DIY Spark Plug Change W/PHOTOS

[CSanto]

Originally Posted by Sean05

haha Yes print this and show them... warranty out or not they still should replace it.. if not call BMW corp... i dont know if that would help but at least you have something that in writing.

Honestly,
I wouldnt put it past my dealership to say they will honor it, then just not do anything.

I guess it's worth a shot.

[hugehead]

I have a question for you guys....i have only 13K miles on my car , I had change the oil three times now ( the car was first registered in Dec 09) so it just three years old , do I wait till the car has actually done 37k miles then change the plugs , or change it at the next oil service ?(will be done by me ).

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by hugehead

I have a question for you guys....i have only 13K miles on my car , I had change the oil three times now ( the car was first registered in Dec 09) so it just three years old , do I wait till the car has actually done 37k miles then change the plugs , or change it at the next oil service ?(will be done by me ).

I personally cut everything BMW says about mileage in half. I would change them around 15-18k.

[hugehead]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

I personally cut everything BMW says about mileage in half. I would change them around 15-18k.

yeah your probably right, so best to change next oil service then .

cheers

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

I personally cut everything BMW says about mileage in half. I would change them around 15-18k.

WOW... on a sparkplug its not going to change anything... change it every 30k... even guys that tracks constantly dont replace it that often..

[hugehead]

Originally Posted by Sean05

WOW... on a sparkplug its not going to change anything... change it every 30k... even guys that tracks constantly dont replace it that often..

ah that makes sense as well ...but in my case that another 4 years till its needs changing !! is that wise ?

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Sean05

WOW... on a sparkplug its not going to change anything... change it every 30k... even guys that tracks constantly dont replace it that often..

Sure it makes a difference. Many people are having them changed ~ 20k from other posters here. 37k is just the MAX you want them to go. Since I drive 4k/year, changing them every 4-4.5 years seems reasonable for leaving a plug in the head.

[aussiem3]

Originally Posted by hugehead

ah that makes sense as well ...but in my case that another 4 years till its needs changing !! is that wise ?

I've had the car for the last five years, and I am trying the change the plugs for the first time in 36k km. I don't think the performance has suffered, it's for the sake of a peaceful mind and keep things fresh.

Now that I can do the engine oil, brake oil, now the spark plugs, it's easy to keep the serviceable areas in mint condition. I am also enjoying my new found ability to service the car. All thanks to this forum.

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

Sure it makes a difference. Many people are having them changed ~ 20k from other posters here. 37k is just the MAX you want them to go. Since I drive 4k/year, changing them every 4-4.5 years seems reasonable for leaving a plug in the head.

well i guess in your case i would do the same.. but replacing their sparkplug at 15k-18k maybe thats just being OCD... My dad was a mechanic for more than 25 years all cars now retired and replacing spark plug that often is just a waste... they dont change anything on the car unless it is needed to replace per service manual at this point our cars is at 37k... i do mine at 30k.... My last sparkplug change did it at 40k.. just cause i didnt have the tools to do it..plugs was still in good conditions. i dont know maybe its just me... oil change is a different story... i change mine every 7k tranny at 15k-25k (depends on how my tranny feels. Diff at 25k.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Sean05

well i guess in your case i would do the same.. but replacing their sparkplug at 15k-18k maybe thats just being OCD... My dad was a mechanic for more than 25 years all cars now retired and replacing spark plug that often is just a waste... they dont change anything on the car unless it is needed to replace per service manual at this point our cars is at 37k... i do mine at 30k.... My last sparkplug change did it at 40k.. just cause i didnt have the tools to do it..plugs was still in good conditions. i dont know maybe its just me... oil change is a different story... i change mine every 7k tranny at 15k-25k (depends on how my tranny feels. Diff at 25k.

I agree, Sean. It was just the longevity of the plug in the head. The previous owner took exceptional care of the vehicle so for me, $150 or so every 3 years is ok. For those doing 15-18k/year, probably keeping the plugs in good shape, tracking probably keeps the plugs clean as well. You just reminded me to do the diff soon.

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by TxStig

I am planning on doing my Diff and tranny witht he next oil change in about 2000 miles.

Need to start purchasing the fluids.

i did mine and it was a easy...

just an FYI...

FLUIDS cost internet price picked up...

$90+ for the Tranny
$60+ for the diff.

called several dealers and said quoted me almost 200 for the tranny and 150 for the diff... just making sure you dont pay that much...

i did a DIY with photos so part number should be there.. just check it out.

[hugehead]

thanks for the advice you guys...... I think I'll change the plugs at the end of this year as that a good compromise .

[uplusd]

Do I need extra coils? I heard they break easily?

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by uplusd

Do I need extra coils? I heard they break easily?

no they dont break easily they are talking about the coil head.. this is why you need a coil puller otherwise you will break the coil head... that is where you need to pull the coil...

if your careful enough it should be ok... but without the coil puller from TxStig im sure it will break...

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Sean05

no they dont break easily they are talking about the coil head.. this is why you need a coil puller otherwise you will break the coil head... that is where you need to pull the coil...

if your careful enough it should be ok... but without the coil puller from TxStig im sure it will break...

I used my fingers and wiggled them out from the base, but the puller would have been nice(r), agree.

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

I used my fingers and wiggled them out from the base, but the puller would have been nice(r), agree.

oh that is why its recommended to get the puller avoid wiggling the coil... that can damage the coils...

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Sean05

oh that is why its recommended to get the puller avoid wiggling the coil... that can damage the coils...

The plastic area where the puller slide in, seemed weak, I was worried I'd break it off. The older style puller for the E46M3 uses a twist back-and-forth method. How can using fingers damage them though?

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

The plastic area where the puller slide in, seemed weak, I was worried I'd break it off. The older style puller for the E46M3 uses a twist back-and-forth method. How can using fingers damage them though?

twisting them and pull is ok ... when you said wiggled i assume something else.

i meant to say to avoid bending it while pulling some people do that...

but twist and pull is usually what everyone does...

[uplusd]

where do you buy the puller?

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by uplusd

where do you buy the puller?

Read this thread.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by Sean05

twisting them and pull is ok ... when you said wiggled i assume something else.

i meant to say to avoid bending it while pulling some people do that...

but twist and pull is usually what everyone does...

You're gonna make me spend some $ on this tool, which I should do anyway.

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by TxStig

I have 12 tools left and not sure when I will order another batch right now...I am hoping to sell a bunch this weekend at the M Club track meet in Houston so get em before they are all gone!!

oh it will sell for sure.. majority of people dont click on the DIY until they see a problem or want to see something they are thinking of doing...

Track meet... no doubt...