Spark Plug Renewal

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peteinnit

Member
 Hastings East Sussex
Hi all,
I know this should be a simple job, but I seem to have encountered a problem and wondering if there is a special plug socket I need.

I have '62 plate E89 2.0l model. I've removed the coils and can see the plug, but it seems to be offset a little, so the socket can't seat straight on the plug to remove it. So wondering if there is an off set socket I need, or do I need to add a little force?! Obviously reluctant to force anything. Phoned BMW Parts who seemed to know nothing about any special tool.

Assuming I shouldn't have to remove any other ancillary parts to get to the plugs, as that looks quite involved!

Any advice much appreciated.
 
peteinnit said:
Hi all,
I know this should be a simple job, but I seem to have encountered a problem and wondering if there is a special plug socket I need.

I have '62 plate E89 2.0l model. I've removed the coils and can see the plug, but it seems to be offset a little, so the socket can't seat straight on the plug to remove it. So wondering if there is an off set socket I need, or do I need to add a little force?! Obviously reluctant to force anything. Phoned BMW Parts who seemed to know nothing about any special tool.

Assuming I shouldn't have to remove any other ancillary parts to get to the plugs, as that looks quite involved!

Any advice much appreciated.
Click to expand...

you say 'plug' and not 'plugs'. does this mean you've only removed one coilpack so far and have looked at the top of a single plug?

would suggest removing more coils to observe if the 'offset' as you describe is accross all plugs, cancelling out the possibility that the plug you have initially observed is crossthreaded and sitting at a funny angle. can't imagine a crossthreaded plug would work properly however, or at least produce some oil leakage in the plug well.

posting a photo might help garner ideas here.....
 
What kind of plug socket do you have?
Some plugs do not use a normal hex socket but a multi-star shaped socket.
I found this out when going to change the plugs in my old mini.
 
Thanks for replies. I removed 2 coils and they both looked the same, plug socket wouldn't just slide on. I will take a couple of photos and post later and also remove the other 2.

I bought the multi star shaped socket, which fits on the new plugs which I got from Dealer. Old ones looked like they had the same multi star shape, but I will check that again! Might have to wait until next weekend now, but I will check all of them and post photo. But sounds like there isn't a special tool that I haven't already got.

Cheers
 
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Hi,
Pulled out the 3rd coil and it's the same again, so seems it's meant to be this way! Photos attached, down the plug hole and my socket. You can see that the head of the plug is not square at the bottom. Do I need to remove more parts to get onto it? More importantly I guess, is this normal of the 20i? The video's I've seen on youtube of other BMW engines all show it directly in line.

Mine was recalled for a new cam chain and now I'm wondering if maybe they haven't put things back correctly.

Thanks again for replies so far.

Peter
 
Bear has it right.

I can't guarantee for the 20i but for the N54 (35i) engine you need to buy a bespoke thin walled socket. I'd be amazed if the garage misaligned 3 spark plugs?

You can get them on Amazon, they are widely available for other BMW models including the 1 series and Mini and do not cost much.

Edit: the more I look at your socket the more I can guarantee you need a thin walled version. I had the same problem when changing my sparks. Burgemotorsport do a really good quality version but by the time you pay postage you may as well get an Amazon special....just be aware that the retention clips fail and like to drop in to the cylinder (I speak from experience, thankfully problem avoided)
 
Just a thin walled one needed. Same as the N54 engine. They do look at a slight angle when peering down into the engine.

This is the one I have; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-4376-Plug-Socket-Thin/dp/B003AMVZ72/

Been using it for 3 years with no problems.
 
R.E92 said:
Just a thin walled one needed. Same as the N54 engine. They do look at a slight angle when peering down into the engine.

This is the one I have; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-4376-Plug-Socket-Thin/dp/B003AMVZ72/

Been using it for 3 years with no problems.
Click to expand...

Same one I have - in fact my review of it is 2nd in list on Amazon. Do be aware of the retainer clips.
 
Coincidence, picked up a Laser 4376 on my way home tonight and just read last couple of posts. Reassuring to see it recommended here, so hopefully should get them out this weekend. Thanks again.
 
Plugs changed! :D Now all I need to do is get the right size oil filter wrench and the servicing will be complete. Got an 86mm which is too small, so guess it must be the 87mm. Tooling up has taken longer than the work itself!..

Thanks again for the tips. Cheers.
 
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