[LsuGeaux]

I'm going to tackle this project tomorrow. I noticed lack of power in my automatic engine when trying to push the RPMS past 2.

Can the local Torque wrench from walmart torque to spec or I have to get a certain one?

[Three_thirty_I]

It should be fine, unless those torque wrenches are rubbish in terms of accuracy. When I did the spark plugs on my 330i, I used the Bosch plugs, and the tightening spec is 28NM, but they also say 90 degrees after finger tight. And when I used the torque wrench set to 28NM, it clicked as it went to 90 degrees beyond finger tight (I decided to test this when fitting those plugs). Not sure if the NGK plugs have the same spec and crush washer, but shouldn't be all that different. And just FYI, this was a dry torque since I don't use any sort of anti-seize lubricant - the 28NM spec is dry torque spec too.

[Hops128i]

Spark plug socket question for a n52: i know this 5/8 socket fits onto the plug ... but it's takes a decent amount of effort to push the plug into the socket rubber. I don't think i'll have a problem removing the old plugs, but i'm pretty sure the socket will slip off the extension when attempting to remove the socket off the new plugs. Any advice out there? Am i just using the wrong socket?

[left123]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

Spark plug socket question for a n52: i know this 5/8 socket fits onto the plug ... but it's takes a decent amount of effort to push the plug into the socket rubber. I don't think i'll have a problem removing the old plugs, but i'm pretty sure the socket will slip off the extension when attempting to remove the socket off the new plugs. Any advice out there? Am i just using the wrong socket?

This happened to me yesterday. After tightening the plugs, the socket would stay on the plug. I used needle nose pliers to remove the socket. Incidentally, I did the plugs with the valve cover off as I was tackling that job too, but a longer set of needle nose pliers would work to grab the socket each time. I have a really long handle set that I got from Harbor Freight for like $10-15. Priceless if you need them in a pinch.

Good luck.

[El Cheapo Loco]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

Spark plug socket question for a n52: i know this 5/8 socket fits onto the plug ... but it's takes a decent amount of effort to push the plug into the socket rubber. I don't think i'll have a problem removing the old plugs, but i'm pretty sure the socket will slip off the extension when attempting to remove the socket off the new plugs. Any advice out there? Am i just using the wrong socket?

$11 and never have to worry about it again.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-...&blockType=G16

[SpineShot]

Replaced the plugs on my e90 330i with sport package last weekend. Easy, quick job even for a novice if you have the right tools. Bosch plugs were OEM on my engine. Now I have smoother cold idle, mpg seems about the same and no noticeable difference in power. Still worth doing to keep the engine purring.

[Hops128i]

Got this done thanks to all the great info in this thread! Issues i encountered:
- to anti-seize or not on the plug threads is a huge discussion, bentley says use it, bosch recommands against it... i decided to do a tiny amount of anti-sieze (like a two drops worth)
- It's hard to get the connector off of cylinder 4. I just ended up pulling the coil out part way to get it off.
- I removed the strut brace for cylinder 5, there was just no way i could use the plug removal tool i had without doing so. And it really isn't that hard to remove.
- It takes a little bit of care putting the tray the air filter is on back into place. The rubber had gotten out of place from one of the tabs... and caused a little frustration.

[Dark Syde]

I replaced all plugs (NGK) and coils (Bosch). That is when the problems really started. After the swap the car ran horribly with a severe misfire and lack of power. I pulled them all back out, rechecked gaps, rechecks fit, and tried again, but same results. So again for the 3rd time after reading several posts and a lot of scratching my head. After a 3rd attempt all I got was very proficient at the task and able to do it all in about 45 minutes. But still running horribly. So I got a scanner on and it showed misfires on all cylinders. We began to clear the codes, one at a time, restart and re-scan... clear another code and do it again. After the 6th pass with scanner it cleared all misfires and not she is running great. No problems with parts, work or methods... just CRAZY computer mayhem! Man I miss the old days!!!

[rasmith1965]

I replaced the spark plugs on my E82 with Bosch FR7NPP332. I followed the instructions given at the beginning of this thread, and it took me about 90 minutes.

After the job was done, the car ran fine: no codes, no mis-firing, no roughing idle, no drama.

So if anyone is thinking about replacing their plugs, go for it! My dealer wanted $350 for 6 plugs versus ~ $60-70 for 6 plugs +2 hours of time (BTW, I ordered my plugs from Rock Auto (http://www.rockauto.com/).

My advice: Get the right tools and take your time!

Some comments:
- I used a 14" spark plug socket from BAV Auto (CTA 2395). Works for all cylinders except #5 (strut in the way).
- for cylinder #5 I used a regular spark plug socket with a 6" extension. Fits fine!
- Did not use any anti-seize
- Read the spark plug packaging carefully. I initially missed that the Bosch plugs needed to be torqued to 28Nm.
- Make sure you take your time to connect the coils correctly.
- Make sure you push down the coils all the way into the plugs.
- The original NGK plugs in my car looked pretty rough - the tips looked worn down. This was after 8 years and 100,000km (60,000 miles).

I definitely think replacing the plugs between 30K to 60K miles is the way to go.

[Three_thirty_I]

^^^ +1!

It really is one of the easiest jobs and you can save good money doing it yourself.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

Spark plug socket question for a n52: i know this 5/8 socket fits onto the plug ... but it's takes a decent amount of effort to push the plug into the socket rubber. I don't think i'll have a problem removing the old plugs, but i'm pretty sure the socket will slip off the extension when attempting to remove the socket off the new plugs. Any advice out there? Am i just using the wrong socket?

Just use a drop of oil on the rubber and I just tape the socket to the extension bar with electrical tape.

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Just use a drop of oil on the rubber and I just tape the socket to the extension bar with electrical tape.

Or get one of these, which has an integral magnet so the plug doesn't fall out of the socket either...

http://www.burgertuning.com/N54_BMW_...t_adapter.html

[Greyfox]

Tag

[JimKW]

I just changed my plugs this past weekend. The thin wall 12 point socket I bought to do the plugs in the N54 engine did not work for the N52 engine in my 330xi. The plug just would not go into the socket. I used this one that I bought for doing my 4Runner:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by JimKW

I just changed my plugs this past weekend. The thin wall 12 point socket I bought to do the plugs in the N54 engine did not work for the N52 engine in my 330xi. The plug just would not go into the socket. I used this one that I bought for doing my 4Runner:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Although not specifically for your engine, I guess you may have encountered a similar issue as this...

[jivarela]

Thanks to OP! and all who posted. I just did this on my 2008 328i Wagon (E91) that was having misfire issues. The car is running very smooth and performance is back up.

Mileage is not so great - I'm driving WOT all the time!!!

[mushroom]

I used rubber covered handle of pliers to pull out coils. Just put it in the hole in clip and pull sloooowly. Hopefully it will save someone some time.

[prshuk]

I am planning to change the spark plug on my 2010 328i sedan, am confused about the spark plug socket size: Most of the places it seems to be 14mm 12 point, but at couple of places I saw 5/8 12 point or 16mm 12 point. Not sure which one to buy. Experts could you please help or point me to a location where I could determine the size of socket I need to buy?

Also is their a recommended spark plug I should buy or BOSCH will be the best?

TIA

[lab_rat]

Originally Posted by prshuk

I am planning to change the spark plug on my 2010 328i sedan, am confused about the spark plug socket size: Most of the places it seems to be 14mm 12 point, but at couple of places I saw 5/8 12 point or 16mm 12 point. Not sure which one to buy. Experts could you please help or point me to a location where I could determine the size of socket I need to buy?

Also is their a recommended spark plug I should buy or BOSCH will be the best?

TIA

I would cross reference on realoem.com using the last seven of your VIN...this way you get the exact part number you need, with zero worries about getting anything incorrect. Then you can shop around knowing you're getting the right part(s).

I use that website as the starting point for just about everything I need.

[rjw]

I can't believe that people are paying $20 to $30 for a spark plug....wow

I bought the ngk iridiums for $11 each (canadian).

[Deutschophile]

I'm shopping for spark plugs for my 2010 328i sedan. I noticed BMW's spark plugs were $40+ more than other spark plug sets built for my vehicle, namely the Bosch brand of plugs. Looks like most of BMW's parts are marked up.

Any difference in BMW vs. Bosch plugs? Should I only go with the BMW brand?

Sorry if this has been asked before - couldn't find this specific question using search.

[GoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Deutschophile

I'm shopping for spark plugs for my 2010 328i sedan. I noticed BMW's spark plugs were $40+ more than other spark plug sets built for my vehicle, namely the Bosch brand of plugs. Looks like most of BMW's parts are marked up.

Any difference in BMW vs. Bosch plugs? Should I only go with the BMW brand?

Sorry if this has been asked before - couldn't find this specific question using search.

No difference, I believe our cars came with Bosch from factory. As you may already know anything with BMW print has a big mark up. Just do your homework right and you will save big.