BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > DIY Guides/ Discussions
 
European Auto Source (EAS)
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-09-2018, 01:51 AM   #529
JsL
Major
United_States
448
Rep
1,263
Posts

Drives: 2011 AW M3 ZCP
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (2)

I'm supercharged and change my plugs every 7500 miles. Here is the most important thing I learned.

Every coil plug takes slightly different amount of force to remove. Find the two easiest ones and put those in the back so it's easier next time around.
Appreciate 3
SaNGRia980.00
ZekeO4.50
      08-23-2018, 08:00 AM   #530
MSteve5036
Captain
125
Rep
713
Posts

Drives: 08/99 M3s
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: PA

iTrader: (1)

Just did the job and it took me a pretty casual 3 hours. I was working pretty slowly and cleaning at the same time. No special tools, just lots of swivel sockets and ujoints. The most annoying part for me was honestly trying to put the airbox back together. Mine just never seems to fit right.

I started it up before putting everything back together and was amazed at how much smoother it felt/sounded. Definitely not waiting as long next time.
Appreciate 0
      08-27-2018, 04:56 AM   #531
aussiem3
Colonel
aussiem3's Avatar
Australia
270
Rep
2,663
Posts

Drives: Goggomobil
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kangaroo land

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
I just did mine after it threw an error code. I was getting a lot of pre-ignition explosion, and especially in high gear (6th) and lower speeds, car was undriveable. I changed the first lot of spark plugs at 37k km (2013) and this at 82km. There was a lot for carbon build up and the 2nd cylinder which threw the error code and forced the car into limp mode was pretty bad with terminal touching. I also had the 6th one bad too but not registering error codes. I hated driving the car.

Since the change it has been like new with smooth acceleration and just singing. Like the other OP said, not going to wait for this long to change. It took me about four hours for the job without removing the airbox. Getting the ones close to the firewall was time consuming and frustrating. Anyway, it's done for now!
__________________
F86 X6///
Appreciate 1
BOOF-M34448.50
      09-22-2018, 10:53 AM   #532
chicagob5
Lieutenant
257
Rep
446
Posts

Drives: E90 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Did this for the first time yesterday @38k. Wasn't as bad as I thought, took me a little under under 2 hours all said and done without taking off the cowl or the plenum. What helped the most was having a variety of different size extensions, a spark plug socket with a swivel attached, and one more swivel socket.

I also had the division M coil puller - worth every penny IMO.
Appreciate 0
      09-24-2018, 12:22 PM   #533
JRV
Captain
United_States
119
Rep
922
Posts

Drives: 2011.75 AWE90M3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (1)

Did mine over the weekend...everything went fine except I got distracted when I walked away from removing the pass. side closest to cabin. Instead I went after the one I previously did next to it and somehow broke the coil plug! Dohhh
__________________
'11 Black/Black GLK350 (Wife)
'19 Black RAM 1500 Big Horn Night Package
'11 Loaded AW Fox Red/Black/Black Carbon Leather ZCP E90 M3 (Halloween Delivery)
Appreciate 0
      09-29-2018, 11:11 PM   #534
Ximian
.
Ximian's Avatar
United_States
1885
Rep
1,854
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: MN

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
2021 BMW M3  [0.00]
Anyone else notice that about a thousand miles after new spark plugs, the smoothness at idle for a cold start isn't quite there anymore? It's still better than before but not as good as brand new plugs.

My plan is to make spark plugs a yearly maintenance item done after the car is out of winter storage and ready for daily duties.
Appreciate 0
      12-01-2018, 06:28 PM   #535
rbu_tuninq
Enlisted Member
Romania
4
Rep
39
Posts

Drives: e92 M3
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: London

iTrader: (0)

Just done the job. Been easier than what's advertised.. . Coil plug pulled them out with some cable ties underneath them. NO special tools.
For the rear plugs...
... easiest way is to use a 150mm extension on top of the plug socket. That is all you need. No swivel socket..no swivel adaptors ...no nothing.
I've put the spark plug with socket in the hole... and after i had the extension 150mm in the hole.
I actually used a bit of tape on side of the socket so that i don't actually throw/ drop them in the hole.
On top of those the torque wrench fits perfect as well.....both sides.
This way you have a clean straight angle.
On extracting them....the extension comes out enough to see .. hold and unplug the socket with spark pllug on it...take the extension separated from the plug socket.
All the best.
Appreciate 1
      12-06-2018, 09:10 AM   #536
kyoo
Captain
341
Rep
744
Posts

Drives: Evo
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

anyone use champion or autolite iridium?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...121&cc=3294229

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...972&cc=3294229
Appreciate 0
      01-26-2019, 04:39 PM   #537
amalayz
New Member
amalayz's Avatar
6
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: 2008 Jet Black E93 M3
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by sibhusz06 View Post
Curious are you guys using anti seize on the threads or is it a no no due to grounding concerns

Thanks
I just did mine and I didn't use any type of anti seize or anything like that

Both the DIYs and YouTube videos I watched didn't mention them so I just didn't bother

I'd assume nothing wrong would come if you were to use them but I'm no professional so somebody with knowledge on this please tune in!
__________________
2008 E93 M3 6spd Jet Black
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2019, 09:50 PM   #538
essjon
Brigadier General
essjon's Avatar
1114
Rep
3,067
Posts

Drives: Austin Yellow M4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Visalia, CA

iTrader: (21)

Changed mine today and the old plugs doesnt look that bad

Appreciate 0
      05-01-2019, 01:14 PM   #539
Asianoak
Lieutenant
Asianoak's Avatar
United_States
143
Rep
451
Posts

Drives: '11 E92 M3 & "11 X3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Southern Oregon

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2011 M3  [0.00]
I love this forum so much. Just did mine and it took a total of 1.5 hours. If it weren't for all the great DIYs, member input and best practices I'd still be out in the garage trying to reinstall the plenum. LOL

Best part of this forum for me is seeing other people's struggles. Knowing that other people had the same issues as I am having but we're able to get past them helps keep me motivated and thinking positively... instead of throwing wrenches and cussing.
__________________
Instagram: @dasianoak
Appreciate 0
      08-04-2019, 01:58 PM   #540
bigjae1976
Major General
bigjae1976's Avatar
1567
Rep
8,074
Posts

Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW M3  [4.50]
2011 BMW E90 M3  [5.25]
2013 BMW 328i  [5.00]
I use a BFPB (big focking pry bar) and pop off the back 2 coil packs. Get under the plastic body...not the flimsy tab at the top.

Then I use a long extension, put it on the top of the coil and give it a light pop with a mallet.

The hardest part is fishing out the back to coil packs so they're out of the way.
__________________
2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red
2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue
2004 E46 M3 Imola Red
2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
Appreciate 0
      01-22-2020, 02:09 PM   #541
Evo13
Private First Class
Evo13's Avatar
82
Rep
128
Posts

Drives: '13 M3
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

What is the consensus regarding changing the ignition coils? I'm considering to change my spark plugs relatively soon but just not sure about the ignition coils.

I always thought they should be replaced whenever the spark plug is changed.
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2020, 06:12 AM   #542
im4ipsc
Private First Class
im4ipsc's Avatar
United_States
39
Rep
146
Posts

Drives: 2011 M3 E92 ZCP Comp S/C
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Greensboro, NC

iTrader: (1)

I think if you visually inspect them all and none of them have broken heads...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Evo13 View Post
What is the consensus regarding changing the ignition coils? I'm considering to change my spark plugs relatively soon but just not sure about the ignition coils.

I always thought they should be replaced whenever the spark plug is changed.
...then find any paperwork that you may have on when they were last replaced. I use 50k -80k miles as my reminder unless your car is throwing codes about coil issues. Factors such as high heat due to living in hot areas, track driving, and long highway commutes in start and stop traffic may tend to lessen the coil's life so think about your driving conditions in addition to the visual inspection as another variable for when you think that you may need new coils. I've got 85k miles on my M3 but it is stored in a heated and air-conditioned garage, no track days, no burnouts, no doughnuts, no launches and the majority of its miles are long interstate commutes with no start and stop traffic (I am lucky that I don't live in a densely populated area of the USA).
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2020, 08:48 PM   #543
Grip Addict
Banned
1080
Rep
713
Posts

Drives: ///M3
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: PA

iTrader: (9)

I read how easy it is to get the coils off with screwdrivers, but I am a work smarter not harder guy.

I see there is no where I can buy that Division M tool anymore?
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2020, 08:53 PM   #544
BayE30
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
1341
Rep
1,881
Posts

Drives: 2011.75 E90 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grip Addict View Post
I read how easy it is to get the coils off with screwdrivers, but I am a work smarter not harder guy.

I see there is no where I can buy that Division M tool anymore?
i bought that M Division tool on Amazon....but that was 3 yrs ago...
__________________
I am never able to post pictures on forums, all my pics are on IG @baye30 https://www.instagram.com/baye30/
Current Garage - [2011 E90 M3 ZCP] [2005 E53 X5 3.0 Sport] [1988 E30 325IS 24V]
Appreciate 0
      01-29-2020, 10:56 PM   #545
WalkerM3
Private
Canada
5
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: E90 M3 AW FR
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Calgary,Alberta

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW M3  [8.25]
Use the coat hangar method, worked great for me!!
Appreciate 0
      02-27-2020, 09:40 PM   #546
Grip Addict
Banned
1080
Rep
713
Posts

Drives: ///M3
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: PA

iTrader: (9)

I did the spark plugs last weekend.

I was on the search for that M Division tool, but it is apparently sold out now, so I did the coat hanger method.

From the room I had with a coat hanger, how do you guys use that M Division tool on the back two coils?
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2020, 11:57 AM   #547
Space Fox
Captain
Space Fox's Avatar
1042
Rep
634
Posts

Drives: 2012 Space Grey e92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Tampa, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW M3 ZCP  [0.00]
I echo everyone's sentiments throughout this thread and express my gratitude to those that contribute to the wealth of knowledge that is this forum and to this DIY thread in particular. I completed the job this past weekend. Was my first time changing the spark plugs on any of my cars and thanks to the guidance provided here had no issues whatsoever. In total the job took me about 2.5 hours taking my time and detailing the engine bay as I went. Luckily my coil packs were all relatively easy to pop off. I could wiggle/rotate all with my hand to loosen then simply used a flat head screw driver and my hand to pop them off the rest of the way. The wrench sockets and extensions made access a breeze. Very happy with the results and my ability to knock this one out. Thanks again!
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2020, 12:00 PM   #548
Dagamus_NM
Dirka Dirka
1640
Rep
1,325
Posts

Drives: 14 Dinan 550i, 10 m3, 91 332iC
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Albuquerque NM

iTrader: (3)

Special tool worked great for me. Did this job Sunday and the car is way smoother now, particularly when coming to a stop, idle is solid.

It was a fairly easy job. 4/10 with the special tools. Electrode tips seem to wear away resulting in a larger spark gap over time. Likely the issue these have.

Thank you to all of those that contributed to this thread.
Appreciate 0
      05-04-2020, 07:19 PM   #549
PYE46M3
Captain
852
Rep
658
Posts

Drives: E46 M3, E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

I did my spark plugs today and was able to get a couple easy ones off by coat hanger and a couple by hand. The passenger rear was actually one of the easiest ones to pop up for me. I used a small pry bar with leverage like this and it easily popped right out. The whole job took me about 2 hours so It can definitely be done in a half a day.

Name:  IMG_0708.jpg
Views: 609
Size:  144.2 KB


The pry bar I used is the smallest one in this set:https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...-set-1654.html

hope this helps anyone who attempts this in the future.
__________________
2005 Phoenix Yellow E46 M3 6MT Coupe
2007 Imola Red Z4 M Coupe
2013 Interlagos Blue E92 M3 6MT ZCP CF roof
Appreciate 1
wfdeacon881102.50
      05-04-2020, 10:46 PM   #550
TX
Captain
363
Rep
860
Posts

Drives: 2009 ///M3 E92 APW 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: South FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by PYE46M3 View Post
I did my spark plugs today and was able to get a couple easy ones off by coat hanger and a couple by hand. The passenger rear was actually one of the easiest ones to pop up for me. I used a small pry bar with leverage like this and it easily popped right out. The whole job took me about 2 hours so It can definitely be done in a half a day.

Attachment 2302306


The pry bar I used is the smallest one in this set:https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piec...-set-1654.html

hope this helps anyone who attempts this in the future.

You got lucky, that is a good way to snap off the top of the coil pack and also snap the plastic oil separator/pressure regulator on the top of the valve cover you are prying against.
__________________
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:56 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST