DIY spark plug change

zxy · Post by **zxy** » Tue Jan 17, 2023 3:05 am

Today when I pressed the starter button, I thought, plugs and coils have 40k on them, it was a frosty cold night, will it catch on the first turn like it always has? Well, the N54 did instantly and idled without missing. I would like to think that those old plugs and coils, (and injectors) must still be doing ok.
Maybe i should just run them until it takes a few cranks on a cold morning to fire it up. BMW doesn't seem to have any better advise. And BTW those turbos love that cold dense air.

B21 · Post by **B21** » Tue Jan 17, 2023 10:13 am

Initial Spark plug / coil failure occurs normally under high load…so a cold start is not the normal indicator of impending failure…

However cold air is good for all ICEs

tiglon · Post by **tiglon** » Tue Jan 17, 2023 10:51 am

>5k rpm under full throttle is the best way to identify a coil or plug that needs replacing on mine

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 5:35 pm

Pondrew wrote: ↑Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:15 pm So an update for all you wanting a laugh.
I would consider my attempt at changing my plugs as an epic failure TBH.

Managed to unplug the two little hoses on the engine cover OK. When I took the cover off, the rubber locating piece for the nearside clip flew off and fell down onto the floorpan somewhere; can't find it, so the cover now rattles!
Got the coil out OK (had to look at youtube on how to remove electrical connector though).
Got my 14mm long socket with a flexible joint on the end down into the 'plug hole' where it stuck fast and I spent 20 minutes trying to get it out. I didn't think I was going to do it at one point as it was stuck tight (obviously got jammed where the angle changes near the plug). Luckily it didn't get onto the plug so no damage done apart from some scoring of the 'plug hole'.

So no plugs changed as I need a thinner wall socket. And I cut my finger too!

So after buying one of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162441828539 ... 7On3Yt3H3G

Plugs changed in about 30 mins. AND I found the missing grommet from the engine cover clip.

Easy when you have the correct tools!

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:03 pm

Pondrew wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 5:35 pm So after buying one of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162441828539 ... 7On3Yt3H3G

Plugs changed in about 30 mins. AND I found the missing grommet from the engine cover clip.
Easy when you have the correct tools!

Good to know you got them done in less than 6 pages of posts!

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:07 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:03 pm Good to know you got them done in less than 6 pages of posts!

TBF Iain, most of those weren't mine (for a change)!

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:14 pm

Pondrew wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:07 pm TBF Iain, most of those weren't mine (for a change)!

They weren't, so fair play to you.

It's very satisfying when you successfully complete a job on your car.

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:21 pm

Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:14 pm It's very satisfying when you successfully complete a job on your car.

I have never really 'worked' on cars, but I do like a challenge and learning new stuff. I swear it goes much better now too!

Christopher72 · Post by **Christopher72** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:19 pm

Mine arrives in a few min from FCP Euro.. Don't forget coils... they need love too.

Jey · Post by **Jey** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:28 pm

Christopher72 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:19 pm Mine arrives in a few min from FCP Euro.. Don't forget coils... they need love too.

So the coils need changing at what mileage, 2.5, changing my plugs but hadn’t considered coils but I’d expect them to last at least 80k?

Christopher72 · Post by **Christopher72** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:40 pm

Jey wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:28 pm So the coils need changing at what mileage, 2.5, changing my plugs but hadn’t considered coils but I’d expect them to last at least 80k?

I'm at 90k, and on original coils - and they still work. So, they do last. There's a few here that are much more competent mechanically to discuss the virtues of such when mapping or staying stock. I'm told the newer Eldor coils + new plugs will also improve efficiency. I'm just doing it to avoid problems. I picked up my E89 last fall and I'd like to run it for more than a few years, nothing wrong with being proactive.

pvr · Post by **pvr** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:11 pm

At least you benefit from the change and not the next owner if you have to change them just before you sell

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:51 pm

Christopher72 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:40 pm I picked up my E89 last fall

You should be a bit more careful at your age.

Pondrew · Post by **Pondrew** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:53 pm

Jey wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:28 pm So the coils need changing at what mileage, 2.5, changing my plugs but hadn’t considered coils but I’d expect them to last at least 80k?

Not interested in the post, but can you post more please? I quite like your avatar!

Jey · Post by **Jey** » Fri Feb 17, 2023 7:23 pm

Pondrew wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:53 pm
Jey wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:28 pm So the coils need changing at what mileage, 2.5, changing my plugs but hadn’t considered coils but I’d expect them to last at least 80k?
Not interested in the post, but can you post more please? I quite like your avatar!

yes, my favourite avatar, probably should have a fb group all of its own

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