Changing spark plugs on the Beast. DIY or not? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

///M5_Madman · 19th October 2005, 01:59

I'm thinking about changing my spark plugs on the Beast, what is involved in it? Is it a pretty simply DIY type job with the right tools, or is it more complicated than that? How long does it usually take? Thanks!

mottati · 19th October 2005, 02:07

sure it's diy. 4 bolts to remove the coil covers, then 4 nuts for each coil. Pop the coils off and you have access to the plugs. the rear most plugs are hardest to get at, of course, but i can do it in under an hour after a couple of times.
Mike

greg · 19th October 2005, 02:14

I've done it. There are a few plugs where access is very tight - you should have a range of socket extensions. There are also a LOT of tiny little nuts holding the coils and wiring harness - you have to be careful not to drop any. But it is indeed doable.

///M5_Madman · 19th October 2005, 02:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg

I've done it. There are a few plugs where access is very tight - you should have a range of socket extensions. There are also a LOT of tiny little nuts holding the coils and wiring harness - you have to be careful not to drop any. But it is indeed doable.

Great! Thanks for the tips guys. I think I'm going to change the plugs tomorrow with the NGK Iridium plugs I picked up today. Stock heat range.

jaj · 19th October 2005, 03:27

I posted a DIY guide to changing spark plugs in the "BMW E39 Tips and Tricks" section of this board back in September. It's easy, but a bit tedious, with the right tools. Nothing exotic.

Cheers
JJ

bmwusa · 19th October 2005, 03:30

Ive done it, so another vote for DIY hey, if I can anybody can

6spd · 19th October 2005, 05:32

I do all my work.
Extra tip is try to blow out the sparkplug area before pulling the plug. If anything happens to fall down there like dirt, it will then go into the cylinder.

jjc1843 · 19th October 2005, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

I do all my work.
Extra tip is try to blow out the sparkplug area before pulling the plug. If anything happens to fall down there like dirt, it will then go into the cylinder.

Bravo. Excellent point indeed.

jim mc d · 19th October 2005, 21:45

the plugs at the back are difficult but if you remove the microfilter vent ducts, that pull off easily, access is much easier.

Also, you will probably drop your bolts or your tools or both so i always cover the surrounding engine area with a few towels or a blanket to stop stuff being lost forever.

cosioboy · 20th October 2005, 02:01

Also a good time to inspect for any oil seepage - it was during a spark plug replacement that we noticed on my friend's Beast it was time for a new valve cover gasket...