Spark plug socket - recommendations.

[chanlon1]

Looking to get a spark plug socket for my E86.
The plugs are hex based, 6 sided, so looking for a thin walled 6 point socket. 14mm
Most seem to be 12 sided and aren’t recommended for use with the bmw plugs.

Has anyone got a 6 sided that fits the engine?

Tx

 

[Zedebee]

This one has been great for me. Strongly magnetised, so hard to drop a plug.

 

[chanlon1]

I see it’s a 12 point socket. I had heard that you shouldn’t use that on a hex 6 sided spark plug?

 

[Pondy]

I see it’s a 12 point socket. I had heard that you shouldn’t use that on a hex 6 sided spark plug?

Why not? Plugs aren't done up very tight (or shouldn't be) so there is no chance of it damaging the hex. A twelve sided makes getting onto the plug nut much easier too, which you want as you can't see what's going on down there.
I bought one like the link below, as the knuckle joint is needed for the E89 and makes it much more versatile. Mine isn't magnetic but has the rubber inside to grip the electrode. Works a treat!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387605598122?_skw=14mm+swivel+spark+plug+socket&itmmeta=01K79ESGHD8WNBRREJ48HWCKAF&hash=item5a3f180faa:g:OLkAAOSwhP5nMvAJ&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAABAFkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1e5AzbTRO9G

 

[chanlon1]

Why not? Plugs aren't done up very tight (or shouldn't be) so there is no chance of it damaging the hex. A twelve sided makes getting onto the plug nut much easier too, which you want as you can't see what's going on down there.

Its just what I had read, that the 12 sides has the potential to round the corners I do agree that they arent super tight, so I guess its not too much of a worry. But.....my OCD says I want the proper thing
As far as I can tell, the E86 doesnt need the knuckle joint, as it appears to be just straight up and down with nothing interfering. I'll take a look at your link, its not going to break the bank if its not what I am after.....

 

[Zedebee]

I see it’s a 12 point socket. I had heard that you shouldn’t use that on a hex 6 sided spark plug?

It’s never let me down. I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t think it was an excellent bit of kit. As above, 12 sides makes it a lot easier to get on the plug and, frankly, they are pretty tough.