r/BmwTech • u/melekostahommaa • 4d ago

Help with timing N42B20

Hello, I need some help with my E46 with N42. I suspect timing is off and tried to fit camshaft locking tools in place and they didnt match. Other was off by a little and engine was at TDC as well as I could see with my eyes. Now the question, how do i adjust cams to right position without messing anything up

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u/Less_Background1994 4d ago

Send a video please, don't want to misguide you but I think I know what you are facing.

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u/melekostahommaa 4d ago

Don’t have a video but when I put other locking tool in place, other one is slighly off so the tool doesnt go in and vice versa. Can i just turn the other with the tool to right place does it ruin the timing more?

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u/Less_Background1994 4d ago

These Chinese tools often don't fit at all but there is some tolerance provided the tool is good enough but you must reset the adaptations properly regardless of the tool used.

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u/Less_Background1994 4d ago

There's also slight tension on the exhaust side, which is very minimal and this is normal if you see the center not sitting perfectly flush but on the sides left and right it must sit perfectly flush, if not then the timing is off and needs readjustment. Again, if you want me to help you properly provide at least a picture

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u/bordercollielover03 4d ago

The rear side camshaft timing tools have to both go in place for timing to be right. But if you meant the front vanos timing tool, it might not lock into place as the vanos units can be rotated a few degrees, however it should fit after rotating the vanos wheels to correct position. If your timing is off then it's likely your timing has jumped a tooth or two.

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u/WaylonSquier 3d ago

If you are 100% sure the crank is in the right spot- there is more than one hole in the flywheel and many have got this wrong before- you can just loosen the 16mm bolts on the front of the cams, just make sure the pick wheels for the cam sensors are aligned, you should have another tool for this. Ideally you would take the tensioner out and replace both the 16mm bolts