X5M Spark Plug DIY

[WallyM5]

The moment all of you have been waiting for, a spark plug DIY:

Well maybe it was just me that wanted one, I search high and low and could not find anything, so I made one.

First off this is a simple job and doesn't really require any special skill. At first glance it looks complicated because of space but once you move a couple of things it's was a piece of cake. Compared to changing spark plugs on a S85 this was too easy.

Only one key item that you must have before starting this project is a Beru 14 Bi-Hex Spark Plug Socket, part #0890 000 004. http://www.beruparts.com/product.sc?productId=12 Standard spark plugs sockets will not work.

Tools:
10mm socket
6mm socket or nut driver
some 3/8 extensions
torque wrench: torque plugs to 23nm or 17ft lbs

1. Remove upper cover from the intake.
2. Use 6mm nut driver and loosen both intake ducts so that you can remove the air intake filters.
3. Lift up and remove the intake filter housing.
4. Lift up and remove engine cover.
5. Driver's side: use 10mm socket and remove one bolt holding the black bulb over the spark plugs
6. Fold that black bulb thing back to expose the coil packs and spark plugs.
7. Remove coil pack by lifting the the locking tab to release the wire connection, then using the coil pack locking tab pull it striat out with a little force to remove it. You may need to twist it the coil pack back and forth first to make it easier to pull it out.
8. Remove plug, install new plug, torque to 23nm.
9. Push coil pack back one and connect wire back.
10. Once that side is done re-install black bulb and make sure all the wires in that area are secured back in their clips.

Passenger side:
1. Remove the coolant reservoir tank, by removing two bolts with the 10mm socket.
2. Fold it forward by the light housing to get it out of the way.
3. Remove the black bulb on this side as well and move it out of the way.
4. Remove coil pack
5. Remove plug, install new plug, torque to 23nm.
6. Re-Install coil pack and wire connection
7. Re-install black bulb back to it's area and secure wires.
8. Re-install coolant reservoir

Finish up by putting the cover back on, and reconnecting the intake housing.

Sorry about the pictures for some reason some were turned, maybe one of the moderators can fix this for me.

[theonesupreme]

Good Post

[m5 guy]

Great write up, thanks!!!!

[novablackm3]

how many miles did you change yours at ?

[WallyM5]

Originally Posted by novablackm3

how many miles did you change yours at ?

93,000, But they were also changed at 30 & 60

[j1275]

Hi,

I apologize for the necro post, but can you tell me what the gap size is for the plugs on a stock vehicle?

I understand that they may come pre-gapped since they are BMW OEM plugs, but I want to check anyways to make sure they are all within spec before I swap out the old plugs.

Appreciate you taking the time to do a write up, nicely done!

[TROYJEUP]

Nice detailed

[mhkm]

Good write up supplemented with nice pics!

Thanks for contributing.

[m5james]

I haven't used my endoscope to look inside the heads yet, but the 3rd spark plug on the drivers side was still wet with fuel. All much injectors are Index 07 so once again I'm just going to consider this as an upgrade for more power, better mileage and no more soot on my tailgate.

As for the spark plug tool, I bought one eBay for $20 to find out I could have gotten it at my local Sears for $6.

http://m.sears.com/cta-manufacturing...SPM11205436019

[m5james]

Can you verify which plugs you installed and where? I'm trying to determine the differences between the ZMR5TPP33 @ $25 vs ZR5TPP33 @ $9 which through realoem.com cross reference between each other anyways.

[m5james]

Bump

[WallyM5]

Originally Posted by m5james

Can you verify which plugs you installed and where? I'm trying to determine the differences between the ZMR5TPP33 @ $25 vs ZR5TPP33 @ $9 which through realoem.com cross reference between each other anyways.

Call Bosch directly, I spoke with their guys and it was my understanding the M was just private labelled for BMW.

[m5james]

I wouldn't be surprised, but until I can get this "Reduced Power" message to go away, I'm gonna pony up the $17 per plug (buddy is giving me his employee discount) vs $9 on eBay. I'm also borrowing another buddies smoke machine, so hopefully I find something to finally remedy this nagging issue that's yet to have a concrete answer when I search the forums...I can't even figure out what this first code is.

[m5james]

$140 later thanks to my buddies BMW discount since he's a tech there and I've got factory ///M plugs. He said he compared them and that they're a heat range colder and are longer than N63 plugs.

[novablackm3]

how often do we need to replace the spark plugs?

[YuCrew]

This is an excellent write-up.

Does anyone know why there is a different torque value for the spark plugs depending on whether you're using a 6 point socket vs a 12 point socket?

A very responsive dealership told me "If it is a 6 point [socket] then 30 newton meters ... if 12 point [socket] then 23 newton meters"

I would appreciate an education/explanation on this from anyone who cares to take the time to teach me. Thanks.

PS: I understand that you can generally apply substantially more torque without stripping with a 6 point than a 12 point, but since this BMW spark plug probably doesn't work with most 6 point sockets and doesn't require absurd torque to seat properly, I consider the 30 Nm spec irrelevant in this case/application. Still doesn't make complete sense to me. Can't imagine you would torque a lug nut to a different spec depending on number of sockets points.

[m5james]

Just an FYI...got a return call from Bosch and they said the ZMR5TPP33 plugs are installed from the factory, after that their books show using the ZR5TPP33 after that. Good thing I got my plugs for cost but I'll be buying on eBay for next to nothing from here on out.

[X Driver]

Originally Posted by YuCrew

This is an excellent write-up.

Does anyone know why there is a different torque value for the spark plugs depending on whether you're using a 6 point socket vs a 12 point socket?

A very responsive dealership told me "If it is a 6 point [socket] then 30 newton meters if 12 point [socket] then 23 newton meters"

I would appreciate an education/explanation on this from anyone who cares to take the time to teach me. Thanks.

For me this make no sense, 23Nm is correct, no matter which socket you use..

[YuCrew]

Hope this helps someone ... lots of these sockets on ebay but generally long ship time from Asia.

I found one on Sears.com, free shipping from within the USA for $6.99. My order shipped the day after I placed it. (Although this is not as good a price as the $5.38 price shown on the link further above, but does not including shipping)

Description Item # SPM12152107130 Model # 4375
ABN Thin Wall 14mm 12-point Spark Plug Socket BMW 3/8 Inch Drive
The ABN Thin Wall 14mm 12-point Spark Plug Socket BMW 3/8 Inch Drive is a must have tool. Designed for BMW engines, but also works perfect for some Nissan, Toyota engines. Constructed from Chrome Vanadium Steel (CR-V) for added strength and durability. Designed with metal retainers to keep plug inside the socket during install and removal. Specifications: 3/8-inch drive, 12-point, 14mm. Overall length of 2-1/2 inches.

[mirob]

This is where I got mine.

http://www.amazon.com/CTA-Tools-2376...ilpage_o02_s00

[novablackm3]

Called a few local dealers and a Indy shop

Local shop $650 -OEM plugs
BMW Fairfax - $760 - 2.2hr labor
BMW Alex - $900 !!!!!

Unreal

[m5james]

Buy the $5 socket and do it yourself, it's like a 2hr job even with beer breaks lol