Need info on cam timing, 91 325ix

[Matthew Shaw <shawm@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all.

I'm in the process of replacing the timing belt on my 91 325ix
and I have a few questions for people who have done it.  I have 
everything off the front of the engine except the timing belt, 
and when I line up the  O|T  mark on the vibration damper with 
the mark on the belt cover, the cam sprocket mark does not line 
up with the mark on the head. (confirmed that piston #1 was up 
on compression stroke) The cam sprocket is advanced one notch.  
How would this effect how the engine runs?  It did seem to run 
pretty good set up like this but I have nothing compare it to.  
(only e30, m20 engine car I've ever driven)  It appears that the
shop that installed the last timing belt, did it wrong.  I didn't 
own the car at that time.

One more thing, will I need to pull off the crank hub?  The Bently 
manual says that if you have the two piece hub you will have to 
remove the crank nut and pull the hub off in order to get the belt 
on.  Do you know if the 91's have the two piece hub? and if so, 
what the best way to hold the crank stationary in order to get the 
nut off?  The manual says you need a special tool from BMW, 
PN 11 2 150.  Thanks for any info.

I am my cars mechanic. 

- -Matt



 

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