DIY spark plug change

[Pondrew]

I'm after a bit of advice please..
The old Z4 (N20) is having an oil change and possibly brake fluid at a local garage (as I can't be doing with the mess and logistics of DIY) but I am planning on changing the plugs, pollen and air filters myself.
Is there anything I need to do specifically to change the plugs? I have a plug socket (14mm I believe) but do I need to check gaps on the new ones, disconnect the battery, lubricate the sealing rings, etc? I have never changed plugs before. The filters are easy peasy.
Ta very much...

 

[B21]

You need the thin, deep wall version with an articulating joint to get to the back ones..you should always check the gaps, in case they were dropped, mishandled etc, plugs are fitted dry with torque wrench

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toolwiz-Magnetic-Swivel-Spark-Socket/dp/B08FRH2MDN/ref=asc_df_B08FRH2MDN/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463110531023&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13742889315553340929&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006891&hvtargid=pla-1016164999397&th=1

 

[enuff_zed]

[ref]Pondrew[/ref], if you've never done it before, here's a little tip for you.
Put the car wheels on dollies. Put the socket on the spark plug and hold still while you get wifey to spin the car round. :roll:

 

[Pondrew]

You need the thin, deep wall version with an articulating joint to get to the back ones..you should always check the gaps, in case they were dropped, mishandled etc, plugs are fitted dry with torque wrench

I've got all the sockets and a torque wrench (23nm I read somewhere) but I haven't got a set of feeler gauges (I don't think)!

 

[Pondrew]

Pondrew, if you've never done it before, here's a little tip for you.
Put the car wheels on dollies. Put the socket on the spark plug and hold still while you get wifey to spin the car round.

This is serious. I am about to embark on a mechanical adventure so I need all my ducks in a row.

 

[Chris_D]

I can't be doing with the mess and logistics

The 'logistics' of an oil change??
Wow.
It's like saying I can fry an egg but I can't be doin with them sausages. They're a bit beyond my skillset.
:rofl:

 

[Z4paul]

[ref]Pondrew[/ref], if you've never done it before, here's a little tip for you.
Put the car wheels on dollies. Put the socket on the spark plug and hold still while you get wifey to spin the car round. :roll:

Quality advice right here :rofl:

 

[Pondrew]

The 'logistics' of an oil change??
Wow.
It's like saying I can fry an egg but I can't be doin with them sausages. They're a bit beyond my skillset.

OK if it makes you happy I will put it another way:

I am too feckin old and knackered to be lying under a Z4 and messing about with sump plugs. I am also not quite poor enough to have to!

Better?

 

[Chris_D]

The 'logistics' of an oil change??
Wow.
It's like saying I can fry an egg but I can't be doin with them sausages. They're a bit beyond my skillset.

OK if it makes you happy I will put it another way:

I am too feckin old and knackered to be lying under a Z4 and messing about with sump plugs. I am also not quite poor enough to have to!

Better?

You knackered old fart.
:lol:

 

[Pondrew]

You knackered old fart.

That's me!

 

[grannyknot]

You need the thin, deep wall version with an articulating joint to get to the back ones..you should always check the gaps, in case they were dropped, mishandled etc, plugs are fitted dry with torque wrench

I've got all the sockets and a torque wrench (23nm I read somewhere) but I haven't got a set of feeler gauges (I don't think)!

Almost all spark plugs these days, the good ones at least come with a plastic cylinder covering the electrodes and preventing the gap from getting bumped. If you don't want to buy a spark plug gaping tool you'll probably be fine.
I have to admit that I still do check the gap on each new plug, old habits die hard but I can't say I have found more than 1 or 2 that needed adjusting in hundreds new ones that I have installed.
Also, they do have these terrific evacuation pumps now the suck up the used oil through the dip stick hole, no mess, no lying on a cold concrete floor.

 

[Chris_D]

Also, they do have these terrific evacuation pumps now the suck up the used oil through the dip stick hole, no mess, no lying on a cold concrete floor.

No dipstick tube.
Yeah. Rubbish.
:lol:

 

[grannyknot]

Also, they do have these terrific evacuation pumps now the suck up the used oil through the dip stick hole, no mess, no lying on a cold concrete floor.

No dipstick tube.
Yeah. Rubbish.
:lol:

LOL still shaking my about that, let's keep the owner from ever going under the hood.

 

[B21]

Pondweed…I forgot…on the N20 with pneumatic waste gate control the engine cover has two itsy bitsy connectors hidden from view, under the cover on the LHS as you look at the engine to do with boost management…they are push fit on barb connectors…easily broken off requiring a new cover (no boost if broken)…

Maybe on a 18i they aren’t there…

Also if they are there remember to reconnect otherwise the car is smooooothhhh but slowwww…

Don’t ask how I know… :tumbleweed:

 

[Pondrew]

Pondweed…I forgot…on the N20 with pneumatic waste gate control the engine cover has two itsy bitsy connectors hidden from view, under the cover on the LHS as you look at the engine to do with boost management…they are push fit on barb connectors…easily broken off requiring a new cover (no boost if broken)…

Maybe on a 18i they aren’t there…

Also if they are there remember to reconnect otherwise the car is smooooothhhh but slowwww…

Don’t ask how I know…

Cheers Pete!
I'm starting to have second thoughts already!

I found a set of imperial feeler gauges in my dear old Dad's toolbox.

 

[B21]

Imperial is good…after all we drive on the ‘correct’ side :tumbleweed:

Hope you use the poles/stones setting on the torque wrench

 

[enuff_zed]

[ref]Pondrew[/ref], I suggest you use some of the vast profit you made when you swapped your wheels and get someone else to change your plugs. oke:

 

[B21]

The philosophical issue on DIY maintenance is this..

Take changing spark plugs

In the old days..

The plugs were immediately obvious where they were as soon as you opened the bonnet…

Same plug spanner worked on all plugs

All heads were cast iron

Your biggest issue was getting the wrong lead on the wrong plug..

Difficult to strip a thread, easy access, the effort reward ratio was good…

Now..

Where are the fucking plugs?

What type of fucking obscure plug spanner do you need? 17 point 24.67 mm?

What’s the fucking torque setting?

Why is the last plug obscured by a fucking big strut?

 

[MikeyH]

All this is beginning to put me off doing mine now. Did the air filter, piece of cake.

 

[Pondrew]

All this is beginning to put me off doing mine now. Did the air filter, piece of cake.

That's not a bad idea, Mikey, putting a piece of cake in for an air filter. Probably has quite high particle arrestance too, especially if my missus made it!
"What's that smell when you drive down the road, Mikey?"
"Victoria sponge....could be battenburg" :rofl: :rofl: