[Agentphish]

I have a standard, magnetized, spark plug socket and 12" socket extension and I want to do my plugs in the next couple months. I've not done this on any German car before.

Some things I've seen online seem to mention needing a special extended spark plug socket like the Schwaben sold by ECS. http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Spar...Socket/ES9340/

True or False if I have this...

[deluxe 247]

I may be wrong but I believe you need a special thin walled socket like the schwaben

[Agentphish]

I'm finding different stuff...like N54's do need thin walled for sure but on N52 engines it seems like people have been getting away with a socket extender setup and standard 5/8" spark plug socket.

Just trying to verify without taking any coils of until I'm ready.

[BKV122]

I used a normal spark plug socket with extension that came with my craftsman tool set and worked just fine.

[08E60535iLCI]

YEs you need a special socket, for the N54 those wont work, the socket is very very thin, get one from burger tunning with plugs for 90 bucks or so

Once you have the cover off the engine, you will see the coils, pull up on the coil tab, just pull up straight from the front of the tab, the tab once pulled in up position releases the tab connector to the coil.

Once you have the connector off, put a fat screwdriver or something thick through the hole on the tab and gently pull up on the coil, it will come off if you wiggle it a little, dont break any of the tabs.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Agentphish

I have a standard, magnetized, spark plug socket and 12" socket extension and I want to do my plugs in the next couple months. I've not done this on any German car before.

Some things I've seen online seem to mention needing a special extended spark plug socket like the Schwaben sold by ECS. http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Spar...Socket/ES9340/

True or False if I have this...

You will be fine with this for N52 engine. Although, make sure you get large pointed pliers since you will not able to hold the spark plug out of the whole. I had to use long pointed plyers to get them out once they are loose. Or just get a magnet tool to get them out. I wish I did but at the end was able to do this job without special socket tool. I bought mine at Lowes for $2.50 good luck and enjoy replacing your spark plugs, I know I did.

[hugus311]

That will work fine. No need for pliers just use some electrical tape to tape the socket to the extension so stays put when pulling out or else you will be fishing it out . Also don't forget the anti seize for the plug threads And some dielectric grease for inside coil boots would be nice but not required

[Meeni]

Normal socket works on N52, does not fit in N54/N55.

Magnetic sockets are definitely a plus when installing the new plugs so they don't drop down.

Most plug brands advise against anti-seize as apparently that makes reading the torque impossible and result in over tightening the plugs most of the time.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by hugus311

That will work fine. No need for pliers just use some electrical tape to tape the socket to the extension so stays put when pulling out or else you will be fishing it out . Also don't forget the anti seize for the plug threads And some dielectric grease for inside coil boots would be nice but not required

Yeah I agree as I also used electrical tape on to hold the socket to the extention ratchet but, what about to pull the spark plug out from the engine block? The regular socket does not hold the plug tight enough to pull out or to put it in. Thats what I meant.

[Agentphish]

I have an '08 328i, so N52. I should be fine with what I have it seems.

- Good call on the electrical tape on the socket extension.
- Torque is supposed to be 18 ft/lbs on the reinstall, yeah?

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Agentphish

I have an '08 328i, so N52. I should be fine with what I have it seems.

- Good call on the electrical tape on the socket extension.
- Torque is supposed to be 18 ft/lbs on the reinstall, yeah?

Torque Yes, 18ft/lbs

[Agentphish]

Originally Posted by GoRomeo

Torque Yes, 18ft/lbs

Thanks for the confirmation. I thought I had read that within the last week but wasn't sure...been doing a lot of reading.

[Agentphish]

Thanks again to everyone for the advice. Did my plugs this morning. Everything was easy except for plug 5 under the strut bar. Pain in the ass.

GREAT call on the electrical tape. Definitely needed.

[Saintor]

Originally Posted by Agentphish

Thanks again to everyone for the advice. Did my plugs this morning. Everything was easy except for plug 5 under the strut bar. Pain in the ass.

GREAT call on the electrical tape. Definitely needed.

Just unscrew it at the tower and move it slightly after having loosened the one between the two wipers (under the 1.5" plastic plug). I replaced them yesterday.