DIY: BMW Spark Plug Removal and Installation

[jborzelleri]

Very well done! Very helpful. Thank you!

[lamkee83]

Thanks for creating such great DIY video. Still not sure if I will do this myself, but nice to know the process and feel like I can!

[EEnsign97]

Great Video, thanks for doing this. I wouldn't have patience filming and working the tools by myself.

[golferken55]

nice video. the 2003 M3 is slightly different. the ignition coils dont have screws, they just pull off. My question is whats the chance a cyl misfire code on OBD is the ignition coil itself? Checked plugs and they are fine. If not ignition coils, would you say fuel rail, injectors? or something else? anyone know?

[tarantulaguy1976]

will this work on a 2007 335i? what brand plugs do you suggest...my car has the JB+ tune and BMS dual intake if that matters.

[jugalugalocarog]

you are the man......thank you for this video!!!

[Nitrousoxide2k]

You need someone to hold the camera for you!! Poor guy, juggling the camera and tools all over the place trying to help us out, props buddy!! Great DIY, I'm about to go do mine on my '01 325Ci.

[Nitrousoxide2k]

@Nitrousoxide2k Using your advice, the job was painless. Thanks again!!

[Nitrousoxide2k]

@Nitrousoxide2k Still having the same constant-misfiring problem though. I have the crappy recalled Bremi coils, not the better Bosch ones you have there. I'm willing to bet that's my problem. I will try the swap trick and read the codes again. Do I just simply take two coils and swap them? I didn't know it was ok to do that! :)

[sausagenmuff]

thanks man

[nikeheadd06]

what do you MEAN when you say torque it to 18.4 ft pounds and how do you "twist"? it to such settings ?

thanks

[TheFerchotorrens]

what a great help, someone told that I've to pay 260$ for change my sparks plugs. now i can do it by myself thanks.

[mimocz73]

Thanks Million for the Steps you just helped me save lots of $

[asharky12]

Which engine is this? I did this on my 330 yesterday and the coils were a lot easier to take out. There werent any bolts around them, saving me time.

[XionUnjust]

@asharky12 This was on a 2002, you have the newer updated coils for the 2003/4+ model

[DigitallFlesh]

Thank you for getting me up to speed on getting this job done faster. I got screwed by purchasing my spark plugs at the dealer. $140 for all six. I should have purchased them elsewhere. Anyways, it took me about an hour and saved myself about $150. I have changed plugs on other cars, but always get scared when playing around with my E46. I am getting more comfortable with her though.

[mcjasper]

Great vid. Many thanks

[CincinnatiPHSMusic]

Very nice... concise and helpful. I was wondering about getting around the cabin filter housing and here it is. Good vid.

[tomjohnoman]

Thanks so much!! 

[djnous08]

that was some good shit homeboy i had try it to shoot out whit my 9mm but this was a lot better hihi

[ETube37]

thanks Bro

[oscarv362370]

Hey nice vids!!!!! Is there a way you can show us how to change the pcv valve, Im having trouble with it. Thanks, have a good one

[XionUnjust]

@oscarv362370 Thanks. I did the job twice, but I did not make any vids. After you take out the intake, icv, disa, throttle body, top engine covers you will have to remove the dipstick, then loosen the wire box out of the way and that small valve thats near the oil filter housing gasket.

the ccv is held by 2 torx screws, loosen that, take out the hose from the top of the engine, take out hose from dipstick and take it all out

putting it back together is hard, put the top hose on and the rest

[1800NoviceVillage]

@oscarv362370 it helps to lube the o rings on all the hoses and you should blow air down the dipstick tube to make sure its clear.

[iHateFattPeople]

Thanks man, really useful. I'm be getting some work done on my E46 at the shop and the mechanic said he can order the spark plugs for $11 each($66 total) and he'd do the labor for free. The dude above said he got spark plugs for $31, rob much from the mechanic???? The work he's doing FYI is replace radiator(cracked, coolant leaking), change front control arm bushings, changes hoses for radiator and replace sensor(parts$441 labor$300) Once again thanks for taking the time to make this vid

[iHateFattPeople]

Thanks man, really useful. I'm be getting some work done on my E46 at the shop and the mechanic said he can order the spark plugs for $11 each($66 total) and he'd do the labor for free. The dude above said he got spark plugs for $31, rob much from the mechanic???? The work he's doing FYI is replace radiator(cracked, coolant leaking), change front control arm bushings, changes hoses for radiator and replace sensor(parts$441 labor$300) Once again thanks for taking the time to make this vide

[MilitaryMind354]

Hello, what year is your e46? Great videos!

[biker6977]

Thank you! I have a Z3 and it worked perfect for me. didn't even have to remove the air filter. BMW wanted $750 to change a coil and replace the spark plugs-I figured the engine had to be pulled for that price. I did a quick search, found this and did it myself for $112!!!! Thank you so much, with 3 kids in college I have better ways to spend my money. It took me all of 60 minutes-including rounding up tools.

[sk18]

thanks for the video really helpful

[DesignChecho]

What would happen if the ground strap on the 6th coil was not attached but left hanging? I had my spark plugs changed a couple months back by a mechanic and now im miss firing again so i decided to work on it myself when I lifted up off the cover i saw the back ground strap was not even connected down. It was just left floating..would this kill power or anything or have damaged some sparkplugs?

[jordanfisher34]

Good Job!

[678diego1]

Hi man good explanation...made me feel i can do it, will go to my garage and try it now.....and don`t worry i will take full responsibility if i blow anything up..haha

[Graychristopherr]

Wanted to say THANKS, I watched this "DIY" it instantly inspired me to change my spark plugs. I went to auto zone and grabbed all the tools I. E 10mm,ratchet ,t30,extension , etc . swapped the plugs and returned the tools. So basically I changed the plugs for just the price of the new plugs which was $ 31.00. Stealership wanted 200+. Thanks again, would have never attempted it, if I didn't see how easy you made it look. " A penny saved, is a penny earned" .

[XionUnjust]

@Graychristopherr NICE! Good to hear that you saved a good amount of money. Use that for a beer ;)

[trunkrailroad]

@Graychristopherr I love it when people save money I just did the same, bought a convertable top online with new rubber straps for a total of $650.00 watched some vidios online an got instalation directions off the net an did it my self the shop wanted $1600.00 for that job dont even know what the stealer i mean dealer would have asked for. you can fix anything if your willing to get your hands dirty an work all you need is money for parts an tools and just google it to see how its done.

[spikey08]

Hey man, thanks for the video. Just changed my 2001 325ci's spark plugs. She's running great now!!

[ramosp07]

Thanks man! You saved me a couple hundred from having to go to the mechanics to do it. I wasn't aware of how easy it was!

[XionUnjust]

@ramosp07 Excellent!

[philpin77]

Great video. I better start thinking about updating my tool kit before i even attempt to change the plugs.

[vegasblazer702]

looks just as simple as my 89 Chevy blazer lol you just got to unclip afew more things.

[eugeniorude]

no seriously , you are , i love your car and the way u explain stuff , i did it like u and now i wana be a master mechanic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you so much xx luv u

[eugeniorude]

woah you are so amazing, you are my idol now :)

[XionUnjust]

@eugeniorude o_0 don't scare me now ;)

[chepevargas]

Nice Video... what year is your BMW?

[dinobrunetti69]

thank you so much, you saved me a lot of time and headache! Great video!!!

[0007coop]

CAN I DO THAT TO MY 540 I 1997 [GREAT VIDEO]

[7674Princess]

VERY good Tute!!!!! Keep up the GREAT work :)

[eifra15]

Thanks man, keep em coming!!!!!!

[TheKillbasa]

Very helpful video. I changed my plugs over the weekend and you saved me lots of time mate.

Thanks.

[oscarv362370]

HI THERE, HOW'S EVERYTHING GOING? I HAVE A QUESTION, HOW OFTEN DO YOU CHANGE YOUR OIL? I'M PLANNING TO PUT ROYAL PURPLE, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT, IS IT A GOOD PRODUCT? AND LASTLY WHAT TYPE OF OIL DO YOU USE, OR WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND, THANKS IT WOULD HELP ALOT. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

[XionUnjust]

@oscarv362370 Every 5000 miles. I wouldn't use RP. I use Lubro Moly

[oscarv362370]

@XionUnjust WHY? IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ROYAL PURPLE OIL? THEY SAID IT WAS GOOD, THAT'S WHY I WAS PLANNING ON TRYING IT. AND THANKS ONCE AGAIN, HAVE A GREAT DAY.

[XionUnjust]

@oscarv362370 Eh, here and there I read some stuff, but if you want to use it go ahead

[oscarv362370]

@XionUnjust THANKS, I'LL SEE IF I CAN FIND LUBRO HERE, HAS IT WORKED FOR YOU?

[mrhmuhammad]

Do I need to disconnect the battery first?

[XionUnjust]

@mrhmuhammad I didn't and a few of my friends didn't either, but if you don't feel comfortable with it plugged in then disconnect it.

[MrGugicha]

thanksssssssssssssssssssss

[XionUnjust]

@MrGugicha Thanks dude. Enjoy the extra money in your wallet.

[MrGugicha]

thx brother !

[TheRandomGirls1000]

Awesome video. Thanks for posting

[rick31nyc]

Thank you!

[Dakdizzy]

thanks



[mrpedro1999]

Great video, will be doing this soon on 645. Thanks for doing this.

[vadimozavr]

awesome video, it helped me a lot ) this is pretty much the same procedure for all bimmers, i have 1992 325i and there is little bit of difference ...

[PxTx]

Thanks for posting this. Dealer wanted $405 to chnage plugs at 100k. I think I would rather follow your lead and buy the plugs myself and save $300.

[XionUnjust]

@PxTx Wow, what a rip off. The plugs should be $50 max, so you'd be saving about 350 ;)  you're welcome

[vp330ci]

Awesome video!

[sitrep12]

excellent thankyou. simple diy from watching this video. changed mine this morning

all good.

would advise anyone doing this, to clean the cabin filter housing prior to refit. mine was severely gunked up.

[XionUnjust]

@sitrep12 Heh, mine was clean due to being taken out a lot of times so I didn't bother to include it ;) thanks anyways

[MyJulioperez]

thank you for the video you help me good

[ChevalierKadosh]

can i use platinum+4 bosch spark plug ? thanks

[XionUnjust]

@ChevalierKadosh I recommend NGK plugs

[ChevalierKadosh]

@XionUnjust thought Bosch was the best of the best oh well i'll buy NGK i guess :p

thanks

[sataraid]

@ChevalierKadosh I use those. They are an excellent replacement.

[rustyandbryn]

exellent vidio very helpful

[boy31]

great video.. very informative

[XionUnjust]

@boy31 Thank you.

[djveno]

man thanks for the help.

[ParisKentucky]

Nicely done. I have never been under the hood of my Bimmer before, and it was not obvious to me that I have to remove the cabin air filter first.

[maherbedriftin]

Nice vid!

few questions:

when you were talking about the torque of the spark plugs do you recommend i use the anti-seize lubricant?

What kind of spark plugs would be good to replace my old ones and where can i get them for a cheap price?

[XionUnjust]

@maherbedriftin It's recommended to put a tiny dab of anti seize on. The spark plugs that should be used are NGK BKR6EQUP and check out autohausaz

[zareh5737]

Any recommendation on transmission oil changed or flushed on the same car with 100,00 miles on it ..? thanks

[zareh5737]

Any recommendation on transmation oil changed or flushed on the same car with 100k miles? thanks

[zareh5737]

any recommendation on getting the transmation oil changed or flushed on the same car with 100k miles? thanks

[zareh5737]

do you know where is the fuel filter placed for the same car? by the way awesome video ..really helped me a lot .thanks

[XionUnjust]

@zareh5737 It's located under the drivers seat area under the car. There are 3 8mm nuts holding on the plate and a 10mm for the filter. Remember to buy new hose clamps.

[zareh5737]

@XionUnjust Any recommendation on the transmission oil changed or flushed on the same car with 100k miles? thanks

[XionUnjust]

@zareh5737 don't flush, you can drain and then refill the oil. check out the e46 section of bimmerfest for more info. read the wiki that's there

[chevyhs]

@XionUnjust Dude thank you so much for the video.  I do my own maintainence on my vehicles and was hesitant to own a BMW just because of how the engine is pushed under the cowl

[jbrooksga]

thanks for posting...I love seeing the details before starting a job like this!

[ochoriostube]

Awesome! Saving me money :)

[gokumalo]

what year is your E46?

[XionUnjust]

@gokumalo 2002 330i. If you're wondering about the wheels they are style 135's that come with the ZHP performance package. I don't have them anymore and they've been replaced with Beyern Mesh wheels.

[TheJuanMurilloShow]

I take my 6th one out all the time without having to take off the cabin filter

[kkhhlee]

thanks alot......this will save me some cashssss. wow u done everything by 1 hand!!!!! :D

[XionUnjust]

@kkhhlee haha, thanks. skillz right? ;)

[a007prav]

ideal mate, i was wondering how i was going to get to the last plug, it was until you showed me that you can take out the filter. cheers pal. saved me a couple quid.

[XionUnjust]

@a007prav

yup, the filter housing has to be taken out, takes only 5 min to do :)

[osopae]

Just got my BMW, very helpfull, and easy..thanks bro...

[XionUnjust]

@osopae

Congrats on the new purchase :) I'm glad I helped you out and saved you some cash. For any other help you should register on the bimmerfest forum

-Solidjake

[DaveXDefiant]

@XionUnjust: do you recommend battery disconnection since we are messing with electronics?

[XionUnjust]

Personally I didn't disconnect it. I did plugs on this car three times with no issues. There shouldn't be current to the coils since the key's out of the ignition. But if you want to be on the safe side go ahead and disconnect it.

[samlo6]

my question to you is, once you get the spark plug loose, how do you remove it without having it falling off of the socket back into the narrow opening. THANKS

[XionUnjust]

the spark plug socket has a rubber grommet inside. make sure to push down on the socket so it locks in then the plug comes out easy. When putting the plug back in, make sure to tape around the socket and the extension bar a lot so it doesn't stay in.

[ochoriostube]

Wonderful video. Very helpful! Should you post another video, may I recommend you ask a friend to hold the camera. Nice job all by yourself nontheless :)

[XionUnjust]

@ochoriostube

thanks. I did have the tripod as you can see in the first few seconds, but I held the camera so I didn't need to keep adjusting the tripod

[lbbmus]

Thanks. Great vid. The air I'm getting in the car is giving me allergy, I think it's the air filter; you think that's right?

[XionUnjust]

Thanks. Most likely it's the cabin filter. It's under that long plastic piece near the window. Pop the 3 tabs and check the condition of it and if it's dirty. If you buy a new one look for the charcoal activated one.

[lbbmus]

@XionUnjust thank you for your quick

reply and for the info, I'll check it.

[fiend4mojitos]

Nice job!

[theghiwi]

Thank you a lot dude! really helped me out. I'm wondering if you can make a clip of how to replace the oil and gas filter. Again, thanks man!!

[TheFredman08]

This was a great instuctional from Solid Jake. It would be nice to see a video on replacing the valve gasket and vanos seals.

[XionUnjust]

Thank you. Most likely I will not have a vid on the vanos and the vanos seals. Check my subscription list and look for a guy named flipinfish or something like that. He has the vids there.

[leonarko]

how much did that cost to you? i have a 323i 2000 i want to change all spark plugs and 1 ignition coil.. helpful vd

[XionUnjust]

I was able to get each plug for about $6.50 each, so $39 for all 6. Needle torque wrench was about $15 and the sockets I had from a set I got as a gift.

[splifey]

good idea putting tape on the head

[JAVED5678]

Good job.... way to go dude.Put some more stuff on the Tube about servicing...

Yo man.....

thanks

[Azizuzb]

real fanatic!

[catvisimo]

nice diy, realy useful and expletive stuff, great job

[siarheifishkin]

Was it 15mm socket for sparking plugs?

[XionUnjust]

5/8 spark plug socket (almost 16mm) but please get the spark plug socket because it is specific for that and it has a rubber boot inside to hold the spark plug to pull it out. google spark plug socket

[sataraid]

Thanks for the DIY. I am needing to change spark plugs or coils losing power.

[mobileissa]

ZHP FTW

[mobileissa]

First off, nice ZHP

I own an 04 330ci that is a complete headache. When I turn the car on, it idles normally but pushing the gas while its in park, the RPMs climb slowly. When put in drive and driven, after about a minute of regular driving or if you floor it (barely any power comes from it) the EML, and DSC lights kick in, the engine RPMs begin get jumpy and the car has NO power. We replaced the throttle body, camshaft position sensors and still no luck. Any suggestions?

[XionUnjust]

first off, it's not a ZHP :) its a regular 330i with an M3 front and zhp wheels that were sold.

Please join the bimmerfest forum and post in the E46 section. we will help you fix your problem

[martinBmw940]

really good man....i also like to do my own mehcanical work since u never know what kind of idiot works at the shop they might just fuck ur shit up and take a lot of ur money...

[XionUnjust]

thanks. Yea man, I had a shop try to find a bad pulley and it was a horrible ordeal. No more of that crap.

[YonMoor]

Thanks for the vid brosef. I'm doing this tomorrow morning.

Quick question though: The gasket that surrounds the cabin air filter housing (shaped like an elongated U), do the ends of yours fit flushly with the rubber gaskets at the end? From what I can see in the video, it doesn't. Mine doesn't either, I don't know why but it's annoying as piss. Btw I have a ZHP too, car's awesome.

[XionUnjust]

Heh, once in a while it just pops off, lol. Thanks

[jorgeykami]

something else for my resume

thanks

[XionUnjust]

haha, you're welcome.

[lbcluis24]

what are you talking about in the last seconds of the video, consisting on putting the spark plug back.

torque rounch with 18 foot pounds ?

[XionUnjust]

I said the torque specifications for the spark plugs, with and without anti-seize compound

[jorgerewards]

Thx for the video, it does helps a lot!!

[speedyirocz]

Well done. Everything was very easy to see. I'm sure many people will benefit from this - thanks for posting specific torque measurements.

[XionUnjust]

*thumbsup*

[rex1903]

thanks for the DIY project....great video, like the specific instructions.

more DIY video projects please

[photonia2redrobin]

Great thanks. Great instruction. Only the camera keeps moving and the lighting environment is too rapid or bright. Otherwise very good.

[inspaceinyourface]

like carmelo asked...what brand are the best? oem bmw spark plugs or what?? im changing my spark plugs, o2 sensor, and cleaning my k&n air filter..so yes..thanks in advance.

[XionUnjust]

For the spark plugs (if you have a non-m E46) NGK BKR6EQUP. O2 sensor and the plugs you can get at autohausaz

[dOlCeCaRaMeLo]

how often do you have to

change the spark plugs

and what brand are the best >>>i have a 2004 325i

[XionUnjust]

60k

[dOlCeCaRaMeLo]

thanx

[KnoxvilleG37]

I'm not even a BMW owner (I drive a G37), but am learning more and more about DIY car maintenance and I'm VERY impressed with your vid. Easy to follow, good instructions, 5 stars! And no, not ALL BMW drivers are pricks.....just some. :p

[XionUnjust]

Thanks dude. I'm glad I helped you out :)

[digitaldonski]

Exactly what I was looking for. I don't know if my X3 is misfiring, but it does start really rough and the exhaust smells rich with gas. I'm hoping changing the plugs helps. Thanks for the vid!

[XionUnjust]

you're welcome. I would go to an autozone and have them scan your car for codes. after that report back to me.

i sent you a private message as well.

[Drd4all]

Really nice , thx man !

[XionUnjust]

You're welcome!

[manzanostudios]

Hello XionUnjust, thanks so so musch for post this video. I just bought a 2004 325xi and have always done care maintenance myself, from spark plugs to timing belt. Previously had a honda civic and knew a BMW would be a little more complicated but with people like you I can continue to service my car myself. Thanks again. All the best, Gary

[XionUnjust]

You're welcome Gary. I'm glad that I made it easy to do the job!

[dataspa]

Very good job on this. I like the fact you had some prep done and only did one plug since the process is the same for each. Great stuff, I hope you do more of these.

[johnnycanada]

"Thank you and have a good day."

Who said BMW drivers are pricks?

[XionUnjust]

Hahah, thanks.

:P

[emilio325]

Thank you very much! This is an extremely helpful video! Nicely done. Get someone to hold the camera for you next time! LOL

[XionUnjust]

lol, thanks. I had the camera attached to the tripod but i felt like doing a first person type of thing, hahah.

[markmangicaro]

Nice job. I got here from BMWCCA Web site. If you have not already done so, consider also posting a link to this on the Roadfly e46 forum.

I have often wondered how to get to the back of the engine and you've proven its is much easier than I thought!

I'm about 10,000 miles away from changing the plugs in my 330Ci, but I'll definitely return to watch this video again when the time comes. I especially appreciate the inclusion of torque values for with and without anti-seize.

[XionUnjust]

Glad that you found the video helpful. I will post it there when I have some time.

Good luck changing the plugs and enjoy the better fuel economy! :)

[Oxide333500]

very good diy

[sabenaali]

This is an excellent DIY, video speaks louder then texts!!! Thanks

[XionUnjust]

Thanks a lot! Yea, looking at the hands on is sooo much easier. of course this is an addition to the text.

[frostyowned]

Excellent DIY, I'm sure it will help out a ton of people! THANKS!

[AL3Xmotodude]

These instructions would work for any BMW 3 series from 2001-2003?

[XionUnjust]

1999-2005

[AntoDamico]

Great Video.

BMWffQC