N52/N54 cam tray replacement and alignment with VANOS unit

[imbalance]

I think I need to replace the cam ledge/tray in my engine. If it helps this is what I am talking about: ( https://youtube.com/shorts/bcuMZIIZ3Fw?si=rVvOmkvP... ).

I have seen several guides but none of them specify if I need to align these holes on the gear and the camshaft. I think this is how oil is supplied to the internal vanes of the gear to help change camshaft angle. The blue part is where the big bolt goes which connects the gear to the camshaft and the vane structure internally is what is connected to the camshaft helping it control the camshaft position.





If anyone has done this job (especially exhaust side) for the N52 or N54, I would appreciate it if you could tell me if I need to align these holes and how?

I will be following this guide as I have found it the most comprehensive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8tUIiiza1A - at 43:45 he starts to re-install the gears but does not say if hole alignment is necessary) and this video helped me partially understand how the variable VANOS system works (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDutBrxBQ9Q). I am still a bit confused as to how the oil is supplied to the VANOS gear, I assume its through these holes but they must be lined up correctly otherwise the flow will be blocked?

Edit: Also I realise there are 5 vs 4 holes which wont line up exactly anyway but some of them still must remain unblocked?

Edited by imbalance on Saturday 30th May 17:21