DIY: Spark Plug Change - 2008 E92 M3

signes wrote

Hey TxStig, want to sell that tool (or make another one for me?)

I appreciate all the people whom asked about buying one. Please consider this my reply to all. I had a couple of private inquiries also. What is the forums policy on selling things? I would think I would have to be a vendor of some sort to be able to sell these parts to you guys and not piss somebody off?

To make them for a reasonable price say $25 I would probably need a minimum of 30 orders? Honestly though I have no idea. I will get a quote and see what kind of price I can make them for and go from there...

The one off piece probably cost $150-$300 when you factor in engineering time, materials, machining labor etc. I was bored so I made one and its still cheaper than having the dealership change my plugs. I think it may fit on the M5 and M6 coil packs also.

I'm not against sharing the drawing with everybody and letting them make their own. I am also not against using it as a "loaner" where when people need it I send it to them they use it and the return it. But i have a feeling one day it might never return...

I have sent out drawings for a qoute from a cnc machining company I knwo lets see what they come back with. I would also like to try it out on my car first to make sure it works as planned...maybe make a few small ergonomic adjustments. I will keep everyone updated.

Cheers.

TxStig

apecush wrote

Just did the spark plug change on my car. Didn't remove the intake, didn't have any special tools to remove the coils. All I used were two 6 mm box end wrenches and pressed them into the "groove" on the coil and pulled up. Coils came out relatively easily, even the rears. Total time spent was around 2 hours.

All in all, this was one of the easier cars I've changed plugs on.

So trying to get a hold of these tools on this post is pointless? You didn't run into any issues? Cool.

e92livin wrote

Doesn't the s65 use Bosch spark plugs ?

no. NGK LKR8AP is the stock plug.

BimmerRob08 wrote

So trying to get a hold of these tools on this post is pointless? You didn't run into any issues? Cool.

correct. the 6mm wrenches I had actually stayed put in the grooves too, so there was no fishing wrenches from the bottom of the engine compartment.

I think having the correct tool may have saved 15 minutes at the most.

My CNC guy got back to me already with a quote. Looks like if I have 15 made I can hit about $22 a piece...

I'd be willing to let them go for $30 if a minimum of 15 people commit to one I realize that you CAN do this with wrenches and have no problem but this is a nice alternative.

Cheers,

TxStig

TxStig wrote

My CNC guy got back to me already with a quote. Looks like if I have 15 made I can hit about $22 a piece...

I'd be willing to let them go for $30 if a minimum of 15 people commit to one I realize that you CAN do this with wrenches and have no problem but this is a nice alternative.

Cheers,

TxStig

I would be interested in this. Let me know.

Eric

Actually one of these thin profile bike wench will fit in the coil grove perfectly also (I forgot what size though):

http://www.rei.com/product/639276/park-double-sided-cone-wrench-dcw-2

But you have to be careful when applying the force on the wrench when lifting the coil out or you risk breaking that lip on the coil. That's why I decided to make that pvc tool. For $30, I would say the one TxStig is making is well worth it if you plan to keep the car for a while and will do multiple plug change.

TxStig wrote

My CNC guy got back to me already with a quote. Looks like if I have 15 made I can hit about $22 a piece...

I'd be willing to let them go for $30 if a minimum of 15 people commit to one I realize that you CAN do this with wrenches and have no problem but this is a nice alternative.

Cheers,

TxStig

Count me in

TxStig wrote

My CNC guy got back to me already with a quote. Looks like if I have 15 made I can hit about $22 a piece...

I'd be willing to let them go for $30 if a minimum of 15 people commit to one I realize that you CAN do this with wrenches and have no problem but this is a nice alternative.

Cheers,

TxStig

Count me in for one!

rantarM3 wrote  

TxStig wrote

My CNC guy got back to me already with a quote. Looks like if I have 15 made I can hit about $22 a piece...

I'd be willing to let them go for $30 if a minimum of 15 people commit to one I realize that you CAN do this with wrenches and have no problem but this is a nice alternative.

Cheers,

TxStig

Count me in for one!

I think that makes 11 people so far. I need to make a list of everybody who wants one...

My plugs arrive Friday I think. I will be doing the plug change next week to test it. While my girlfriend is out of town

Thanks for the interest I will keep everybody updated.

TxStig wrote

I think that makes 11 people so far. I need to make a list of everybody who wants one...

My plugs arrive Friday I think. I will be doing the plug change next week to test it. While my girlfriend is out of town

Thanks for the interest I will keep everybody updated.

Add me to the list please.

Great work TxStig. You can put me down for 2! Also I wouldn't mind if you make them out of steel instead of more aluminum

kaiv wrote

Great work TxStig. You can put me down for 2! Also I wouldn't mind if you make them out of steel instead of more aluminum

Kaiv,

To make them out of steel would be quite expensive as 316SS raw material is harder to machine and costs more to purchase. I am trying to keep these as cost effective as possible for the members.

All pullers will be made from 6061 Aluminum. The top of the coil packs that they pull on is a hardened plastic I believe so this should see a lifetime of use.

Being an engineer I would really like to do some more R&D but the demand is obviously there for at least 10 or 12 right now. Once I get this done I would really appreciate any and all feedback. Once people start using them..

Getting ready to make a post of interested people...

Cheers,

Tx Stig

All the people interested so far I think are listed below. If I missed you I am sorry. Please copy and add your name to the list so I can private message everybody once they are ready:

1.)Signes
2.)James 33
3.)SurlynKid
4.)Snig
5.)Elm3
6.)Italyix
7.)RantarM3
8.)Victor H
9.)Kaiv x 2
10.) Monk
11.)BimmerRob08
12.)Hugehead
13.)ChiBich

Thirteen people have committed to buy so far. With a total of fourteen ordered.

Pretty sure the price point is going to be $35 shipped.

one

TxStig, thanks for agreeing to do this (glad I asked!) Please post up your Paypal info when you're ready (happy to pay in advance if that would help.)

signes wrote

TxStig, thanks for agreeing to do this (glad I asked!) Please post up your Paypal info when you're ready (happy to pay in advance if that would help.)

Thanks for the offer, but I will cover the inital costs to save confusion and want to make absolutely sure everybody is happy with the price the ergonomics and stuff before I start asking for payments and shipping stuff out. As I said I should be ready to order in a week or two pending next weeks testing. Right now I think the finger space is a little small ergonomically however, making it taller may result in more difficulty on the back coils? I also had an idea for a much simpler version but it wouldn't look as pretty! I may try to work on that design too and see how people feel.

After that I expect them to be ready in two-three weeks. However my machinist is pretty quick so we shall see.

I do promise to try my hardest getting these out, but everybodies patience would be appreciated.

I am thinking about trying to get them polished and up to snuff cosmetically. A real finished product...

Thanks again.

MONK is added to the list!

Count me in.

BimmerRob08 wrote  

Count me in.

Added

Hi TxStig, count me in if you are willing to ship to UK please

hugehead wrote  

Hi TxStig, count me in if you are willing to ship to UK please

Since I'm originally from Middlesbrough - consider yourself counted in!!

TxStig wrote

Since I'm originally from Middlesbrough - consider yourself counted in!!

ah ok ....great thanks