Thus I wanted to check my spark plugs after 16000 miles ( all with PROcede V1, PROcede V2, JB2H and new AA Active Processor ) I bought a new set and exchanged them today.

What you need:

Spark plug socket BMW 121220 ( Hazet )
Torque wrench 23 NM
Hex...

I used a short 4 inch 1/2" ratchet drive extension - as a leverage pin. I simply inserted the 1/2" ext into the coil pack's "pull tab" (that unclicps upwards) and pulled on the metal 1/2" ext and not the plastic coil "pull tab". This gives you extra leverage(I feel) and you can better "wiggle" the coil packs out of their spark plug holes.

I had read where some people(& even some shops) broke coil packs when they tried to remove them. I took extra care not to pull "too hard" on the coil packs.

I hope my added pics help show you what I am trying to describe.


Dackel


cylinder #1 - coil pack electrical connection disconnected and pull tab - moved up...


1/2" ratchet extension inserted inside coil pack "pull tab"...




coil packs close up...

Perfect, thx!

so i got the new spark plug in, but i can't get my driver socket out with the 23Nm torque, anyone have this problem? anyone have advice?

nm, just super duct taped my extension to the socket, worked nicely

So... the spark plug socket comes off your ratchet extension? IF that is teh case, just put some thick wheel bearing grease on the end of your ratchet ext and your plug socket. I know it sounds wierd but the grease will add just a little bit more thickness to your socket/ratchet - and it will not come off. You could also use some electrican or duct tape as well.

Once the spark plug is torqued down to 23Nm, if your socket still comes off... try reversing direction. Not to unscrew the plug but just enough to let your socket disengage.

Basically this is a problem with poor/cheaply made tools. High quality tools have a better fit/tighter fit.

yea, this is just a husky set from home depot, the duct tape worked great, thanks for the quick response

another quick question, working with my garage door open and a wind gust just blew in and rolled a coil pack off the table, is it still functional?

Should be - they are tough. But if your engine starts missing on one cylinder... you will know why.

Awesome post... thank you... thank you.... thank you.

Thanks for the write-up. Changed my spark plugs this afternoon and it was a snap.

-Evan

Found this and bought it. Other threads poo poo'd the 8mm but I think there's an internal and external ..also noteworthythat their non thin wall items list both 14mm and 8mm dimensions. Will let you know

Chris

h t t p://www.lasertools.co.uk/item.aspx?cat=374&item=3830

H t t p://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003AMVZ72/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Fits! (unless my plugs are wrong that is) Spring is a bit tight, but some wd40 will take care of that.

NIce!! THX!!!

I was told by two BMW (German) techs NOT to use any anti-seize on the spark plug threads. They said it could mess with DME. I installed my plugs with no anti-seize.

I just saw this video that Cobb made to show you how to change out a bad coil or bad spark plug. I think watching this video will be a big help to anyone changing their spark plugs.

How do you know when to replace the spark plugs??? Misfires?

I'm thinking in getting mines done, any one has an idea what brand to use ???
Or just go oem?

i was just changing my sparkplugs & as i pulled the coil from the 2nd spark plug gently and slowly the Coil broke inside and only half of the coil came out! what do i do now??

It happens. I would use some LONG needle nose pliers and try to pull the coil guts out. Maybe you could use a large screw to drill into the coil guts and then pull on that. Either way your gonna need a new coil - but you know that. Maybe also spray some WD40 down the sides of the coil pack to (lube it) help in the extraction.

G.L.
Dackel

Yes. Or every 45K miles - which ever occurs first. Every 20K if you have a tune.

I would stick with BMW/Bosch plugs. I had read some posts saying some people got misfires with aftermarket Bosch ones. I did not want to take a chance and bought mine from a BMW Zentrum over here.