Draper Expert Engine Timing Kit ETK121 (BMW)

Balance Shaft Timing — The Critical Step That's Easy to Get Wrong

BMW's N-series four-cylinder petrol engines are sophisticated units, and timing chain replacement on these engines involves a step that catches out even experienced mechanics unfamiliar with the platform: the balance shaft timing procedure. Unlike many engines where timing chain work involves only the camshaft and crankshaft, the N40, N42, N43, N45 and N46 engine families incorporate a balance shaft assembly driven by the timing chain system — and this balance shaft must be set in the correct timing position during chain replacement.

If the balance shaft is incorrectly timed during reassembly, the result is significant engine vibration at all speeds — a symptom that can be easily confused with other faults, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary additional work before the actual cause is identified. Worse, rectifying incorrect balance shaft timing requires the timing chain procedure to be repeated in full.

The Draper Expert ETK121 eliminates this risk by providing the purpose-designed OEM-equivalent tools for every stage of the balance shaft timing procedure — from holding the crankshaft in position through to aligning the balance shaft itself using the three dedicated alignment tools that cover all variants of balance shaft configuration found across this engine family.

4-Piece OEM-Equivalent Tool Set

Every tool in the ETK121 is manufactured to OEM-equivalent specification, directly replicating BMW dealer workshop tooling for the N-series four-cylinder engine balance shaft timing procedure. OEM reference numbers are confirmed for all four pieces:

• 1 x Crankshaft holding tool — OEM ref. 11 9 280
• 1 x Balance shaft alignment tool — OEM ref. 11 5 140
• 1 x Balance shaft alignment tool — OEM ref. 11 8 700
• 1 x Balance shaft alignment tool — OEM ref. 11 9 330

The inclusion of three separate balance shaft alignment tools — each with its own confirmed OEM reference — reflects the fact that different variants within the N40/N42/N43/N45/N46 engine family use different balance shaft configurations. The ETK121 covers all of these variants in a single kit, ensuring the correct alignment tool is always available for the specific engine being worked on.

What Each Tool Does

Crankshaft Holding Tool (OEM 11 9 280) Holds the crankshaft securely in the correct position during the balance shaft timing procedure. On these engines, the crankshaft must be held precisely whilst the balance shaft is being set — any movement of the crankshaft during this critical step will result in an incorrect balance shaft timing relationship. The OEM 11 9 280 holding tool engages with the crankshaft in the manner specified by BMW's workshop procedure, providing a stable and secure hold throughout the setting process.

The crankshaft holding tool also facilitates controlled crankshaft rotation to the timing position and assists with correct torque application to crankshaft-related fasteners during reassembly — making it a multi-function tool throughout the timing procedure rather than a single-use instrument.

Balance Shaft Alignment Tool (OEM 11 5 140) The first of three balance shaft alignment tools, OEM 11 5 140 is designed for use on specific N-series engine variants where this tool's geometry matches the balance shaft alignment point. It locates positively into the balance shaft mechanism to confirm and set the shaft in its correct timed position before the new chain is installed and tensioned. Used in conjunction with the crankshaft holding tool, it ensures the balance shaft and crankshaft are in their correct relative positions for reassembly.

Balance Shaft Alignment Tool (OEM 11 8 700) The second balance shaft alignment tool covers the engine variants within the N-series family that require this specific tool geometry for balance shaft setting. The 11 8 700 addresses the revised balance shaft configuration found on later or different displacement variants where the 11 5 140 does not apply, ensuring the correct alignment tool is available across the full breadth of engine codes covered by this kit.

Balance Shaft Alignment Tool (OEM 11 9 330) The third balance shaft alignment tool covers the remaining balance shaft configuration variants within the N-series engine family not addressed by the first two tools. The 11 9 330 is the most recently introduced of the three references, reflecting BMW's ongoing refinement of the N-series engine architecture over the production run. Its inclusion in the ETK121 ensures the kit covers all current balance shaft configurations encountered across the covered engine codes.

Why Three Balance Shaft Alignment Tools?

The N40, N42, N43, N45 and N46 engine families were produced from 2001 to 2014 — a thirteen-year span across multiple model generations, displacement variants and emissions-specification revisions. Over this period, BMW revised the balance shaft design and configuration on multiple occasions, resulting in engines that share the same fundamental architecture but require differently profiled alignment tools to correctly set the balance shaft timing. A single alignment tool cannot cover all variants.

Rather than requiring workshops to purchase separate tools for each variant encountered, the ETK121 brings all three OEM-referenced alignment tools together in a single kit — providing complete coverage across the full N-series four-cylinder engine range without the need to identify and source individual tools on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis.

Broad Vehicle and Engine Coverage

The ETK121 covers the following BMW models and variants:

BMW 1 Series

• 2004–2014 (E81/E82/E87/E88) — 116i, 118i, 120i

BMW 3 Series

• 2001–2014 (E46/E90/E91/E92/E93) — 316i, 318i, 318ti Compact, 320i, 320si

BMW 5 Series

• 2007–2010 (E60/E61) — 316ti Compact, 520i

BMW X1

• 2010–2012 (E84) — sDrive18i, xDrive18i, xDrive20i

BMW X3

• 2005–2010 (E83) — xDrive20i

BMW Z4

• 2004–2009 (E85/E86)

Compatible Engine Codes

1.6cc: N43 B16A/AA, N43 B16AA, N45 B16A, N45T B16AC, N40 B16A, N43 B16AA/O0

1.8cc: N42 B18A, N46 B18

2.0cc: N43 B20K0, N43 B20AY, N46 B20B, N46T B20, N46T B20BZ, N43 B20A, N43 B20AA, N46T B20O2, N42 B20A, N46 B20, N43 B20U0, N46 B18, N43 B20A/AA, N46T B20BD, N45 B20AA, N46T B20B

Always confirm the engine code from the vehicle identification plate, service documentation or a BMW-compatible diagnostic scan tool before ordering. The engine code is typically found on a sticker in the engine bay or stamped on the engine block, and can also be confirmed via the vehicle's VIN using the BMW parts system or an online BMW parts database.

Symptoms of Incorrect Balance Shaft Timing

Understanding why correct balance shaft timing matters helps illustrate why this kit is essential rather than optional for this work. When a balance shaft is incorrectly timed after chain replacement — even by a small margin — the vibration-cancelling effect it is designed to provide is lost or reversed. The result is a characteristic engine vibration felt throughout the rev range, often most pronounced at idle and low speeds. This symptom is easily mistaken for engine mounts, auxiliary component faults or other mechanical issues, and diagnosing it correctly requires knowing that a timing chain replacement has recently been carried out. Prevention — through correct balance shaft setting at the time of chain replacement using the proper tools — is significantly preferable to diagnosis and rectification after the fact.

Key Features & Benefits

• Specialist balance shaft timing kit — Purpose-designed for the critical balance shaft setting step during N-series timing chain replacement
• 4-piece OEM-equivalent set — All tools required for the complete balance shaft timing procedure across all covered variants
• Three balance shaft alignment tools (11 5 140, 11 8 700, 11 9 330) — Full coverage across all balance shaft configurations in the N40/N42/N43/N45/N46 engine family
• Crankshaft holding tool (11 9 280) — Secure crankshaft holding during balance shaft setting and reassembly torque work
• BMW 1, 3, 5 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 coverage — Covers the full range of BMW models fitted with this engine family
• 1.6cc, 1.8cc and 2.0cc engine coverage — All displacement variants of the N-series four-cylinder
• 2001–2014 production coverage — Over thirteen years of N-series engine production
• OEM reference numbers confirmed — Direct equivalence to BMW dealer workshop tooling
• Prevents post-reassembly vibration faults — Correct balance shaft timing eliminates the most common comeback issue on this engine
• Draper Expert quality — Professional-grade manufacture for accurate fit and reliable workshop performance

Who Is It For?

The Draper Expert ETK121 is the essential timing tool for any independent BMW specialist, general workshop or mobile technician working on N-series four-cylinder petrol BMW models. The 316i, 318i and 320i variants of the 3 Series alone represent some of the most commonly serviced BMWs in the independent aftermarket — and timing chain replacement on these engines without the correct balance shaft tooling is an incomplete and potentially problematic job.

For experienced home mechanics undertaking timing chain replacement on their own N-series BMW, the ETK121 provides the correct OEM-equivalent tools to ensure the balance shaft is correctly set — the step most likely to be overlooked or incorrectly executed without the proper equipment.

Technical Specifications

• 4-piece OEM-equivalent balance shaft timing kit for BMW N40, N42, N43, N45 and N46 four-cylinder petrol engines
• Sets balance shaft timing during timing chain replacement or valve timing check — prevents post-reassembly vibration faults
• Covers BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 — 2001 to 2014
• Engine codes: N40, N42, N43, N45, N45T, N46 and N46T variants across 1.6cc, 1.8cc and 2.0cc displacements
• Three dedicated balance shaft alignment tools (OEM 11 5 140, 11 8 700, 11 9 330) cover all N-series balance shaft configurations
• Crankshaft holding tool (OEM 11 9 280) secures crankshaft during balance shaft setting and torque work
• OEM-equivalent tooling — matches BMW dealer workshop specifications for all covered variants
• Product Code: ETK121 | Brand: Draper Expert

Q: Which BMW models is the ETK121 compatible with? The ETK121 covers BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88), 3 Series (E46/E90/E91/E92/E93), 5 Series (E60/E61), X1 (E84), X3 (E83) and Z4 (E85/E86) fitted with N40, N42, N43, N45, N45T, N46 and N46T four-cylinder petrol engines in 1.6cc, 1.8cc and 2.0cc displacements, produced from 2001 to 2014. Always confirm the engine code before ordering.

Q: Why does balance shaft timing matter so much on these BMW engines? The balance shaft in the N-series engines counter-rotates to cancel out the secondary vibrations inherent in four-cylinder engine design. If the balance shaft is incorrectly phased during timing chain reassembly — even slightly — it actively generates vibration rather than cancelling it. The result is persistent engine vibration at all speeds that can be mistaken for numerous other faults. Correct balance shaft timing using the dedicated alignment tools is the only way to ensure this does not happen.

Q: Why are three separate balance shaft alignment tools needed? BMW revised the balance shaft design and configuration at various points during the N-series engine's thirteen-year production run. Different engine codes and production periods use different balance shaft geometries, each requiring a differently profiled alignment tool for correct setting. The ETK121 includes all three OEM-referenced alignment tools — 11 5 140, 11 8 700 and 11 9 330 — to cover every balance shaft configuration encountered across the full range of covered engine codes.

Q: How do I know which of the three balance shaft alignment tools applies to my engine? The correct alignment tool for each specific engine code and production period is specified in BMW's workshop procedure documentation. When carrying out this work, always refer to the BMW workshop manual or a recognised technical procedure guide for the specific engine code being worked on, which will confirm which alignment tool reference applies to that variant.

Q: Is this kit sufficient on its own for timing chain replacement on N-series BMW engines? The ETK121 is specifically designed to cover the balance shaft timing element of the procedure — the step most unique to this engine family and most commonly lacking from generic timing kits. For the complete timing chain replacement procedure you will also require standard workshop equipment including a torque wrench, socket set and the vehicle-specific timing chain components. Always refer to the BMW workshop manual for the full step-by-step procedure and all specified torque values.

Q: Is timing chain and balance shaft work on N-series BMW engines suitable for a home mechanic? Timing chain work on N-series BMW engines, including the balance shaft setting procedure, requires a solid understanding of engine timing systems, access to BMW workshop documentation and experience with precision engine work. For experienced home mechanics with the appropriate knowledge and skill level, the ETK121 provides the correct OEM-equivalent tooling. The procedure should always be carried out strictly in accordance with BMW workshop documentation and to all specified torque values.