[Hodgepodge]

I just replaced my plugs and condenser coils on a 328i convertible. I used the exact same NGK plugs and Bosch coils that were in the car. I've done this procedure about 4 times to E90 or newer cars, so I know the routine. I put a little dielectric grease on the condenser coil at the connector to make sure it goes on smoothly.

When I got into the car to start it, it turned over, and over and over but would not start. That's never happened before.... I had partially buttoned up the engine, so I pulled the cover back off and checked for a bad connection someplace. Then I noticed that the condenser coils, although completely closed, still showed about a 1/2 inch gap where the connectors were not all the way onto the coils. (you can see this through a hole in the connector top-lever/clamp). Now....if it had been just one condenser coil, I would just think I forgot to lube it or didn't clamp it in correctly, but all 6 of these brand new coils had the same issue.

I pulled a connector off, connected it to one of my old condensers and closed the clamp. The connector slid all the way on. Tried it again with the new coil. nope. The connector doesn't seat. These two parts have exactly the same part number. The old ones are dated 2012. New ones, 2017. I ended up having to use a pair of channel-locks to squeeze the connectors all the way onto these new condenser coils. Once they were on all the way, the car started and ran like new.

This is just such an odd problem. I don't know if it is a bad condenser coil run, stiff clamps/connectors, or what, but I thought I would bring it to everyone's attention. If you are changing condenser coils, make sure the connectors are fully seated onto the coils.

Thanks,

Scott

[simon]

This is excellent information and I think you're talking about ignition coils. Condenser coil (there is only one in most cars) is for air conditioning and is located in front of the radiator.

Simon