Need your opinion regarding dealer repair (spark plugs) - Diag Report Attached

[clomeli21]

Hello all, thank you for reading...

A few weeks ago I brought my '08 M3 e93 ~47k miles in to the dealer because of an "Increased emissions" error. My SA advised it was a cylinder 7 misfire and I needed the spark plug and coil replaced on cylinder 7 ($493). I approved and they performed the repair.

The day after I picked up the vehicle the Increased Emissions error returned. A day or so later the Engine Malfunction - Reduced Power error occurred and vehicle went limp. I restarted the car and it went away... however Increased Emissions still present. A day later Engine Malfunction occurred and this time it would not go away with a vehicle restart. I did an OBD scan and P0307 error Cylinder 7 misfire was the result. I then brought the car back to the dealer.

The dealer is now saying I need the other 7 spark plugs changed ($702). I do understand that with about 47k miles the spark plugs might be do anyway... but my concern is that after I approve this repair the vehicle might still not function properly. I'd hate to pay the $702 and have my car malfunctioning the day after I pick it up... like it did last time. I called around and other decent repair shops quoted around $423 and didn't seam to thrilled about working on a BMW.

Can someone take a look at the attached report and see if they spot anything that would suggest more than just spark plug replacement? The service manager was nice enough to email me the full diagnostics.

Thank you very much in advance!!!

[mjposner]

If the car has never has a spark plug change then it is due anyway. My 2011 was just done at 37k miles. If the plugs have been changed then I suspect they are not sure what is wrong and are guessing. OBD II code readers will not really work as BMW does not send full info and all info to the port (you need a special software). I would make them redo the original repair first to see if that is the issue.

[MrGroup]

Are you in San Antonio? Don't mess around with BMW SA. They are amateurs and know nothing about ///M cars. I doubt they know much about BMWs in general. Their service is a joke. Get a second opinion here: http://www.rhinewest.com/

[SenorFunkyPants]

I would have the rest of plugs changed without doubt....and see where you are after that.
I would also look at having the software updated as it looks like its never had an update.

[///mawana]

Your pdf says cylinder 3 misfire (page 2)! If at one point you had a cylinder 7 misfire and assuming your plugs have never been done, just get all remaining 7 done. The dealer though should have noted whether all plugs change was due,...

[Time Lord]

i would have changed all your spark plugs and and replaced all the coils for that price.

I can tell you that like the others have said,if the spark plugs have not been changed out at that mileage you should have it done.

I can also tell you that if the problem is number 7, then that one is usually the problem.

Just change them yourself its super easy!! good luck

[clomeli21]

Originally Posted by MrGroup

Are you in San Antonio? Don't mess around with BMW SA. They are amateurs and know nothing about ///M cars. I doubt they know much about BMWs in general. Their service is a joke. Get a second opinion here: http://www.rhinewest.com/

Thanks for the suggestion... I had never heard of this shop before. I'll give them a call today!

[clomeli21]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

I would have the rest of plugs changed without doubt....and see where you are after that.
I would also look at having the software updated as it looks like its never had an update.

What software update should I ask for specifically? (i am out of warranty)

[tinman831]

OP, check the DIY thread on changing them. Changing the spark plugs is very easy, even for an amateur mechanic. All it'll cost you is just under $100 bucks for the spark plugs and less than two hours (conservatively) of your time on the weekend.

[8k3]

for one thing, you don't usually just change one plug on this car, that was a bad move on the dealer. The coil I understand. If the plugs have never been changed, change the rest.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by tinman831

OP, check the DIY thread on changing them. Changing the spark plugs is very easy, even for an amateur mechanic. All it'll cost you is just under $100 bucks for the spark plugs and less than two hours (conservatively) of your time on the weekend.

Theoretically very easy, but the ones in the back are a huge pain to swap. There's just not much clearance.

[Prince_of_Persia]

Definitely change all spark plugs, but I changed all of them including labour for around $200-$250 AFAIR. Got the spark plugs from Amazon and got the dealership to change them.

[tinman831]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Theoretically very easy, but the ones in the back are a huge pain to swap. There's just not much clearance.

That's why I say two hours. The front six go by super quick. I spent most of my time cursing at the two rear ones. Scraped up my hands a bit, but they came out eventually.

[grantmax]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

Definitely change all spark plugs, but I changed all of them including labour for around $200-$250 AFAIR. Got the spark plugs from Amazon and got the dealership to change them.

OP - With the proper tools, this is a fairly simple DIY. You'll want to change all 8 at once.

Purchase the plugs from your online vendor of choice and go to work.

[kerrit]

The spark plugs are $9 each on Amazon and very easy to replace - I'd avoid the dealer for that price they quoted you, go to an independent european shop at least.

[MrGroup]

Originally Posted by clomeli21

Thanks for the suggestion... I had never heard of this shop before. I'll give them a call today!

They are awesome. A true "autohaus". They ONLY work on BMWs. Took my out of warranty ///M there and have no complaints. Saw an M1 in there once (not 1M...an M1!) and several awesome 2002s as well.

[MrStinky]

You realize spark plugs are 12 bucks and coil is 60. 72 bucks and 15 minutes to change. 450 charged you??

Buy 7 plugs inline for under 100 and spend an hour changing them

[osteome]

Originally Posted by MrStinky

You realize spark plugs are 12 bucks and coil is 60. 72 bucks and 15 minutes to change. 450 charged you??

Buy 7 plugs inline for under 100 and spend an hour changing them

If it was BMW of San Antonio, then I can relate in regards to price. They quoted me a little over $800 just to replace the plugs.

OP: I have a set of new plugs and the coil tool and am local. I have not gotten around to doing the change and my E93 is up for sale. If I don't get around to the change this weekend, I will likely give the new owner the plugs and the tool, but if you want to DIY in the near future, I can loan the tool....

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by osteome

If it was BMW of San Antonio, then I can relate in regards to price. They quoted me a little over $800 just to replace the plugs.

OP: I have a set of new plugs and the coil tool and am local. I have not gotten around to doing the change and my E93 is up for sale. If I don't get around to the change this weekend, I will likely give the new owner the plugs and the tool, but if you want to DIY in the near future, I can loan the tool....

I'm in SA, I've not seen your car around. Do you go to the cars and coffee at the rim?

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the coil tool?

[osteome]

Originally Posted by Patrón

I'm in SA, I've not seen your car around. Do you go to the cars and coffee at the rim?

If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the coil tool?

I have not attended any local events at this point and with the M3 up for sale probably will not. It is a shame, as I would not mind meeting up with fellow enthusiasts, but Uncle Sam keeps me busy.

I bought the coil tool from another member who has them manufactured. He used to "advertise" them on the board, but was requested to stop as he was not an authorized vendor. His tool can be seen in the DIY thread with pictures.

I can PM you the contact.

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by osteome

I have not attended any local events at this point and with the M3 up for sale probably will not. It is a shame, as I would not mind meeting up with fellow enthusiasts, but Uncle Sam keeps me busy.

I bought the coil tool from another member who has them manufactured. He used to "advertise" them on the board, but was requested to stop as he was not an authorized vendor. His tool can be seen in the DIY thread with pictures.

I can PM you the contact.

Thank you for your service, my family and I greatly appreciate it.

If you could pn me his info I'd appreciate it.

[osteome]

Originally Posted by Patrón

Thank you for your service, my family and I greatly appreciate it.

If you could pn me his info I'd appreciate it.

My pleasure to serve! I sent you a PM.