BMW Spark Plug Replacement – UnderhoodService

2022-09-24 01:08:44 By : Mr. Edison Wang

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Today's powertrain & engine management systems contain a dizzying array of sensors that provide the car's Engine Control Unit with vital data. After attending this course, you'll have an understanding of the various sensor technology types. You'll also learn how properly troubleshoot the root cause of sensor failures.

This technical topic is geared for the average B and or B+ technician and/or a challenging refresher for the A technician. We'll use real-world data and case studies to create best practices.

Speakers Philip Austin Manager of Technical Training USA/Canada NGK Spark Plugs With 25 years of Automotive Industry experience, starting off as an ASE certified OE Dealership Technician to OE Dealership Assistant Service Manager. Thereafter Philip Austin has held various leadership roles along with training & development roles within the industry. A lifelong pursuit of learning and teaching has taken him to every corner of the automotive industry. As a previous OE Tech, successful Shop co-owner, Technical Trade School Instructor, Technical Content Developer, Business Consultant, and Guest Instructor on the Velocity Channel Automotive Cable Series- Tech Garage; he is dedicated to supporting the growth of all automotive professionals via training & development. Philip is currently the Manager of Technical Training at NGK Spark Plugs. Andrew Markel Technical Director of Content Babcox Media

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Here are a few things that you need to know before replacing spark plugs in a BMW.

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Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!

Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!

High underhood temps, increased power demands and vibration can damage alternators or starters. Sponsored by ACDelco.

Don’t settle for “almost” - it matters where the engine is manufactured or remanufactured. Sponsored by ACDelco.

Brake pads are thoroughly developed to produce the best result. This video is sponsored by ZF Aftermarket.

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Here are a few things that you need to know before replacing spark plugs in a BMW.

Many will say that “a spark plug is a spark plug; they’re not that different.” There is some truth to this, but, in reality, there are still some differences from one manufacturer to the next. Don’t believe me? Well, have you ever replaced spark plugs in a Ford modular 5.4L V8? Some things look good on paper, but not after 100,000 miles.AdvertisementRespect the Service Intervals BMW maintenance schedules have changed quite a bit over the years. We pulled up the spark plug replacement intervals for a dozen different BMW models, and they varied between 45,000 and 100,000 miles. As always, the best practice is to always reference the OE maintenance schedule. It takes only a moment, and it will tell you exactly what is needed for the specific application you’re working on. Sure, we all start to become familiar with models that we see in our bays on a regular basis, but checking the schedule is the only way to know for sure.AdvertisementWhile you’re looking at the OE service information, don’t forget to search through the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for helpful tips and tricks, or common issues which you might run into. We also recommend waiting until the engine has cooled down before you start working on it, if possible. Start Digging If I only learned one thing during my time working on European vehicles, it’s this: you’ll have to remove three components just to reach whatever you’re actually trying to replace. Before you can replace the spark plugs in a BMW, you’ll need to actually reach them. They’re mounted underneath the engine beauty cover on top of the engine, so you’ll typically need to remove some form of cowling and/or bracing from the engine bay. In the case of the N54-powered 335i, there is also a wiring harness channel which must be removed. It is mounted underneath the cowling, and you’ll have to be extremely careful when releasing it. The plastic clips which secure it into place seem like they’re made of glass after 10 years or so of heat-cycling. They’ll snap off if you just look at them the wrong way.AdvertisementRemoval Once you’ve reached the coil packs, carefully disconnect them, then set them aside. Best practice is to line them up in order so they go back into the same order. Before you remove the spark plugs, take the time to inspect the tube inside the valve cover. If the spark plug is submerged in oil (Figure 1), it’s time to sell a valve cover gasket replacement to your customer. Use compressed air to blow out any oil, dirt or debris from inside the tube, as you wouldn’t want that stuff to fall into the combustion chamber after you remove the spark plugs. figure 1 Special Tools BMW started using 12-point spark plugs (Figure 2) in the mid-2000s, so you’ll need to have special sockets on hand in order to remove them. Most of the plugs you’ll come across will be 14mm, but you may occasionally find some 16mm plugs in certain engines. Given how difficult they can be to access, a swivel socket can really come in handy and make the job go more smoothly. Figure 2

BMW maintenance schedules have changed quite a bit over the years. We pulled up the spark plug replacement intervals for a dozen different BMW models, and they varied between 45,000 and 100,000 miles. As always, the best practice is to always reference the OE maintenance schedule. It takes only a moment, and it will tell you exactly what is needed for the specific application you’re working on. Sure, we all start to become familiar with models that we see in our bays on a regular basis, but checking the schedule is the only way to know for sure.

While you’re looking at the OE service information, don’t forget to search through the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for helpful tips and tricks, or common issues which you might run into. We also recommend waiting until the engine has cooled down before you start working on it, if possible.

If I only learned one thing during my time working on European vehicles, it’s this: you’ll have to remove three components just to reach whatever you’re actually trying to replace. Before you can replace the spark plugs in a BMW, you’ll need to actually reach them. They’re mounted underneath the engine beauty cover on top of the engine, so you’ll typically need to remove some form of cowling and/or bracing from the engine bay.

In the case of the N54-powered 335i, there is also a wiring harness channel which must be removed. It is mounted underneath the cowling, and you’ll have to be extremely careful when releasing it. The plastic clips which secure it into place seem like they’re made of glass after 10 years or so of heat-cycling. They’ll snap off if you just look at them the wrong way.

Once you’ve reached the coil packs, carefully disconnect them, then set them aside. Best practice is to line them up in order so they go back into the same order. Before you remove the spark plugs, take the time to inspect the tube inside the valve cover. If the spark plug is submerged in oil (Figure 1), it’s time to sell a valve cover gasket replacement to your customer. Use compressed air to blow out any oil, dirt or debris from inside the tube, as you wouldn’t want that stuff to fall into the combustion chamber after you remove the spark plugs.

BMW started using 12-point spark plugs (Figure 2) in the mid-2000s, so you’ll need to have special sockets on hand in order to remove them. Most of the plugs you’ll come across will be 14mm, but you may occasionally find some 16mm plugs in certain engines. Given how difficult they can be to access, a swivel socket can really come in handy and make the job go more smoothly.

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