com.

By undoing the caps on at a time you run the risk on bending or breaking the cam.  Alough, I know of people removing the cams without the tools without any problems.

HTH

Aaron

[dude8383]

i just did it...came out with no problems. i distributed the force evenly by unbolting each nut one by one, in the same pattern as if i was removing the head from the block.

ill have pics up in a sec

[dude8383]

done..

[Jtuner]

niiice,, yeah there's usually a specified pattern in the manual.. I don't have a bentley in front of me, but i'm guessin it'd be in there nice work tho! You might wanna find that exact pattern when you put them back in tho, it may make a difference

[tim_s]

that's a nice clean cyl head!

[e30boarder]

yeah she looks clean... i cant wait to tear mine down

[dude8383]

niiice,, yeah there's usually a specified pattern in the manual.. I don't have a bentley in front of me, but i'm guessin it'd be in there nice work tho! You might wanna find that exact pattern when you put them back in tho, it may make a difference

the chilton manual that i have says to use tool 11 3 260...which i didn't have...so i managed without it. i loosened every nut on the head in the same fashion as if i were to be removing the head from the block.

that's a nice clean cyl head!

Thanks Tim!

yeah she looks clean... i cant wait to tear mine down

Yeh, i was pleasantly surprised to find everything nice and clean. The valve cover gasket was leaking a bit though..no biggie.

Also the chain and the sprockets look mint!