[08graydog]

Took car into dealership for a state inspection to get it tagged, and was told it needs new plugs, and air intake silencer (air filter ?). For $ 725 - ouch!!!. What do we do for plug changes, other than getting screwed by dealer ?

[slider86]

Bring it to an indy shop.

[pits200]

Haha, you can do that all yourself in an hour for under $100. There has to be something else besides those 2 things for $725.

[johnnyg238]

Do it yourself or turn in your man-card...

[apc3libras]

I heard 335 gets plugs at 45k or 50k. I have heard of some owners getting them done under maintenance coverage and some after that has expired, so it's out of pocket. I agree with the above posts, if you can DIY, do it. If not, go to an indy. I got a quote for new plugs from an indy for $350 VS dealer $400, $65 for filter. Some prices may be similar but depends on where you are.

[ndog14]

You are why dealers still charge prices like these because you people pay them. A set of NGKs, dielectric grease, and anti-seeze will set you back less than $100, over $100 if you get the tool to reach the spark plugs if you can't rig something together because of limited tools.

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by johnnyg238

Do it yourself or turn in your man-card...

[Skydive2011]

Originally Posted by apc3libras

I heard 335 gets plugs at 45k or 50k. I have heard of some owners getting them done under maintenance coverage and some after that has expired, so it's out of pocket. I agree with the above posts, if you can DIY, do it. If not, go to an indy. I got a quote for new plugs from an indy for $350 VS dealer $400, $65 for filter. Some prices may be similar but depends on where you are.

I know if you get the PPK you should change your plugs at 45k

[#Tee]

Should be already pregapped out of the box. Just visually check gaps for any obviously bent prongs.

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by 335coupe2007

Question- and i may be flamed b/c this is an extremely noob/ ridiculous question but i am wondering just b/c ive seen people mention it- before installing these spark plugs, is there anything that needs to be done prior to it? What i mean is that, ive heard some people adjust the gap in the plug before installing it..and ive seen many that dont. Can ya'll chime in to let me know if it does need to be gapped or it can be installed right out of the box just is?? sorry for the silly question... lol

Unless you bought pre-gaped you have to. Here is a video how to

[ctuna]

If you are going to change your plugs there is a DIY in the DIY sub forum.
Air filters are pretty simple.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

[Bakeme521]

WOW they really want to ream you bad. You can buy the plugs and the tool to change them yourself for less than 100 bucks. As for the filter, buy that yourself too and change that as well, takes all of 1.26 minutes.

[08graydog]

FYI ndog, I am most definately NOT one of "those" people. I have owned 15 cars over the last 20 yrs, and have NEVER had the dealer do anything. I have always changed plugs and oil. This is my first BMW, so I didn't know how hard it was to get to the plugs. I have no intention of having the dealer do it...

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by 08graydog

FYI ndog, I am most definately NOT one of "those" people. I have owned 15 cars over the last 20 yrs, and have NEVER had the dealer do anything. I have always changed plugs and oil. This is my first BMW, so I didn't know how hard it was to get to the plugs. I have no intention of having the dealer do it...

For how long your cars last you I'm surprised you have had to do plugs before.

As for plugs, go to DIY section and

[Glim]

Wow

$725 for plugs and an air filter

I hope they at least take you out for dinner before they screw you.

[ENINTY]

Okay, so let’s get rational here for a minute. I lived in Maryland for 30 years with a car and all of my family still lives there, so unless Maryland changed the laws recently, there is no annual state inspection other than emissions. So I'm assuming when you say state inspection you mean you bought the 335i used and are getting a safety inspection as required by the Maryland DMV prior to it being tagged. I've been through the process at least 5 times, so I know what you are up against. Unless the car is showing a Service Engine Soon light due to the plug misfiring, it should pass state inspection. The state inspection list has to be posted on the wall of the shop, so you can go read it and show the SA that the air filter and plugs are not part of the inspection check list. Here's the check list:

• Steering system
• Wheel alignment
• Suspension
• Brake system
• Wheels / tires
• Fuel system
• Exhaust system
• Bumpers
• Fenders
• Lights
• Electrical system
• Mirrors
• Glazing (windows)
• Wipers
• Hood / catches
• Door handle latches
• Floor / trunk pans
• Speedometer / odometer
• Driver seat
• Safety belts
• Motor mounts
• Gear shift indicator
• Universal and CV (constant velocity) joints
• Emissions equipment - this does not mean air filters and spark plugs; it means catalytic converters, O2 sensors, air pumps, EGR systems, etc.

Now as far as your car is concerned, being a 335i, it requires plugs at 45,000 (at least when it first came out - BMW may have later changed the spec on it). The owner’s manual will tell you the spark plug change interval, as will the CBS. BMWs interval for engine air filters is every 3rd oil change, following BMWs OCI, so about every 45,000 miles. Since your car is at 53K miles, both are due (bit not necessary to pass Maryland state inspection). However, paying $725 is ridiculous and the dealer is ripping you (way the fuck) off. If the dealer is withholding passing your car for the state inspection because they say it needs plugs and an air filter, then report them to the DMV. Take the car to a gas station or tire shop that does inspections and have it re-inspected.

If you are going to change the plugs and air filter, if you don't DIY already, starting to learn on a complex BMW 335i is not the place to start. Like others have said, find a good independent BMW mechanic to have the work done. Now that said, assuming the car is used, how do you not know the plugs and air filter were not already changed by the previous owner at 45,000 miles?

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by 08graydog

FYI ndog, I am most definately NOT one of "those" people. I have owned 15 cars over the last 20 yrs, and have NEVER had the dealer do anything. I have always changed plugs and oil. This is my first BMW, so I didn't know how hard it was to get to the plugs. I have no intention of having the dealer do it...

If you're paying out of pocket, f... the dealer! My local dealer quoted me $650 to replace the plugs I bought them at AutohausAZ for $75 and paid an indy mechanic $100 to replace. $650 v. $175.. Also, at 43k miles, my mechanic said they should have been changed sooner due to the condition of the oe's

[ECSTuning]

Originally Posted by 08graydog

Took car into dealership for a state inspection to get it tagged, and was told it needs new plugs, and air intake silencer (air filter ?). For $ 725 - ouch!!!. What do we do for plug changes, other than getting screwed by dealer ?

You could pick up a new intake, plugs, some tools, dirty up your hands and buy beer for less than that!

ECS Tuning

[123Britt]

I would not swear on it -- but I think I remember that when I last changed plugs on 335i they were 3-Prong plugs .
.
.
Removal of the bulkhead cover - required for the 5th and 6th plug is the key to the job. But generally straight forward.
.
.
Definately a DIY job -- plugs and tool from ECS tuning -- plus I did use some copper based antiseize - just a small amount on the 2-4th thread of plug.
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Torque to proper spec .
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Getting ready to R&R Bat with BMW replacement -- then BT Regist.

[MakkkD]

Originally Posted by Glim

Wow

$725 for plugs and an air filter

I hope they at least take you out for dinner before they screw you.

[08graydog]

Thanks to all who gave me advise on the spark plug questions. It did pass MD inspection with no issues. Now ... I jumped in the car to head out to the Kixmas concert on the 23rd, made it a mile from the house, and it starts shuddering under throttle and loosing power, engine light comes on. Just f-ing great !! HPFP issue I assume. Great timing !! On Monday had it towed to Annap BMW. They tell me it needs bank #2 injectors replaced (thank god I got it certified). No problem with HPFP. They then begin to HOUND me about how it needs new plugs, why have I not changed them yet, etc... and try to sell me the $2000 maintinance package. They say the plugs are fouled due to being gas soaked from unburnt fuel, and that their "handcuffed" until I shell out the $325 for them to change the plugs. Really? I explain to them that I intend to do the plug change myself. They tell me not a good idea because its very complicated with taking the coils off, etc. Really ? (again). Anyone with a basic mechanical knowledge of cars can do this !! Then I ask them why they are replacing the injectors? Oh, they are leaking. Ok, how about going ahead and replacing the plugs, since they are fouled due to the injectors leaking ?? Oh, we can't do that, they are not covered. Holy crap, are you serious ?? So, after all this I tell them just do what ever is covered. Ok they say, but car might not run right unless the plugs are replaced. What ever. And ... car will not be ready today. An hour later they call back telling me car is done and runs fine, no problems with the plugs. I picked it up Mon night and it runs fine. Final analysis : Not impressed. Was expecting them to try to sell me some f-ing roses or oranges or something when I got there !! Thanks for letting me vent for those of you that actually read this whole thing !!!

[ENINTY]

Would it be too obvious to state you'd get charged for a plug change and not get any new plugs. Good on you for holding your ground.