changing spark plugs...does the click method work?

twinturbopg · 11-25-2009, 01:55 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142679

Long story short..does anybody know if screwing in the spark plug till is clicks works in place of buying a torque wrench 23NM for the N54 engines? I just my socket plug tool and don't have a torque wrench, just need to know if what others have suggested in the DIY guide about screwing in the spark plugs till it clicks work. Thanks!

alextremo · 11-25-2009, 02:17 PM

The plugs don't click by themselves using just the thin wall socket. There is a special tool that clicks at 23nm, but you are better off just buying a torque wrench.

Gen_E92 · 11-25-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alextremo

The plugs don't click by themselves using just the thin wall socket. There is a special tool that clicks at 23nm, but you are better off just buying a torque wrench.

+1...pretty sure its cheaper to just get a nice torque wrench...and you don't want to overtighten spark plugs

twinturbopg · 11-25-2009, 05:00 PM

right...where you guys looking for cheap ones? I was looking on the web at like NAPA auto parts and its like over ~$100

Kelvin1000 · 11-25-2009, 05:28 PM

30 bucks at Amazon.

MisterSkiMask · 11-25-2009, 05:30 PM

Bucha cheap bastards on here. BUY DECENT TOOLS!

alextremo · 11-25-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

Bucha cheap bastards on here. BUY DECENT TOOLS!

+1

torque wrench is a useful tool - spend $150-200 and get something decent.

ar design · 11-25-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinturbopg

right...where you guys looking for cheap ones? I was looking on the web at like NAPA auto parts and its like over ~$100

DON'T get a cheap one. They suck. Even the $60-70 ones from Home Depot suck. I've broken a few of them, and had parts fail due to them not being even close to accurate. Stripping the threads in a $15,000 motor (thankfully, I have not done this) is so not worth saving a few bucks.

I will say, I usually don't even use a tq wrench with spark plugs. After you've done it for quite some time, you develop a feel for it, and know when they are right. But if you don't have a lot of practice, I really don't recommend the touchy-feely method....

David 12 · 11-25-2009, 07:53 PM

This is the 3/8 torque wrench that I purchased and used for the spark plug install - About $100 from Amazon but well worth it.

SK 74104 3/8-Inch Drive 10-foot Pound to 100-foot Pound Micrometer Torque Wrench

ar design · 11-25-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David 12

This is the 3/8 torque wrench that I purchased and used for the spark plug install - About $100 from Amazon but well worth it.

SK 74104 3/8-Inch Drive 10-foot Pound to 100-foot Pound Micrometer Torque Wrench

SK makes good tools for sure

335e92tx · 11-25-2009, 08:50 PM

They only need to be torqued to 17ft/lbs. Even the cheapest ones can pull that off without danger

ar design · 11-25-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335e92tx

They only need to be torqued to 17ft/lbs. Even the cheapest ones can pull that off without danger

I beg to differ. IMO they seem to be less accurate esp at low tq values.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 11-25-2009, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ar design

I beg to differ. IMO they seem to be less accurate esp at low tq values.

+1

Mike

Thumperx · 11-26-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alextremo

+1

torque wrench is a useful tool - spend $150-200 and get something decent.

If you're going to perform any type of mechanical work regularly, getting yourself very good tools are essential! Do not skimp on any tools (China made crap) that may break in our hands as you wrench on something.

I not advocating to buy Snap-on or Mac Tools, but Craftsman "like" tools are spot on.

If not, send it your mechanic.

Highflyr · 11-26-2009, 10:21 AM

I thread the plug in by hand, then go an 8th turn with the wrench. Never had a single problem.

335e92tx · 11-26-2009, 10:28 AM

They probably are not the most accurate, but they are not off more than 2 to 3 lbs based on my experience and that won't cause the plug to break or cause it to be too loose.

If you know how much resistance they had when they were removed (30seconds before), that should be pretty easy to return to that same force..

If you can't swag that you should not be under the hood.

Torque settings where the fastener has some tension to ensure proper stretch is whats critical. Torque for plugs is more just so you don't break it off in the head.

uberschnell · 11-26-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335e92tx

If you can't swag that you should not be under the hood.

+1

twinturbopg · 11-27-2009, 06:39 PM

thx for all the great info....I'm honestly thankful to have access to this forum and fellow proud BMW owners willing to share advice...seriously! thanks a lot!

okay now no more mushy stuff

11-25-2009, 01:55 PM	#1
twinturbopg How you like them apples? 40 Rep 1,492 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SD & OC its where I belong iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	changing spark plugs...does the click method work? http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142679 Long story short..does anybody know if screwing in the spark plug till is clicks works in place of buying a torque wrench 23NM for the N54 engines? I just my socket plug tool and don't have a torque wrench, just need to know if what others have suggested in the DIY guide about screwing in the spark plugs till it clicks work. Thanks! __________________ V5 rev2.5 \| VExhaust \| V1 KW \| V701 \| H&R Sway Bars \| Ram Air Scoops \| DCI WTB: stock mirror cover for pre-lci e90
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11-25-2009, 02:17 PM	#2
alextremo Captain 49 Rep 966 Posts Drives: F10 550i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (5)	The plugs don't click by themselves using just the thin wall socket. There is a special tool that clicks at 23nm, but you are better off just buying a torque wrench.
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11-25-2009, 05:00 PM	#4
twinturbopg How you like them apples? 40 Rep 1,492 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SD & OC its where I belong iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	right...where you guys looking for cheap ones? I was looking on the web at like NAPA auto parts and its like over ~$100 __________________ V5 rev2.5 \| VExhaust \| V1 KW \| V701 \| H&R Sway Bars \| Ram Air Scoops \| DCI WTB: stock mirror cover for pre-lci e90
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11-25-2009, 05:28 PM	#5
Kelvin1000 Major 253 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	30 bucks at Amazon.
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11-25-2009, 05:30 PM	#6
MisterSkiMask Banned 147 Rep 2,014 Posts Drives: I Can not say Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: you must not know iTrader: (0)	Bucha cheap bastards on here. BUY DECENT TOOLS!
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11-25-2009, 07:53 PM	#9
David 12 Major 127 Rep 1,048 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 50i BSM, M Sport Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Omaha iTrader: (0)	This is the 3/8 torque wrench that I purchased and used for the spark plug install - About $100 from Amazon but well worth it. SK 74104 3/8-Inch Drive 10-foot Pound to 100-foot Pound Micrometer Torque Wrench
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11-25-2009, 08:50 PM	#11
335e92tx ahat 1036 Rep 2,592 Posts Drives: Was '07-335e92 - Now '13-335IS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (6)	They only need to be torqued to 17ft/lbs. Even the cheapest ones can pull that off without danger __________________ '13 335IS N54 (1 of 373 LeMans Blue out of 3597 total production e92)- Grey interior (1 of 24 in LMB with any trans- 1 of 14 with DCT)-MODS -MFactory LSD/MHD-BQ custom Tune/ATM-IC/AFE Momentum GT Intake/Konis/Mfront&HeimJoint Rear rods&arms/Brembos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lo6aHZRo7XqtPkhL8
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11-26-2009, 10:21 AM	#15
Highflyr Captain 49 Rep 704 Posts Drives: 08 335i E90 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (3)	I thread the plug in by hand, then go an 8th turn with the wrench. Never had a single problem. __________________ Join the BMW CCA!!!!!!
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11-26-2009, 10:28 AM	#16
335e92tx ahat 1036 Rep 2,592 Posts Drives: Was '07-335e92 - Now '13-335IS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (6)	They probably are not the most accurate, but they are not off more than 2 to 3 lbs based on my experience and that won't cause the plug to break or cause it to be too loose. If you know how much resistance they had when they were removed (30seconds before), that should be pretty easy to return to that same force.. If you can't swag that you should not be under the hood. Torque settings where the fastener has some tension to ensure proper stretch is whats critical. Torque for plugs is more just so you don't break it off in the head. __________________ '13 335IS N54 (1 of 373 LeMans Blue out of 3597 total production e92)- Grey interior (1 of 24 in LMB with any trans- 1 of 14 with DCT)-MODS -MFactory LSD/MHD-BQ custom Tune/ATM-IC/AFE Momentum GT Intake/Konis/Mfront&HeimJoint Rear rods&arms/Brembos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lo6aHZRo7XqtPkhL8
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11-27-2009, 06:39 PM	#18
twinturbopg How you like them apples? 40 Rep 1,492 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: SD & OC its where I belong iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	thx for all the great info....I'm honestly thankful to have access to this forum and fellow proud BMW owners willing to share advice...seriously! thanks a lot! okay now no more mushy stuff __________________ V5 rev2.5 \| VExhaust \| V1 KW \| V701 \| H&R Sway Bars \| Ram Air Scoops \| DCI WTB: stock mirror cover for pre-lci e90
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