The right BMW timing tool kit depends on your exact engine code, not just the model. An N20 or N26 four-cylinder needs a different kit from an N54 or N55 six-cylinder, the N63 and S63 V8s need their own camshaft and VANOS set, and the N47 and B47 diesels each have dedicated kits. Find the engine code first, then match it to the kit in the table below.
This guide shows how to find your engine code, which kit fits which engine, what each kit includes, what it does not, and the step-by-step guides that go with each job.
Step 1: Find Your Engine Code
Several BMW models were sold with more than one engine, and a 328i, for example, could have an inline-six N51 or N52 or a four-cylinder N20 depending on the year and market. Do not guess from the badge. You can find the engine code by:
- Decoding your VIN with a BMW VIN decoder or your dealer's parts department.
- Checking your service records or the parts diagrams for your VIN, which list the engine code.
- Looking at the engine itself; BMW stamps an engine identification on the block, though it can be hard to reach.
An OBD2 scanner with live data can also help confirm vehicle details, and our OBD2 scanner basics guide explains how to use one.
Step 2: Match the Engine Code to the Kit
| Engine code | Type | Kit | BMW factory tool numbers listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| N20, N26 | 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder | Timing & Flywheel Tool Kit — N20/N26 | Not listed |
| N51, N52, N53, N54, N55 | Inline-6 | N54 / N55 Timing Tool Kit (N51–N55 camshaft lock) | Not listed |
| N63, S63, N74 | V8 / V12 | Camshaft & VANOS Timing Tool Set, 6-Piece | 119890, 118090, 118570, 119190, 119893 |
| N62, N73 | V8 / V12 | Camshaft Locking Tool (7 Series 740/745) | Not listed |
| N47, N47S, N57 | Diesel, chain drive | Diesel Timing Tool Kit — N47/N57 | 11 8 760, 11 5 320, 11 6 480, 11 8 740 |
| B37, B47 | Diesel | Timing Chain Tool Kit — B37/B47 | Not listed |
| B38, B48, B58 | Modular petrol | VANOS Camshaft Socket, 22mm 16-Point | Not listed |
Factory tool numbers are shown only where our listing states them. Always confirm your engine code against the listing before ordering.
What Each Kit Contains
N20 / N26 Timing & Flywheel Tool Kit
Covers camshaft timing, balance shaft alignment, flywheel holding and fuel injector removal in one case. The slide-hammer injector tool also covers several other BMW engines (N14, N18, N47, N53, N54, N55, N57, N63 and S63).
N51–N55 Camshaft Timing Tool Kit
Locks both camshafts at top dead center for checking and correcting cam timing on the N51, N52, N53, N54 and N55, covering E-chassis 1, 3, 5 and 7 Series and X3, X5 and Z4 models.
N63 / S63 / N74 Camshaft & VANOS Set
Six pieces: two camshaft alignment jigs to hold TDC during assembly, a crankshaft TDC pin and three VANOS fixtures, listed as equivalent to the five factory tool numbers in the table above.
N47 / N57 Diesel Timing Tool Kit
A camshaft setting plate, flywheel locking pin, crankshaft turning tool and high-pressure pump sprocket retaining tool, listed as equivalent to the four factory tool numbers above.
B37 / B47 Timing Chain Tool Kit
Designed for B37 and B47 diesel chain service across the 1 to 5 Series and X1, X3, X4 and X5. The listing shows the kit contents in the product photos.
N62 / N73 Camshaft Locking Tool
Holds camshaft position for timing work on the N62 and N73, listed for the 7 Series 740 and 745.
What Is Not Included
A timing kit holds the engine in time; it is not everything the job needs. Depending on the engine and the work, you may also need:
- A flywheel lock on engines whose kit does not include one (the N20/N26 kit and N47/N57 kit do include flywheel holding tools).
- A timing chain riveting tool if you are joining a new chain on the engine instead of fitting a complete loop.
- A crankshaft holding tool for the front pulley bolt, which should be counter-held, not impacted.
- A torque wrench, sockets for E-Torx fasteners, and the chain, guide and tensioner kit for your engine.
- New one-time-use bolts where the repair manual calls for them.
For Torx and E-Torx fasteners, see our Torx, E-Torx and XZN guide and the E-Torx Socket Set, 14-Piece.
Related Jobs and Guides
- BMW N20/N26 Timing Chain & Flywheel Guide
- BMW N51/N52/N53/N54/N55 Inline-6 Timing Chain Guide
- BMW N63/S63/N74 Timing Chain and VANOS Guide
- BMW N47 Timing Chain Replacement
- BMW VANOS Camshaft Service Guide, B38/B48/B58
Parts and Tools
- Timing & Flywheel Tool Kit — BMW N20/N26
- BMW N54 / N55 Timing Tool Kit — N51/N52/N53 Camshaft Lock
- Camshaft & VANOS Timing Tool Set — BMW N63/S63/N74
- Camshaft Locking Tool — BMW N62/N73
- Diesel Timing Tool Kit — BMW N47/N57
- Timing Chain Tool Kit — BMW B37/B47
- BMW VANOS Camshaft Socket, 22mm — B38/B48/B58
See every kit in Engine Timing Tools and BMW Specialty Tools, or browse by engine family in BMW N-Series.
Shop: BMW Timing Tool Kits.
Safety and Good Practice
Disconnect the battery before timing work. Turn the engine only by hand, in the normal direction of rotation, and never crank it with the starter while tools are fitted. After the job, rotate the crank two full turns by hand and confirm the locking tools still seat cleanly before you start the engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which timing tool do I need for an N55?
The N51–N55 camshaft timing tool kit covers the N55, as well as the N51, N52, N53 and N54.
Does the N20 kit fit the N26?
Yes. The kit is listed for both N20 and N26 engines.
Does the N63 kit fit the S63?
Yes. The 6-piece set is listed for N63, S63 and N74 engines.
Do the B-series engines use the same tools as the N-series?
No. Modular B38, B48 and B58 engines have their own tools, such as the 22mm 16-point VANOS socket, and the B37 and B47 diesels have their own chain tool kit.